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Explore the Upper Eden Valley

Explore the Upper Eden Valley

The Eden Valley has some of the most incredible scenery, not just in Cumbria but the whole of the country. If you are looking for a relaxing break away from the crowds this is the place for you. This itinerary can be done in a day or you may fancy staying for a few days and taking it at a more leisurely pace.

A good place to start is Penrith as its really easy to get to. This busy market town is just off junction 40 of the M6. If you wanted to arrive by train and hire a car when you get here, Penrith is on the main West Coast Main line linking London, the Midlands and Scotland.

Apart from a good range of interesting shops, Penrith has some fine sandstone buildings and the ruins of a castle, built in the 14th century to defend against the Scottish raiders.

Once you’ve explored Penrith and enjoyed a treat in one of the delightful coffee shops it is time to hit the road. Jump onto the A66 heading towards Temple Sowerby and Appleby.

Next stop is Brougham Castle - just a 7 minute drive (3.3 miles) away. This place is one of the finest ruins in Cumbria, built between 1169 and 1180.  Kings James l and Charles l both stayed here and in the 17th Century the castle was restored by indomitable Lady Anne Clifford. The Castle is owned by English Heritage and is open all year round. There is an accessible path round the castle too.

Back in the car for 7 minutes (5 miles) following the signs for Appleby you will arrive at Temple Sowerby. Here the gardens at Acorn Bank are well worth a visit.

They are in the grounds of the historic mansion which was built in 1228 and owned by the Knights Templar – which is how the village got its name.

The property and gardens are managed by the National Trust and are open April-October.

Continue from Temple Sowerby on the A66 for 9 minutes to Appleby-in-Westmorland (6miles).

Once the county town of Westmorland, Appleby is still an important market town, set beside the River Eden and also on the Settle to Carlisle railway route, Appleby is well worth an explore.

Appleby castle is a great place to visit and look around to discover the history of this area and the town also boasts a wealth of independent shops and tea rooms.

From Appleby continue on the A66 for 12 minutes to Brough (8 miles).

At the foot of Stainmore lies the settlement of Brough, a major coaching town in the 18th and 19th centuries.  The Eden Valley is dotted with Castles and the ruins at Brough are well worth a visit.  It’s also a great spot for a picnic or find a tea-room or pub lunch in this pretty market town.

Depart Brough and take the A685 via Kirkby Stephen and Soulby to Orton.  From Orton take B6260, direction Appleby, and at the top of the hill turn left on the road to Crosby Ravensworth.  From here continue over the high road to Shap and the A6.

At over 300m, nearly 1000 feet above sea level, it’s hardly surprising that the village of Shap enjoys such fine views across the fells.

From Shap, follow the A6 northbound towards Penrith. 

Just south of Penrith lies Lowther Park and the ruins of  Lowther castle.  This spectacular Gothic ruin is surrounded by 130 acres of gardens which are an explosion of colour whatever time of year you visit.

Whilst at Lowther Castle, make sure you visit the huge adventure playground named “The Lost Castle”. It's a superb place to keep the kids entertained for hours and well worth a visit.

From Lowther Castle there is a just a short drive back to base a Penrith in time for dinner. There is no shortage of eating places to tempt you.

Penrith  Brougham Castle  Temple Sowerby  Appleby-in-Westmorland  Views across the Eden Valley  Lowther Castle

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Penrith
2 Penrith Castle
3 Acorn Bank
4 Shap
5 Lowther Castle & Gardens
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Product Information

  1. Penrith

    Penrith

    Penrith is a bustling market town of sandstone buildings, renowned for its wealth of specialist shops offering an interesting choice of goods.

  2. Penrith Castle
    Penrith Castle

    Penrith Castle

    Penrith

    The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.

  3. Family days out at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Family days out at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Beautiful gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Exterior and grounds at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Watermill at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Historic architecture and grounds at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Historic architecture at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and Gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Family days out at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Beautiful gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Exterior and grounds at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Watermill at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Historic architecture and grounds at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Historic architecture at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and Gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
    Grounds and gardens at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust

    Acorn Bank

    Penrith

    A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.

  4. Shap

    Shap

    The village of Shap consists mainly of two long lines of grey stone houses, many dating from the 18th century. The area around Shap was settled in Neolithic times, and there are several stone circles, and other standing stones nearby.

  5. View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Aerial Shot of the Ruins at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Overlooking the Gardens at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Upward View of the Tower at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Story of Lowther Exhibition at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Flowers at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden Summerhouse at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Aerial Shot of the Ruins at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Overlooking the Gardens at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Upward View of the Tower at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Story of Lowther Exhibition at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Flowers at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden Summerhouse at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    The Rose Garden at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
    Slide and Lost Castle Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District

    Lowther Castle & Gardens

    Penrith

    A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the ruins, the gardens and the stories that lurk…

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Penrith (54.66541,-2.75498)Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)0.27
Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)Acorn Bank (54.6463,-2.59228)9.57
Acorn Bank (54.6463,-2.59228)Shap (54.53163,-2.67904)12.55
Shap (54.53163,-2.67904)Lowther Castle & Gardens (54.60802,-2.74212)8.49
Total Distance *30.87 miles
Estimated Journey Time60 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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