The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Kirkby Stephen
Best mountain peaks around Kirkby Stephen are found in a market town in Cumbria, situated where the fells transition into the high hills of the Yorkshire Dales. This location provides access to several notable mountain peaks and fells, making it a key destination for walkers. The area is recognized for its diverse terrain, encompassing both high fells and lower-level rural landscapes, now part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It offers extensive walking possibilities for various preferences.
Best mountain peaks around Kirkby Stephen
- The most popular mountain peak is The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells), a trail that is the highest point of the Howgill Fells. Its ascent often follows Cautley Holme Beck past the 198 m Cautley Spout waterfall, culminating in panoramic views.
- Another must-see spot is Nine Standards, a man-made monument at 662 m. Its summit features a line of large, mysterious cairns, whose purpose remains a subject of speculation.
- Visitors also love Calders Summit, a viewpoint in the Howgill range close to The Calf. This area is considered an excellent place to practice navigation skills due to its featureless landscape.
- Kirkby Stephen is known for its diverse range of mountain peaks, including high fells, challenging summits, and areas ideal for navigation practice. The region offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, from iconic landmarks to remote viewpoints.
- The mountain peaks around Kirkby Stephen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 109 upvotes and 47 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells)
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Nine Standards
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Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter
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There is a shelter here where you can sit and rest your weary legs that have run you all the way up here!
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Great Shunner Fell Summit
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Calders Summit
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Tips from the Community
Highest point along the Herriot Way. Expect bog and bad weather 😂
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Great Shunner Fell is a good little workout coming up from Thwaite, about 5.5 kilometres one way, so quite a bit shorter than coming up from Hawes. I wish I could say the views are great, but the cloud was in today on my hike. It was a great day out though, and I met some great people on the hill from all over the world.
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This is actually the location of the topographic cairn, which is a really good view point out over the surrounding Dales, and of the Nine Standards, which sit nearby to the north within a few hundred metres. A bit further to the south is the actual summit point of Nine Standards Rigg itself, which is marked by a trig point.
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Nearby to the true summit is a quaint trig pointed marker with some seating.
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This is a lovely broad summit, and one of the nicest trig pointed tops out there. To come here on a nice day is a lovely experience. The summit is set back quite a bit from the escarpment, so there is not much of a view from there, but there is a nice seat to park your butt on for a while.
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The Calf 676m P383 (2218ft) TP6361 - The Calf S5676 County of Yorkshire Definitive List Yorkshire Dales NP Definitive List County of Yorkshire Trig Pillar
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Calders 675.4m P34.2 (2216ft) County of Yorkshire Definitive List Yorkshire Dales NP Definitive List
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain peaks near Kirkby Stephen offer the best panoramic views?
For expansive views, Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter at 708m provides stunning panoramas of the Howgill Fells, Newbiggin-on-Lune, and Ravenstonedale. Great Shunner Fell Summit, the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales, offers views of the North Pennines, Lake District, and other Yorkshire Dales fells, including the Three Peaks. From The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells), you can see the Yorkshire Three Peaks and a significant stretch of the Lake District skyline.
Are there any unique historical or natural landmarks on the peaks near Kirkby Stephen?
Yes, Nine Standards is a prominent landmark featuring a line of large, mysterious cairns whose purpose is still debated, with theories ranging from ancient waypoints to Roman army decoys. Wild Boar Fell is named after the wild boars that once roamed its slopes, and its summit features enigmatic stone pillars.
What are some challenging mountain walks around Kirkby Stephen?
The ascent to The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells) is considered challenging, often involving a climb past the impressive Cautley Spout waterfall. The hike to Nine Standards can also be challenging, especially due to moorland terrain and navigation, making it suitable for intermediates with some experience.
Which peaks are good for practicing navigation skills?
Calders Summit in the Howgill range is particularly noted as an excellent place to practice navigation skills based on map contours, due to its notoriously featureless landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Kirkby Stephen?
Beyond hiking, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous mountain biking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'View of the Vale of Eden – Pendragon Castle ruins loop'. For road cyclists, there are challenging routes like the 'Etape du dales north loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Kirkby Stephen and Road Cycling Routes around Kirkby Stephen guides.
Are there specific hiking trails near Kirkby Stephen's peaks?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, a moderate route is the 'Dog Stone – Nine Standards loop from Kirkby Stephen', which takes you towards the iconic cairns. For easier options, consider the 'Dog Stone – Scenic Grassy Path loop'. More hiking routes can be found in the Hiking around Kirkby Stephen guide.
What is the highest point in the Howgill Fells near Kirkby Stephen?
The highest point in the Howgill Fells is The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells). It's a green, flat-topped hill offering extensive views.
What makes the Howgill Fells unique for hikers?
The Howgill Fells, including peaks like The Calf Summit and Calders Summit, are known for their distinctive green, rounded flanks, which the famous walker Alfred Wainwright famously described as a 'herd of sleeping elephants'. They offer a unique landscape for hiking and navigation challenges.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks around Kirkby Stephen?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from summits like Wild Boar Fell and The Calf. The unique and mysterious Nine Standards are a major draw, providing a distinctive focal point for walks. The sense of wildness and the opportunity for challenging ascents are also highly appreciated.
Is Kirkby Stephen a good base for walkers?
Absolutely. Kirkby Stephen is recognized for its appeal to hikers, holding 'Walkers are Welcome' accreditation. It serves as a prime location for accessing various mountain peaks and fells, offering a wide range of walking opportunities from gentle riverside strolls to challenging fell-top hikes.
What is the elevation of Wild Boar Fell?
Wild Boar Fell is one of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, reaching an elevation of 708 meters (2,323 feet).
Are there any peaks that are part of long-distance trails?
Yes, Nine Standards Rigg lies directly on the famous Coast to Coast path, making it a significant landmark for long-distance walkers.
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