Robins Lodge

A little more information on Kirkby Stephen

Brough is a small town in the Eden Valley, roughly four miles north of Kirkby Stephen and eight miles east of Appleby-in-Westmorland, at the foot of the North Pennines. Church Brough, on a former Roman road, was the backdrop for Norman Brough Castle (formerly the site of a Roman camp), while Market Brough, on a mediaeval route, is a twin settlement. The contrast between the two settlements is due to the duties they originally performed; Church Brough's dwellings are centred on a market square with a maypole, whereas Market Brough has a long and wide main street. The village's claim to fame stems from its role as a coaching town for the England-Scotland route in the 18th and 19th centuries, when more than ten inns served to the stagecoach trade. It is surrounded by typical agricultural meadows, magnificent pastures, and fells, and is a lovely tranquil backwater. Nearby, the old market town of Kirkby Stephen, once home to cotton mills and a huge manufacturer of shoes and woollen hats, now offers a diverse selection of shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs to suit all tastes and budgets. Explore Penrith, Appleby, and the spectacular Howgill Fells, have a drink at England's highest bar, Tan Hill, or ride the Settle-Carlisle train. A fantastic position, with access to the entire magical Lake District National Park as well as the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales.