Kirkby Stephen Poetry Path

Locations around Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

Located near Kirkby Stephen, The Poetry Path addresses the hill farmer’s relationship with the beautiful landscape in and around Poetry Path photo by Dave Willis courtesy fo the Cumbria Photo Library the Upper Eden Valley.

Twelve short poems, written by poet Meg Peacocke, have been carved by lettering artist Pip Hall on blocks of stone. These are installed at intervals either side of the River Eden. Decorative motifs with each poem depict some of the activities associated with every month of the hill farmer’s year. Rubbings can be taken from these stones using sheets of paper and a crayon.

The Poetry Path promotes and conveys a powerful message about the farmer’s potential role in maintaining a sensitive but viable hill-farming regime in relation to the natural environment.

The Poetry Path is within the parishes of Kirkby Stephen and Nateby, a circular route from Bollam Lane off Nateby Road comprising, Bollam Lane, Hartley Lane, Northern Viaduct Trust walk, Millennium Bridge and Stenkrith Park.