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Mountain Rescue

The Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team provides a search and rescue service for a large area surrounding the town, including the Howgills, the North Western Yorkshire Dales, part of the North Pennines and the Orton Fells.

The team operates from a purpose-built base in Kirkby Stephen. It is a registered charity and one of eleven members of the Lake District Search and Rescue Association. It is entirely funded by donations and all the members of the team are unpaid volunteers. 

If you do have reason to call for help phone 999 and ask for Police. The team will be contacted if they are required.

Don't forget to minimise the chances of your needing assistance by planning your route carefully, carrying suitable clothing for all conditions, having a map and compass and taking emergency equipment like a first aid kit and head torch. The team has a useful advice website, Safe in the Hills, where you can learn all about the preparations you should make for a walk in the hills.

Find out more about the team

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You can download to an app or print out three free walks near Kirkby Stephen from the Walkingworld website. One is a circuit of the Smardale nature reserve including the imposing viaduct. There is an exploration of the Eden Viaducts near Kirkby Stephen that includes I-Spy sheets for spotting features en-route. The third is a rugged hill walk to the summit of Wild Boar Fell. Simply join Walkingworld to access these walks.
Kirkby Stephen & District Walkers are Welcome Steering Group. Contact us
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