Stage 2 of the Westmorland and Furness Way runs Milburn to Kirkby Stephen — 24.8 miles (39.9 km) across the Eden Valley, rated Moderate, with around 469 m of ascent and a high point of 221 m. A free GPX download and route map are below.
Free and un-gated — no sign-up. Load the GPX into your GPS device or phone app.
Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against the Copernicus DEM (Open-Meteo). Figures are approximate.
Key Takeaways
Terrain & What to Expect
Stage 2 is the longest stage on the route but also one of the gentlest underfoot — a mostly low-level journey down the pastoral Eden Valley. From Milburn the trail crosses farmland beneath the western edge of the Pennines, with the distinctive cone of Dufton Pike and the great gash of High Cup Nick up to your east.
The route settles into the valley of the River Eden — one of the few English rivers that flows broadly northwards — passing through classic red-sandstone country near Appleby-in-Westmorland and Warcop. This is walking through farmland, riverside paths and quiet lanes rather than open fell, with the Pennines forming a constant backdrop behind you.
It's a long day (nearly 25 miles), so many walkers split it — Appleby makes a natural break point. The stage ends in Kirkby Stephen, a friendly market town and a key resupply and overnight stop.
Transport: Getting to the Start & Finish
Getting to the start (Milburn): Milburn has very limited public transport. Coming from Kirkby Stephen or Penrith, plan on a taxi or a pre-arranged lift to reach the village, and check any local service well ahead.
Leaving the finish (Kirkby Stephen): Kirkby Stephen sits on the scenic Settle–Carlisle railway line (the station is a walk from the town centre) and has bus links, making it one of the easier points on the trail to reach or leave by public transport.
Some details on this stage change with the seasons or the trail's ongoing development. Confirm these against a current, primary source before you set off:
- Public transport options and taxi contingencies for leaving Milburn on non-Tuesdays (Fellrunner bus).
- Mile-markers for resupply points in Appleby and Dufton.
Where to Stay & Eat
Appleby-in-Westmorland, roughly midway, is the best mid-stage stop for food, cafés, shops and accommodation — a sensible place to break the 25 miles over two days.
Dufton, just off route, has long been a walkers' village (it's a Pennine Way stop) with a pub and youth hostel — handy if you want a shorter first day out of Milburn.
Kirkby Stephen has a good spread of pubs, cafés, shops and B&Bs and is an excellent overnight base before the Howgills.
Stage 2 FAQs
It's rated Moderate — the challenge is the distance (nearly 25 miles) rather than the terrain, which is mostly low-level valley paths, farmland and quiet lanes with modest climbing. Most walkers split it into two days, usually breaking at Appleby.
Yes — this stage is much better served than Stage 1. Appleby-in-Westmorland, roughly midway, has shops, cafés and pubs, and Dufton (just off route) has a pub. Both Milburn and the smaller villages are limited, so Appleby is your main resupply point.
Kirkby Stephen is on the Settle–Carlisle railway and has bus links, but Milburn itself has very sparse services. Realistically you'll change onto a taxi or pre-arranged lift for the Milburn end. Check current timetables before you travel.