Eden is an outstanding area for walking, whether you enjoy a hike on the high open fells or a gentle riverside stroll. If you cycle, you'll love the quiet country lanes and the C2C Cycle route. Outdoor activities don't stop here, why not try a cruise or canoeing on Ullswater, a spot of fishing, pony trekking or golf?

Lovely villages are dotted around Ullswater and throughout the Eden Valley giving a wonderful choice of places to stay. There are attractions for the whole family including a ride on a restored railway high in the North Pennines, and even alpacas and ostriches to meet!

There's also Appleby on the banks of the River Eden, Kirkby Stephen at the foot of the wild Mallerstang Valley and Alston high up in the Pennines. The climb from the Eden Valley over Hartside to Alston is spectacular. Alston itself is a quaint little town with stone building clinging to the side of cobbled strets and narrow little lanes that often lead to secret passageways. There's a 21feet diameter water wheel, a mill race through the town and the start of the South Tynedale narrow guage railway. And the lttle antique and craft shops are a delight. 

You might want to visit the Watermill at Little Salkeld and see the fully operational watermill, which was restored in 1975 by Ana and Nick Jones. The Watermill is now  a small but dedicated business selling unique and special products such as bio-dynamic and stoneground flours milled the traditional way using clean renewable water power. You can order direct via their online shop or by mail order. You can also take part in the Watermill Courses and learn new skills, meet like-minded people, enjoy good food and work with the Watermill team who enjoy sharing their expertise and enthusiasm about what they do. You can take part in baking, breadmaking and vegetarian cookery courses. The team are extending the courses for adults and including more creative courses for children. They all represent excellent value for money and provide an enjoyable way to spend a day out in one of the most beautiful corners of the Eden Valley.

The River Eden travels North for 67 miles passing through a myriad of beautiful little hamlets and villages before it flows into the Solway Firth. The Howgills in the South have the smoothest velvety and peaceful fells with superb views to the North penines, the Eastern fells and the Lake District National Park.

A less well known gem, the Eden Valley is ideal for rambling, family picnics or fishing. The river is beautifully edged in red sandstone walls, caves, gorges and gentle fords. Ten useful sculpures, known as 'benchmarks' because of the fact you can sit on them and rest on your travels.