The gateway to the Westmorland Dales is the bustling little market town of Kirkby Stephen with its array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Then there is Orton, a lovely village at the base of the fells with a great village shop, pub, café and Kennedy’s Chocolate Shop.
There are two great pubs – the Black Swan and Kings Head – in tiny Ravenstonedale both serving up superb meals, or try the nearby Fat Lamb Inn or the village owned pub in Crosby Ravensworth, the Butchers Arms.
If you want to pick up supplies and make your own meals then try out the recommended farmers market which takes place in Orton on the second Saturday of each month.