There are several different ways to plan a stay in Tebay: walking routes vary in length and course, while Castle Howe and St James’s Church represent two distinct historical themes. The Tebay Fell Race adds a route with a specified elevation gain to the options. Tebay Southbound also has a specific Farmshop detail that may be of interest to visitors.
Walking routes by length and course
The circular walk starts in the village of Tebay, crosses the M6 to Roundthwaite and returns via the iron bridge. It is about three miles long. A second route is the 780-metre public footpath, which officially opened in 2023. This gives you a choice between a longer circular walk with a named stop along the way and a described return route, and a much shorter route. Check the status of the public footpath locally before your trip.
The Tebay Fell Race
The 2026 Tebay Fell Race course covers 13 kilometres with 914 metres of elevation gain. It crosses classic Howgills terrain, includes a climb up Blease Fell and then a long descent back to Tebay. The figures show different planning considerations: alongside the overall distance, elevation gain and the course’s ascents and descents also matter. This clearly distinguishes the race from the two shorter footpaths, described in metres and miles respectively. If you plan to take part, check the details for the relevant edition in advance, as they may change.
Castle Howe and St James’s Church
The remains of Castle Howe are part of a medieval motte-and-bailey castle. They include a circular motte and an irregular bailey enclosed by a bank and ditch. Despite damage from river erosion, the earthwork survives as a raised earthwork.
St James’s Church, known as the “Railway Church”, houses an exhibition on Tebay’s history. It offers a different focus from Castle Howe: there, the subject is shaped by the form and state of preservation of a medieval earthwork, while the church focuses on local history. If you would like to visit the exhibition, check its current accessibility in advance, as the conditions for viewing it may change.
A detail at Tebay Southbound
At Tebay Southbound, a purpose-built butchery in the Farmshop can be viewed through a window behind the butchery counter. As the layout or operation may change, check the latest information before your visit.
Choose the focus of your stay
If you are looking for accommodation in Tebay, choosing a theme for your trip can help organise your plans: would you like to focus on walking routes, or are you more interested in the Fell Race or local history? For the walks, you can compare the stated distances; for the race, the elevation gain and climb up Blease Fell are also relevant. For culture enthusiasts, the contrast is between the form of a medieval castle and an exhibition on Tebay’s history.
Discover more destinations: Barbon, Haverigg, Near Sawrey, Sedbergh, Lindal in Furness, Grasmere, Ambleside, Flookburgh
Return to the main travel overview: Cumbria.
