Newbiggin-on-Lune - Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Orton to Kirkby Stephen subsection
Looking along the main road of Newbiggin-on-Lune
Newbiggin on Lune, Kirkby Stephen - Coast to Coast
Nestled between the open limestone country of Brownber and the sweeping western slopes of the Howgill Fells, Newbiggin-on-Lune is a small Cumbrian village lying four miles south-west of Kirkby Stephen and little more than a mile west of Ravenstonedale. For centuries the village was believed to cradle the birthplace of the River Lune, its waters thought to rise from St Helen’s Well (also known as Holy Well) on the north-eastern edge of the settlement. Modern surveying has since established the river’s principal source as the confluence of Dale Gill and Stwarth Gill, which descend from Dale Tongue before meeting near Poskey Bottom to become Greenside Beck. Together with neighbouring springs and becks, these headwaters begin one of northern England’s most beautiful rivers.
Newbiggin-on-Lune occupies a remarkable position for walkers exploring this quiet corner of the Coast to Coast. To the north lie Little Asby Scar, Crosby Garrett Fell, the Smardale Dismantled Railway, the Roman settlements of Severals and Intake, the prehistoric Giants’ Graves and historic Smardale Hall. Rising immediately to the south is Green Bell, one of the finest summits of the Howgill Fells, whose smooth grassy ridges dominate the skyline. Although many walkers pass nearby without entering the village itself, Newbiggin-on-Lune provides a fascinating gateway to a landscape rich in geology, archaeology and the hidden beginnings of the River Lune.
Former St Aidan's Church
Built in 1892, the attractive former St Aidan’s Church occupies one of the most prominent positions in Newbiggin-on-Lune. Its simple stone architecture and commanding location continue to make it a distinctive village landmark, despite its closure as a place of worship. Converted during the 1980s into a village centre cottage, the building remains an attractive reminder of the village’s Victorian heritage, blending quietly into the peaceful streetscape while preserving its ecclesiastical character.
Public Hall
Standing beside the village green, the Newbiggin-on-Lune Public Hall has long been at the heart of community life. Although modest in appearance, it continues to provide a focal point for local events and gatherings, reflecting the strong sense of community that has characterised this small rural village for generations.
Old and New
Newbiggin-on-Lune has retained much of its traditional village character, with many older stone cottages and farmhouses lining its quiet streets. More recent homes have been carefully designed using local stone and traditional materials, allowing modern development to blend sympathetically with the historic architecture and preserving the distinctive appearance of this attractive rural settlement.
Traditional Housing
Newbiggin-on-Lune is an attractive rural village whose traditional stone cottages, farmhouses and well-maintained homes reflect a strong sense of pride in the local community. Carefully tended gardens, mature trees and sympathetic building styles create a welcoming village atmosphere, making Newbiggin-on-Lune an appealing place to live and a pleasant stop for walkers exploring the surrounding countryside.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.
