The new, national Walkers are Welcome (WaW) scheme encourages places which have something special to offer walkers to obtain accreditation for the facilities they provide. Since October 2008, work has been undertaken in Kirkby Stephen to meet the WaW criteria, including obtaining support from local people and the Town Council, surveying local paths and establishing a new rights of way problem reporting system. Further work will involve encouraging walkers to visit Kirkby Stephen and the beautiful surrounding countryside and promoting walking using public transport.
A walking programme has been produced which is available at Kirkby Stephen Tourist Information Centre and from local accommodation providers. The first edition of the Programme contains 16 guided walks of varying lengths and grades from town historical tours to a 14 mile strenuous walk over Nine Standards.