Fly Fishing on the River Eden: An Unforgettable Experience with Stuart Wardle at The Kings Arms, Temple Sowerby

Discover the Joy of Fly Fishing in Cumbria

Few experiences rival the tranquillity and excitement of fly fishing in the Eden Valley. At The Kings Arms in Temple Sowerby, anglers—whether seasoned or brand new—can enjoy exclusive access to a private stretch of the River Eden, guided by one of the UK’s most respected fly fishing instructors: Stuart Wardle of The Durham Fly Fishing Company.

My Half-Day Introduction: Learning from a Master

Recently, I had the pleasure of a half-day introduction to fly fishing with The Kings Arms fishing guide, Stuart Wardle. From the moment we met, Stuart’s passion for the sport and his approachable, friendly manner were evident. He provided everything needed for the session—waders, rods, flies, and all the essential kit, making it a breeze for a complete beginner like myself to get started.

Importantly, he assured me that I would not slip, fall in and be dragged down the river, something that had been playing on my mind since a close call on my last fishing experience a few years ago in Colorado!

The day was bright and clear, perhaps a bit too sunny for perfect fishing, but the River Eden sparkled and flies danced above the water.

I had no fishing equipment of my own yet, but Stuart had come prepared! He had pre-checked my shoe and clothes sizes a few days before, so he arrived with a choice of shoes, waders, and even a Durham Fly Fishing Company hat to keep my eyes protected.

A little tip: be honest when you give him your sizes to ensure you have a comfortable day on the river. Comfort and safety are most important and take precedence over ego.

He had a selection of rods, reels, and flies to choose from, suited to the conditions on the day. This way, I could hold off my shopping trip to John Norris in Penrith to get kitted out once I knew what I was doing.

After a thorough casting lesson on the riverbank, Stuart and I waded into the gentle current, surrounded by the lush Eden Valley landscape.

Expert Tuition, Tailored to You

Stuart’s instruction is second to none. He has over 40 years of experience, is internationally recognised, and holds numerous coaching qualifications. His teaching style is relaxed, patient, and always encouraging—ideal for both nervous beginners and experienced anglers.

He explained the essentials:

• Reading the water: Stuart showed me how to spot likely fish lies, interpret river cues, and select the best approach for each section.
• Casting techniques: We began with the basics, building confidence before progressing to more advanced casts as needed.
• Fly selection and tying: With a magnifying glass clipped to his hat, Stuart made in-river fly changes look effortless—even in bright sunshine. I will be adding one of these to my shopping list at John Norris of Penrith!
• River safety: He taught me how to move safely in the current, minimising splashes and slips, which is crucial for both safety and stealth. Tip: Always keep one foot fully on the riverbed: slow and steady with every step, every time!

Stuart’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his local knowledge meant we were always in the right place at the right time. At one point, we hooked a solid fish, only for it to slip away as we tried to land it. Stuart laughed and called it “catch and release at a distance”—a reminder that fishing is as much about the experience as the catch.

Why book your next fly fishing trip at The Kings Arms with Stuart Wardle?

Stuart says:

“Fly fishing is my passion, and I love being able to share that passion with others.

Come with me and enjoy the whole experience and the adventure of being immersed in nature.

It is seriously great fun and  quite addictive!”

Exclusive River Access

The Kings Arms offers a half-mile private beat on the River Eden, reserved for guests and visiting anglers. This stretch is renowned for wild grayling and brown trout, and its peaceful setting makes it a true angler’s paradise.

There is a four-rod maximum to allow each fisher to have plenty of space and options to move around.

Every fisherman must hold a valid fishing permit from the authorities. Checks do take place, so please ensure you are compliant.

A Package To Suit You

Whether you’re a hotel guest, a local, or just visiting for the day, you can purchase a fishing pass directly from the hotel. Lessons and guided sessions can be booked directly with Stuart at The Durham Fly Fishing Company.

Remember:

• Book your Bed & Breakfast stay at The Kings Arms
• Reserve a Day Pass for river access (£10 for guests, £15 for non-residents)
• Would you like to take a packed lunch with you? Ask the team to have it ready for you!
• Contact Stuart Wardle to organise your bespoke tuition and guiding, with or without equipment provided.

Suitable for All Levels

Stuart’s sessions are tailored to your needs—whether you’re picking up a fly rod for the first time or want to refine advanced techniques. His 5-star reviews and repeat clientele speak volumes about the quality of his instruction and the fun, relaxed atmosphere he creates. Guests of The Kings Arms have already given us excellent feedback, and I can fully endorse them after my wonderful day!

The Complete Experience

We spent a wonderfully peaceful time on the river. The hours flew by!

I got to meet and chat to a lovely couple who had had a lesson with Stuart the previous day. They were confidently exploring the river and looking extremely professional, especially compared to my initial casting attempts, before checking out of the hotel later that afternoon.

After a day on the water, I enjoyed unwinding at The Kings Arms with a hearty meal, a pint in the bar with my husband, Mark, and a stroll through the picturesque village with our dogs, Moose and Bunsen.

(Please note that dogs cannot come down to the river with you.)

The hotel’s beautifully refurbished rooms and welcoming staff make it the perfect base for a fishing adventure.

Book Your Fly Fishing Adventure

Ready to cast a line on the River Eden? Here’s how to get started:

• Contact The Kings Arms to book your stay and secure your fishing pass.
• Reach out to Stuart Wardle at The Durham Fly Fishing Company to arrange your guided session or tuition. He is happy to tailor the experience to your needs and provide all the necessary equipment if required.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a unique outdoor gift, a peaceful escape, or the chance to learn from one of the UK’s best guides, fly fishing with Stuart Wardle at The Kings Arms, Temple Sowerby is an experience you’ll never forget. Book your adventure today and discover the magic of the River Eden for yourself.

“Stuart’s coaching was subtle but logical, so that learning was a pleasure and confidence levels increased when even the most ham-fisted of us began to catch fish. If you only ever take one guided fishing experience, take this one.” — TripAdvisor Review.