Wetheral Cottages Blog

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:59:00 +0000

This blog is now located at http://blog.wetheralcottages.co.uk/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.wetheralcottages.co.uk/feeds/posts/default.

The Eden Valley - longer views

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 +0000

To many people the Eden Valley is small roads, high hedges, lots of woods and forests. But every so often if you are walking or maybe cycling so that you don't rush past you get the opportunity to see these lovely long views.This picture was taken coming down into Armathwaite from Coombs Woods.It is looking towards Ainstable and then up to the Pennines.

Christianbury Crags

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Christianbury crags are north of Penton and towards the border with Scotland.This is a remote wild part of Cumbria with deep bogs, large conifer plantations and very very few people.

It's a completely different landscape to the more intimate beauty of the Eden Valley but none the less

perhaps redolent of a more primitive time before even the border reivers were here.

Hive of industry to peaceful countryside

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:40:00 +0000

This is a walk through peaceful countryside just a few miles north of Great Salkeld, which you may now find it hard to believe was once a busy mining area and a village supporting the industry's needs. The walk is 3 1/2 miles and should take you between 2 to 3 hours.

No refreshment stop on this walk I’m afraid, but it’s such a peaceful ramble that it is well worth the effort to carry the flask and make your own stops.

Park the car at "Five Road Ends" grid reference NY 607423 (can't remember if there is a sign post!!) so with your back to the road leading to Busk set off along the metaled road to your right. You will soon see the village of Renwick in front of you before dropping down a steep hill to Ravenbridge Mill and of course Raven Beck which would once power the mill. Turn left at the junction crossing the beck, shortly after there is a footpath sign which directs you over 2 fields to Renwick, follow the arrows.

Once in Renwick take note of the buildings, but follow straight through until you come to the Methodist Chapel, with clock. Turn right here, up the road signed Outhwaite but as you climb the hill reflect on the fact that this peaceful village, you have just pssed through, was once a hive of mining activity – coal was the product, and the production was such that the village had a Coaching inn as well as a number of pubs and blacksmiths to service the horse drawn transport. All this gradually drew to a halt as better and cheaper coal was able to be brought in to the area with the opening of the railway in about 1880.

Peaceful though the church, in Renwick, on your left may now be, legend has it that in 1733 the church was in a poor state of repair, so the villagers club together to offer their skills and make the necessary repairs. Suddenly whilst rebuilding they were frightened by a monster, which had the body of a cockerel and the tail of a dragon, it flew up from the ruins. The Cockatice scattered the villagers except one, John Tallentire, who armed himself with a Rowan bough (Google Rowan tree and you find many fascinating facts) known to ward off devilry and witchcraft. John was able to destroy the beast and for his services to the village was granted ownership of his cottage and he and his descendants were exempt from tithes.

Walk on up the hill passing the road to Outhwaite a small display board describes the area further up the hill “The North Pennines”, we took a style about 100yds further on to our right, then walked across the fields to Outhwaite, through the farmyard, then following the footpath signs we eventually came to the small river where, the river bank affords an ideal location for lightening the flask and biscuit box, just before crossing the bridge.

Comfortably refreshed the longest uphill part of the walk takes us to Haresceugh Castle Farm and joins the road from Renwick to Hartside the summit of the A686. As you join the road turn left and follow the road for about a mile until you come to a lane on your right. Take your time up this road as on a good day there are excellent views over the Eden Valley to the Lakeland Fells. Blencathra with it's saddle ridge can be clearly picked out, Helvelyn and Sheffield Pike in the Ullswater Valley, round to the ridges of south eastern Lake District.
Selah Bridge just beyond the point from where we make a descent along a lovely old lane down to join the Gambelsby to Renwick road and the starting point. If it weren’t for the cars descending the A686 behind us, you could perhaps envisage yourself in rural England 150 years ago.

Crosby Ravensworth and the Eden Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Crosby Ravensworth lies at the start of the Eden Valley proper. It's a remote village with a small green, stream and its surrounded by lovely limestone fells. There are wonderful views to the west when you climb the hills ( not a difficult walk).

Tourists rarely find there way over here and the most excitement you will see is often the local farmer rounding up his sheep.

However there was once a large hall here...and a murder.Best that we quote directly..

" In 1286 John le Frauncey and Robert de Appleby killed Nicholas de Hastings in the ditch outside the gate of Crosby Ravensworth Hall".

We have no record of what the dispute was or what punishment was meted out to the killers.

But it offers a small glimpse back into a more violent time.

The Hall itself was purchased by Sir John Lowther and repaired by his son in law back in 1682.

Nowadays it is mostly demolished.

Kirkoswald Castle

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:56:00 +0000

Just across the river Eden from Great Salkeld is the charming village of Kirkoswald.

What many people, even locals, don't always appreciate is that the village has a castle!

Well the remains of one anyway.

So what is the history here?

Well

Look to the west of church where there is a large double ditch enclosure in the middle of which is a platform, 50m by 20m within a ditch up to 8 m wide.
There was reputed to have been a large wooden tower here.
The licence to crenalate was given in 1201 to Hugh de Morville ( just one before he died).
The house was said to have then been burnt by the Scots in 1314.
Lord Dacre then took possession and substantial stone buildings were erected.
However their lands were forfeited for rebellion in 1569 and in the early 17th century the stones were plundered by Lord William Howard for the building of Naworth Castle.
By 1688 it was mainly a heap of stones and some ruined towers.

Cumbria - in Scotland or England?

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:47:00 +0000

This little piece of history often amuses our guests and might one day be a trivial pursuit question.

Back in 1136 King Stephen of England was forced to cede Cumbria to David 1st of Scotland. However far from heralding an influx of Scots the existing Norman lords were allowed to remain as long as they acknowledged their new over lord.

But all this changed in 1154 when a stronger King sat on the English throne, Henry II, and Scotland was no longer in a strong position under King Malcolm. This led to Cumbria returning to England in 1157.

So you see Cumbria ( or Cumberland as it then was) was the county which moved!

Lonnin Head Dub,Drovers and the new playing field

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:02:00 +0000

There is a tremendous buzz in Great Salkeld at the moment, the Spring has been warm and dry and now summer is here, blue skies abound. All this good weather has brought all ages of villagers into the newly created Playing Field and has created a great feeling of village fellowship. In fact I would go so far as to say “ the new playing field has been the biggest boon to the village since the school opened in 1821"

Great Salkeld has been a great resting place for travellers for hundreds of years, however many of the earlier travellers were drovers moving cattle, sheep and also geese around the county and country even. The roads leading to and from Great Salkeld feature wide verges and these, allowed the animals somewhere to graze and rest whilst on their journey. Of course the local farmers used them to take cattle to the markets, such as at Lazonby or Penrith.

Cattle were brought in from Ireland via Silloth Docks and once a rail link was established for Silloth they were moved by train. I remember my father and uncle buying Irish Cattle to fatten at Cockermouth, sold in lots of 15 as this was the number that would fit in a train wagon. Other long distant droving routes no doubt ran through the Eden Valley as well, as Drovers moved cattle from Scotland to London and other cities.

Geese were also brought over from Ireland in large flocks and then sold as the drovers passed through the various towns and villages. The geese would be fattened ready for Christmas. To stop the geese having sore feet they were driven through hot tar which stuck to their feet, then sand which stuck to the tar, creating a protection for the feet of the geese.

Cumbrian author Irvine Hunt has written “The Drovers’ Boy” a book about Geese Drovers. This is a book that will appeal to all ages as well as those who enjoy reading aloud to children. It is in paperback and can be obtained from local bookshops in Penrith.

Part of the Millenium Project undertaken in Great Salkeld was to clear the Lonnin Head Dub as a wild-life area to protect the habitat of the resident and rare Great Crested Newt. Lonnin means Lane and Dub means a small pond.

The Dub was used by the drovers to water their cattle. The Dub is about a half mile walk from Wetheral Cottages and is part of a short walk that can be taken, around the lanes and side-roads around Great Salkeld.

River Eden,fly fishing and nature

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:22:00 +0000

The river Eden winds through all our lives in this beautiful Eden Valley. Whether its just driving to the nearest bridge crossing, walking the dogs along its banks or out birding , in so many ways it is always there in the background.
Many of our guests ask us about the river, the fish and wildlife as well as the folk lore. We know a little but one man who knows a lot is Glyn Freeman from Cumbria fly fishing. He has an excellent website and runs courses on a whole range of activities from salmon casting through to just guiding along the river.
So if you want to talk to a professional who knows his stuff please give Glyn a call on 01697351752.

Eden Valley Preparations For St George's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

The sun was streaming through the bedroom window by 6.30am, so took the opportunity to go and put up reminder posters for next Sundays Great Salkeld Village Walk, an annual event, to Celebrate St, Georges Day with differing routes – these generally organised by Simon Yates of “Touching the Void” fame.

Breakfast out in the garden, then off to give a pint of blood, well worth doing as I always feel on a high afterwards – perhaps it’s the tea and chocolate biscuits? Home and a quick water of the flower beds, things very very dry, then off to Brougham Hall for a walk through Lowther Park to have lunch in Askham. First stop an enjoyable cup of coffee in Fusion the cafe within Brougham Hall (not Brougham Castle) then a mooch round the other enterprises established within the grounds.

The Hall itself has an interesting history and much of it is very accessible to those who have an interest in history and architecture. It is believed there was probably a fortified home there in 1307, since then the site was developed in grand style as the victorians called it the “Windsor of the North” partly due to its location and part to its regular Royal Visitors. Its recent history is not as grand as some of it is now ruins. As well as Fusion Café the Court Yard at Brougham Hall is now home to a number of small industrial units: “Once Upon a Time” produce photographs on canvas, “Enchanted Wood” hand craft wine storage units, whilst “All Fused Glass” make an interesting but unusual array of rings, brooches etc. There is also a Smokehouse, ornamental blacksmith, soft furnishing workshop as well as some offices.

Plans are afoot for the conservation of Lowther Castle and Gardens and the park itself is the venue for the Lowther Horse driving Trials, though sadly there will be no trials this year due to last year's being cancelled. The walk is available in more detail under but basically heads for Clifton the site of the last battle in England.

Passing Clifton Hall (NT) the route heads for Lowther Park and Castle before dropping down through the wood for lunch in one of the pubs in Askham. Lowther Castle was once the home of the Earl of Lonsdale a very colourful and sporting family. He was known as the yellow earl, was the first president of the AA and because of this the AA use yellow on their livery. He was also involved in Boxing and the World title holder receives the Lonsdale Belt.

Returning we took the path along the River Lowther which leads up through the woods to the Lowther Gate House at Eamont Bridge and back to base. The day had turned very warm so I suggested we visit the Abbots Lodge Ice Cream Farm, the laughter of children enjoying the outdoor swings and slides made sitting in the sun eating our chosen flavours very enjoyable. We reminisced about the ice cream van which occasionally came to the village of our youth, I seem to remember they used a mix of goat and cows milk to make their ice cream. My grandmother I thought was very clever and made her own but you can try other ice cream recipes.

The installation of the new bathroom and shower room in Garth Cottage has gone well and now having two showers, this should be a big boost to larger parties wanting to come and enjoy self catering in Cumbria.

Wetherall viaduct - railways

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:54:00 +0000

This is quite a well known picture.It shows the viaduct over the river Eden connecting Great Corby with Wetherall. The train line links Carlisle with Newcastle and was one of the very earliest in the UK.

Limestone pavements

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:29:00 +0000

The traditional image of the Eden Valley shows the rich red Penrith Sandstone. You see this in the brick work of the houses, you see this in the pavements exposed when the water levels drop in the summer.But its not the only bedrock. Go up stream towards Appleby and you will come to limestone country. This picture from Asby Scar shows limestone pavements with their unique e

Memories of our industrial heritage

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:27:00 +0000

These days the Eden seems very quiet.Basically a rural landscape with some dairy and sheep farming and of course the tourists in the summer.But it wasnt always like this.Sometimes when we are out on our walks we come across reminders as in this picture of old lime kilns up by Tindale Tarn.

Fishing in the Eden Valley - Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:24:00 +0000

This is a picture of the Salmon traps just below Corby Castle near Wetherall.

Reflections in the Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:22:00 +0000

Sometimes when the rivers are low and slow you get beautiful reflections in the water.
This is a picture from the river Gelt.

Autumn in the Eden Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Ainstable and HK 010
Originally uploaded by colinc

When the warm days start to fade, the tourists leave ...it is now that the trees start to change colour in anticipation of the wet winter ahead.

For just a few weeks the whole of Eden turns into shades of bronze,umber and burnt orange...beautiful.This picture was taken on the road from Ainstable coming into Armathwaite.

River Eden at Armathwaite

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:20:00 +0000

eos 350 d 062
Originally uploaded by colinc

Living in the Eden Valley we are used to the way that the river can change from placid and quiet to what is frankly a terrifying torrent of water.
When the warm summer months are with us then the river runs slow and quiet.The water level drops to expose the pavements of red penrith sandstone and some of the walks are just so pleasant you can while away a whole day with a picnic by the river

Kissing Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:16:00 +0000

august IOM 2007 050
Originally uploaded by colinc

This picture is a little bit away from Great Salkeld but for anyone who has read Walter Scott's books then a visit to Gilsland and the Kissing Stone is a must.These days it is set away under some trees in a lonely spot by the river.But still worth visiting

Saint Michael's Glassonby

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:57:00 +0000

Picture 061
Originally uploaded by colinc

This charming church is just outside the hillside village of Glassonby. You will pass this way on the circular walk which takes in Long Meg,Lacy's Caves and of course Little Salkeld

Snow in Cumbria

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:44:00 +0000

DSC_2213
Originally uploaded by colinc

One of our recent guests was asking how often we get snow up here. Well if he asked this last year i would have said once in a blue moon. However back in February we had a real snow storm , the world turned white and this photo shows what it was like.The scene is from up near Gelt Woods,Brampton

Lacys caves on the river Eden.

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:16:00 +0000

The same Colonel Lacy who infamously tried to blow up the stones of Long Meg also created a tourist attraction of a different kind...Lacys caves. Carved into the red sandstone just above the River Eden ( opposite bank to Wetheral Cottages) the purpose of the caves have since vanished into folk lore.
What we do know though is that it's a very pleasant walk from Little Salkeld and all in all a nice day out.

Long Meg and the Anhydrite mines

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:07:00 +0000

These days views across the Eden Valley show a tranquil rural landscape with no sign of industrial use. However it hasn't always been that way .......there is a history of heavy industry....but underground! The Eden valley has long been known of as a source of Gypsum ( see the British Gypsum plant at Kirkby Thore as an example). Just across the river from Wetheral Cottages there was once a small anhydrite mine which was started in 1880 by the Long Meg plaster company.

When you take the Glassonby/Little Salkeld walk you will pass the original site , Cave Wood Valley and we often wonder if the miners who dug so far into the hill side underneath the stone circle ever thought of the legends of divine protection for the stones and what the Gods would have thought of them in their tunnels!

Long Meg and her daughters

noreply@blogger.com (Wetheral Cottages) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:54:00 +0000

We often find our guests asking directions to the stone circle which they have heard so much about. Well what they mean is how do they get to see Long Meg and what can we tell them about her.

Long Meg is the main stone within a stone circle which is often talked of as second only to Stonehenge. The circle is 350 ft in diameter and there are reported to be 69 stones although it is often joked that a different number is counted everytime you walk round the circle.

Long Meg herself is nearly 12 ft tall and she is made of Penrith red sandstone. Her daughters are made of rhyolite ( basically a granite).

This web page shows a good aerial photograph.

Over the years there have been many stories about the circle, Wordsworth spoke about it and it is also said that the local landlord tried to dynamite the stones until a really strong storm convinced him otherwise.

It is also worth noting that there were anhydrite mines in the area with tunnels under the stone circle.

To reach the stone circle from Wetheral Cottages it is necessary to cross the Eden and head for Little Salkeld. The road out of the village climbs steeply and shortly you will see a sign post on your left.

The stone circle is also on the Little Salkeld/Glassonby walk which we will write about later