~Ingleton to Kirkby Lonsdale~
23rd April 2011
This is a rather belated Part 5 of my long walk from home to the Lake District. Part 4 was completed on 13th March 2010 and I've been engaged elsewhere from that day to this. When I left home early in the morning I had no intention of doing this walk.
Kirkby Lonsdale Railway Station
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Sunrise
I left home at 05:45 and this photograph was taken at 06:15 close to Long Preston. The plan was to meet David Hall and go walking in Eskdale, we had a contingency plan for David to ring me if he didn't like the weather. When I got to Cowan Bridge, I got the call and we decided not to bother. So, I went back to Ingleton for a think.
Ingleton Viaduct
I decided to walk to Kirkby Lonsdale with one eye on the weather. I didn't want to be on top of Ingleborough if the skies opened. It occured to me I could venture up the falls walk and not pay a penny as the sentries are not on duty at 07:25.
Fields
From Ingleton there is a footpath across fields to Thornton Hall and this is the look back towards Ingleton. A left turn at West View sends me in a NW direction, heading for Masongill.
Ingleborough
At the moment Ingleborough is clear of cloud, I think I am just on the right side of the cold front that is heading westwards.
Cowgill Farm
Derelict and abandoned farmhouse. Note, this walk is not much use to dog walkers, fields full of sheep and far too many stiles.
Fell Side Farm
Masongill Hall
The main purpose of this long walk is to see under the cover of the road trip up the A65. What lies just out of sight?
Ireby
A very quiet place, notable on the map only for having a telephone kiosk. I wonder if in the very old days the only road was through Ireby and on to Leck and indeed there was no A65 linking Ingleton and Kirkby Lonsdale? I can remember "straightening" back in the 70's and 80's, but my thoughts here relate to a much earlier time.
The Road to Leck
The Ireby to Leck section was on tarmac, it was not dangerous, no cars came in either direction.
Lambs near Leck Hall
In the trees is Leck Hall, a private residence for Baron Shuttleworth, whoever he is. Does he get up and go to work every day?
St.Peter's Church, Leck
Leck also has a telephone kiosk.
Cowan Bridge
A feature of this walk is the lack of footpaths close to the road. Here I cross the road for a look on the south-west side of the tarmac. The stores in CB now advertise a tearoom. The next few minutes are spent next to Leck Beck before a right turn for High Gale Farm and then back up to the main road.
A65 at New House, Kirkby Lonsdale
Crossing the road again, I'm off to have a look at the old railway station. The line from Clapham to Sedbergh (and beyond) closed in 1967, the last passenger service was in 1954.
Kirkby Lonsdale Railway Station
The residents have a cafe and a facility for children and adults to paint pottery. Tea was taken here, I wanted to sample a bit of railway atmosphere, however it has all gone. If I lived here, I'd rebuild a platform and a signal box.
Station House Tearoom
Whoop Hall Inn
Here you can see the route of the old road. The Inn was extended once the road was closed. There was a bit of roadside walking before arriving at the popular tourist resort of Devil's Bridge.
Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale
Look carefully and you may see one hardy chap in the water. The old road would have gone over the bridge in view and the new road goes over a newer bridge behind me, circa 1932. Devil's Bridge was built around 1365, according to sources. Hard hats and harnesses? I doubt it.
River Lune
It's still quite early and folk are arriving with picnics and big rugs. I felt a little sorry for them, this will be the first dull day in these parts for sometime; still it could be worse. I took a walk along the riverbank.
Spot the Bird!
Ruskin's View
Ruskin viewed the scene, Turner painted it and Ratcliffe left unimpressed. That might have had something to do with the lack of sunshine. The Lune bifurcates here and runs either side of a large spit, known as The Island, before becomming reunited and running into the rapids which lead to the bridges.
The Old Market Cross
Town Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale
Work in progress. The yellow sign says "No" to a proposed wind farm. The whole area is littered with these signs. I think there should be a campaign to put a halt to these signs. It's time for a brunch, time to try somewhere new.
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Luneside Bakery |
Hobart Mixer |
Luneside Bakery, Kirkby Lonsdale
In the courtyard, they have an "old" Hobart Baking Mixer on show. Most folk would think this is quaint, I'm looking at valuable spares - we have a similar machine at work for mixing a rubber compound.
Dapper
I caught the 12:45 bus back to Ingleton.
Walkers: Just Me.
Time taken: 4 hrs 20 mins over a distance of about 8 miles.
Route: Ingleton, Thornton Hall, Fell Side, Masongill, Ireby, Leck, Cowan Bridge, High Gale, Railway Station, Whoop Hall, Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale.
Weather and conditions: Mainly dull, no wind.
Greetings Count: A couple of loiterers at Leck Church and really nobody else on the walk. People don't use these footpaths very often.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Station Tearoom at Kirkby Lonsdale looks good, I only had a brew here, but the menu would suit those seeking a light meal or snack. The Luneside Bakery is excellent!! Really good food on offer and seating inside and out.
Breakfast at Luneside
The rest of the walk parts are near the foot of the Other page, that is until I tidy things up.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2011 ©
Take me back to the start ....