The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend

Gelt woods

Geltsdale

Lastly in the book, but by no means leastly, we explore the surroundings of Geltsdale, one of the hidden gems of the North Pennines. Here we are close to Carlisle and the Border but the nearest town is historic Brampton, with its ornate Moot Hall and the unusual design features of St. Martin's Church.

Amongst the features of interest is the wonderful landscape of Gelt Woods, threaded by the cascading river as it flows in a deep gorge across colourful red sandstone rocks. Hidden amongst the trees is the Roman relic known as the 'Written Rock of Gelt'. Nearby is the very popular venue of Talkin Tarn, set amongst attractive woods, and the product of melting ice blocks thousands of years ago, with a legend of a drowned village.

Meanwhile, the main recesses of Geltsdale are secluded away amongst the hills, beyond the villages of Talkin and Castle Carrock. Here there are further beautiful woodlands and some very attractive walks, enhanced by the distinctive and rather varied local wildlife. An intriguing history also harks back to the time of the King's Forest and the days when the seemingly barren slopes of Cold Fell once held a period of bygone industry.