Day in the Lakes

Cumbria 41

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BeakerUK Apr 6, 2006 18:28:07

I have been enjoying this site for some time now, and was hoping you might be able to offer some advice.

Next week (being a teacher and having a blissful two weeks away from the screaming insanity of the classroom coming up) I am going on a day trip on my own to the Lake District to visit some megalithic sites there.

I did this recently and managed to include a drive along Hardknott Pass (which I don't think I am brave enough to repeat, as I hadn't been prepared for quite how ludicrously steep it is!) Blakely Raise stone circle, Castlerigg, Little Meg, Glassonby and Long Meg, plus a glimpse of Gunnerkeld heading back south on the M6.

So what I wanted to ask is, what should I visit next week? Bearing in mind that 1. I am on my own and pathetically shy about asking for permission to visit sites on private land, 2. I am horrendously unfit and liable to get lost trailing for long distances over moors and hills and 3. Living near Manchester, the north Lakes is just a bit too far, Long Meg being about as far north as I can manage in one day.

Perhaps I should just give up now, but my last day in the Lakes was so utterly blissfully wonderful, I desperately want to repeat the experience, but if possible see something new.

Many thanks!
BeakerUK

ocifant Apr 6, 2006 20:00:26

Replying to BeakerUK

This really is a FAQ!

I can't find the search facility for the forum at the moment, but if you go to http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/forum/?s_id=425 you'll see lots of threads asking for such recommendations. There's bound to be something there that takes your fancy...

I had a week up there, and the longest walk from the car I took was to Sunkenkirk - just over a mile each way, and worth every step!

Have a good time, whatever you see.

Wiggy Apr 6, 2006 20:04:08

Replying to BeakerUK

Have you tried "The Megalithic Portal"? There's some friendly site guides on that website.

goffik Apr 6, 2006 20:22:39

Replying to BeakerUK

Aye! I've been to very few places up there, but I absolutely love it! Mostly been to the places you mention, but am keen to expand on that...

I personally can't help, but I reckon if you hang around that someone'll help out. It IS a frequently asked question, but people are normally happy enough to help out...

A few of the regulars are away from the forum, but as I say - hang around, and I'm sure someone'll come up trumps!

Are you new to the forum? If so - welcome! It's a bit mentil here at the mo, but it's usually a nice enough place...

G x

rocknicker Apr 6, 2006 21:37:30

Replying to BeakerUK

You'll be glad to hear that there's not an awful lot north of Long Meg without it being in Scotland ;)

sals Apr 7, 2006 09:06:39

Replying to BeakerUK

Start here - http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/72 - just off the M6 - and don't miss this one - http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/79! Check out the "sites within 50km" sections on each for in betweeners - lots that I've checked out so they have to be easy to get to!
Sals x

Chris Collyer Apr 7, 2006 11:26:18

Replying to BeakerUK

Yep, those two weeks are a haven for those of us who work in the Edicashun sector :-)

If you're travelling from Manchester there's a whole heap of stuff along the M6 corridor, but it might be worth taking a detour to visit Druid's Circle – a fairly short walk from parking.
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/71
A bit further west is the fantastic Sunkenkirk, as already mentioned, but it's a long walk
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/79
Just a bit further west again is Giant's Grave
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/73
and the rather nice Black Combe.

If you'd rather stay close to the M6 then Gamelands is as good a place to start as any
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/72
A short walk from parking but I'm not sure if there's a gate into the field or not – I seem to remember climbing over the wall.
Continuing north, Kemp Howe is work a quick look.
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/328
Further north there's Gunnerkeld of course before you get to Penrith but there's plenty of stuff on either side of the M6 depending on your interests and time available. Once at Penrith it's worth taking a detour south to Eamont Bridge to see King Arthurs Round Table
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/78
and Mayburgh Henge
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/327
You've already been to the Megs, Glassonby and Castlerigg but personally I wouldn't be able to resist dashing down the A66 to watch the sun-set at Castlerigg before heading home.
The eastern side of the Lakes isn't the most picturesque in term of landscape and that Lake District 'wow' factor, but there are some impressive sites to be visited.
Hmmm. . . I think I fancy a quick trip up there myself now!

-Chris