Clifton & Lowther Park Walk

This weeks Wednesday walk started at the village of Clifton in Cumbria. We started just close to this Pele Tower called Clifton Hall which is a 16th Century building maintained by English Heritage. John, Peter, and Tom could not decide which door to use to gain entrance. The weather was absoultely glorious and during the course of the 4 hour walk we all peeled off several layers of clothing as the temperature rose.

This is Low Gardens Bridge in the Lowther Estate. The bridge is now closed to all but walkers and a new bridge has been built a few yards downstream.

At the half way mark on the walk we stopped at Brougham Hall which is a 13th century fortified manor house, founded by Gilbert de Broham. A range of craft workshops, a tea room and a gift shop have been established within the impressive outer walls. When we arrived there was no other visitors as it was of course out of season but the cafe was open and we decided it was such a lovely day an ice cream would be most acceptable. It is a beautiful place and well worth a visit.

This is the outer wall of Brougham Hall

Cross Fell in the distance and the highest point on the Pennine Way. Our walk passed through several fields and a couple of them were being ploughed by a contractor who was making fast progress. When we stopped for a chat he explained that 2 weeks ago many of these fields would not have been able to take his heavy machinery as they were so wet but the last couple of weeks have been perfect and they are now able to get on with the work.

This Oak tree has one of the largest girths of any I have seen.

This is Hugh's Crag Viaduct which we passed under on our way through the Lowther Estate. watching the West Coast Trains speeding over it is quite spectacular as 2 of them passed over while we were sitting below it enjoying our picnic lunch.

At the end of our walk we reached St. Cuthbert's Church and it is well worth a quick look round.
It had been one of the nicest walks we have done recently in superb weather and in excellent company.