Friar Moor

Downs, Moorland in Cumberland Copeland

England

Friar Moor

Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria The oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. Wainwright described it as &quot;The most charming of Lakeland&#039;s packhorse bridges&quot; and My Cousin told me we were going to see a &quot;Wonder&quot;. Both were correct! As to a build date I would think it&#039;s Late 1600&#039;s maybe using stone from the nearby Abbey (closed 1536) But if it was built by the Monks then this would give a lot earlier date.

It&#039;s also listed as Matty Benn&#039;s Bridge. Martha &quot;Matty&quot; Benn (1831-1888), who used the bridge to get to and from market on horseback. She was known to return in a state of inebriation but still managed to cross the bridge! — Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria Credit: Brian Deegan

Friar Moor is a picturesque expanse of moorland located in Cumberland, a historic county in the North West of England. Situated in the magnificent region known as the Lake District National Park, Friar Moor offers visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, this stunning moorland boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The landscape is dominated by heather-covered hills, rocky outcrops, and meandering streams that add to its charm. Visitors can witness an array of wildlife including red deer, mountain hares, and a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

The moorland is intersected by a network of footpaths and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. These paths offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding fells and valleys, making it a paradise for walkers and nature lovers alike.

Steeped in history, Friar Moor is also home to several ancient archaeological sites, including prehistoric stone circles and burial mounds. These remnants of the past add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the landscape, further enhancing its appeal.

With its combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance, Friar Moor is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of the English countryside. Whether one wishes to explore its trails, immerse themselves in its rich history, or simply revel in the serenity of its surroundings, Friar Moor promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture here.

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Friar Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.478339/-3.4548994 or Grid Reference NY0510. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria

The oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. Wainwright described it as "The most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges" and My Cousin told me we were going to see a "Wonder". Both were correct! As to a build date I would think it's Late 1600's maybe using stone from the nearby Abbey (closed 1536) But if it was built by the Monks then this would give a lot earlier date. It's also listed as Matty Benn's Bridge. Martha "Matty" Benn (1831-1888), who used the bridge to get to and from market on horseback. She was known to return in a state of inebriation but still managed to cross the bridge!

Brian Deegan

Bridge over River Calder below Monk's Bridge near Egremont

Colin Park

Monk's Bridge on the R Calder, E of Egremont

Monk’s Bridge on Cold Fell is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria, and crosses Friar Gill where it passes through a narrow deep chasm. It was built for the monks of Calder Abbey, who would have crossed it on their many journeys. Iron ore would have been carried over it from Ennerdale to smithies on the fells to be smelted. The bridge is also known as Matty Benn’s Bridge, after the family Benn who lived nearby.

Colin Park

Dike Nook

Road leaving Wilton village

P Gaskell

Farm track

Gateway to a farm track bordered by a hedgerow and post and wire fence

P Gaskell

Cattle Grid

P Gaskell

Swath Fell

Swath Fell from Lowther Park car park

P Gaskell

Lowther Park

P Gaskell

Bridge over the Calder

The footbridge doubles as a farm bridge over the Calder near Friar Gill and is close to the much more photogenic Monks Bridge SeeNY0610 : Monks Bridge

Perry Dark

Monks Bridge

Wainwright called it the most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges. Also known as Matty Benn's Bridge it is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. It was built by the monks of Calder Abbey (dissolved in 1536) See NY0610 : Bridge over the Calder

Perry Dark

Coldfell Gate

David Purchase

Lowther Park plantation

The Sleven Beck runs down beside the trees.

David Purchase

The entrance to Lowther Park plantation

David Purchase

Heading north from Cold Fell

Ian S

Coldfell gate.

approaching the Coldfell road.

steven ruffles

The top of Cold Fell

10 minutes' walk from the road.

steven ruffles

Old Milestone near Castley Hill

Carved stone post by the UC road, in parish of HAILE (COPELAND District), Cold Fell, Castley Hill, T-junction 50m West of cattle grid, on North East side of road. Egremont stone, erected by the Egremont to Salthouse turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : To / Haile / 1 / Mile : : To / Wilton / (1½) Miles / To Egremont / (3) Miles : Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1084320 Link

Milestone Society National ID: CU_HLEG01.

CF Smith

Access road for Gill Farm

The farm access leaving a minor hill road which connects Calder Bridge with Ennerdale Bridge. The sign spells Gill Farm so; OS mapping has it as Ghyll Farm.

Trevor Littlewood

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Friar Moor is located at Grid Ref: NY0510 (Lat: 54.478339, Lng: -3.4548994)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Copeland

Police Authority: Cumbria