Castley Hill

Hill, Mountain in Cumberland Copeland

England

Castley Hill

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

Castley Hill is a prominent natural landmark located in Cumberland, a county in the northwestern part of England. It is classified as a hill or mountain, standing at an elevation of approximately 2,126 feet (648 meters) above sea level. The hill is situated within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, a renowned protected area known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Castley Hill is part of the Caldbeck Fells, a range of hills characterized by rugged terrain and picturesque valleys. It is composed mainly of volcanic rock, with distinctive features such as crags and scree slopes. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Skiddaw Mountain, which is the fourth highest peak in England.

The area surrounding Castley Hill is abundant in flora and fauna, with various species of plants and animals calling it home. The hill itself is covered in heather, grasses, and moss, while the lower slopes are adorned with woodlands and meadows. It provides a habitat for several bird species, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles, as well as mammals like red deer and red squirrels.

Due to its natural beauty and ecological importance, Castley Hill attracts a significant number of visitors each year. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are drawn to the hill for activities such as hiking, climbing, and birdwatching. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploring other nearby attractions, including the charming village of Caldbeck and the picturesque Carrock Fell.

Overall, Castley Hill in Cumberland is a stunning natural feature that showcases the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District National Park.

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Castley Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.479318/-3.4638709 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

Wilton Village

Passing through Wilton Village towards Grange

P Gaskell

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.