Irton Pike

Hill, Mountain in Cumberland Copeland

England

Irton Pike

Wasdale View Looking towards The Screes from behind the wall boundary. — Wasdale View Credit: Peter Trimming

Irton Pike is a prominent hill located in the county of Cumberland, which is part of the larger region of Cumbria in northwest England. Situated near the village of Santon Bridge, Irton Pike is a well-known landmark that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

With an elevation of approximately 434 meters (1,423 feet), Irton Pike is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Nonetheless, its height and distinctive shape make it a prominent feature in the landscape. The hill is composed mainly of limestone, with patches of heather and grass covering its slopes.

Access to Irton Pike is relatively straightforward, with several walking routes available for visitors to enjoy. The most popular approach is from the village of Santon Bridge, where a footpath leads up through fields and woodland to the summit. The ascent is moderately challenging, but the reward is the breathtaking view from the top, which encompasses the surrounding valleys, fells, and even the distant peaks of the Lake District National Park.

Irton Pike also holds historical significance, with remnants of an Iron Age hillfort visible on its summit. The fortifications, which consist of a circular earthwork and a small mound, provide evidence of human occupation in the area dating back thousands of years.

Overall, Irton Pike is a picturesque hill that attracts both locals and tourists alike, offering a combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a glimpse into the region's rich history.

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Irton Pike Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.402167/-3.355963 or Grid Reference NY1201. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wasdale View

Looking towards The Screes from behind the wall boundary.

Peter Trimming

Wasdale View

Looking towards The Screes from behind the wall boundary.

Peter Trimming

Wasdale View

Looking towards The Screes from behind the wall boundary.

Peter Trimming

Wasdale Wall

Looking towards the road which leads to Nether Wasdale.

Peter Trimming

Wasdale Wall

Looking in the direction of Latterbarrow. A plantation of diseased larch was felled in 2013 and subsequently re-planted (probably spruce).

Peter Trimming

The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge

Early morning on a thoroughly dismal day (although it was to brighten up later), but the lights of the Bridge Inn, an old coaching stop, make it look welcoming. Inside guests will be tucking in to a full 'Cumbrian breakfast'. This is the venue for the annual World's Biggest Liar competition, as a plaque on the wall tells us.

Stephen McKay

Whitecroft, Santon Bridge

This is the lane that connects the hamlets of Santon and Santon Bridge, just over half a mile apart. The Bridge Inn is behind the photographer.

Stephen McKay

Home of the World's Biggest Liar Competition

This plaque is fixed to the Bridge Inn, venue for one of the more obscure world sporting events. Held in November each year, it commemorates a local 19th century publican, Will Ritson who was known for his tall tales. Contestants have to stand up in front of the often well-oiled audience and tell their stories - the best of whom is judged the winner.

Stephen McKay

Signpost at Santon Bridge

This signpost, which could do with some sprucing up, points the way at the junction just east of the bridge over the River Irt.

Stephen McKay

The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge

The day was dismal and wet but at least this old coaching inn adds a touch of brightness.

Stephen McKay

The Malkinson Memorial

Beside the road from Eskdale Green to Santon Bridge, this small stone memorial bears the following inscription: 'In memory of William Malkinson Wesleyan Local Preacher Died here suddenly Sunday Feb 21 1886 Be ye also ready'

Adrian Taylor

Field Gate, Force Bank

Adrian Taylor

Sandstone gatepost, Force Bank

There is an Ordnance Survey cut benchmark on the face of the gatepost, it is worn and so well camouflaged with lichen that it is difficult to see (photograph NY1001 : Benchmark, Santon Bridge, Force Bank).

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Santon Bridge, Force Bank

Detail of the Ordnance Survey cut benchmark on a sandstone field gatepost at Force Bank. The benchmark marks a height of 32.8209m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1956 (location photograph NY1001 : Sandstone gatepost, Force Bank). The benchmark is worn and so well camouflaged with lichen that it is difficult to see.

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Irton Park

Detail of the Ordnance Survey pivot benchmark on a granite rock on the verge of the road from Eskdale Green to Santon Bridge. The benchmark marks a height of 105.7473m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1956 (location photograph NY1101 : The road from Eskdale Green to Santon Bridge).

Adrian Taylor

The road from Eskdale Green to Santon Bridge

The footpath to the left leads to Plumgarth. There is an Ordnance Survey pivot benchmark on the rock in the grass verge beyond the footpath sign (photograph NY1101 : Benchmark, Irton Park and The Malkinson Memorial is on the opposite side of the road (photograph NY1101 : The Malkinson Memorial).

Adrian Taylor