Thornless Hill

Hill, Mountain in Westmorland Eden

England

Thornless Hill

Bridge over Murton Beck, Murton Credit: habiloid

Thornless Hill, located in the picturesque region of Westmorland, is a prominent hill/mountain that stands tall and proud, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Rising to an elevation of approximately 900 meters, Thornless Hill is nestled within the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park in Northwest England.

Despite its name, Thornless Hill does not lack in natural beauty or charm. The hill is characterized by its gentle slopes and lush green meadows, adorned with an array of vibrant wildflowers during the summer months. Its smooth, grassy terrain makes it accessible and enjoyable for walkers of all ages and abilities.

The summit of Thornless Hill rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, visitors can admire the serene beauty of the surrounding valleys, meandering rivers, and sparkling lakes. The hill also offers a perfect vantage point to appreciate the majestic peaks of the neighboring mountains, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the diverse wildlife that calls Thornless Hill home. The hill is home to a variety of bird species, including red grouse, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles. In addition, the area is known for its resident herds of deer, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the hill.

Thornless Hill is a true gem within the Westmorland landscape, offering a tranquil and idyllic retreat for anyone seeking solace in nature's embrace. Whether it is a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this magnificent hill/mountain promises a memorable experience for all who venture to its summit.

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Thornless Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.578206/-2.4219845 or Grid Reference NY7220. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over Murton Beck, Murton

habiloid

Bridge over Hilton Beck

The bridge carries Leagarth Lane, Hilton's main road, over Hilton Beck, and is seen from the public footpath on the south bank heading for Langton and Brackenber. Water levels are quite high, and for those keen to try out little-known river descents, is almost at a paddleable level - this would be a convenient put-on, with parking to the left of the background trees. There's at least one livestock fence to watch out for downstream (but has a big eddy and can probably be sneaked via a broken panel, as of early 2022).

Andy Waddington

Hilton Beck from Thornless Hill

The larger scales of map show the public footpath here as being at the bottom of the steep bank, but invasive gorse rather deterred one from trying anything down there. The top of the bank, however, remains largely in keeping with the name of the rising ground behind the photographer - Thornless Hill. It is not improved pasture like the enclosed fields towards the village of Hilton, but is mainly free of prickly walker-deterrent vegetation. The road is the one to Hilton from Appleby and likely the one that a SatNav would bring you to, since the road south of Hilton passes through Warcop training area and is confusingly missing from such navigation technology (presumably because sometimes it is closed to the public).

Andy Waddington

Hilton Beck at Langton

Hilton Beck runs along the northern and western edges of Brackenber Moor (Appleby Golf Course) and for the aficionado of obscure ditches who prefer their paddling not to be too scary, looks quite an attractive proposition. The level seen here is fairly high through snowmelt, but with some rain too it would perhaps be a little quicker from a put-in at Hilton to a take-out at Coupland. This view is from just upstream of the footbridge at Langton and shows what would, in lower water, be an easy ford. The beck seems relatively free of tree hazard for a lowland trip, but there is at least one livestock fence (just around a blind bend) to watch out for - there may be other hazards not seen on my walk (it was a dog walk, not a full river reconnaissance).

Andy Waddington

House nearly finished, Langton

The fresh local sandstone construction looks quite colourful but will no doubt weather quite quickly to be a match for the other nearby properties. Open eaves on the nearest part of the building show that there is still work to do on the house, but the next main challenge will surely be the garden. It's a heavy clay soil left by the retreat of the Eden Valley glacier, but at least the site is not beset by the sort of rubble often seen on building sites. I wish them luck.

Andy Waddington

Copse south of Murton Beck

This stand of trees (which we would have called a copse where I grew up, but they are not coppiced, so whether the term would apply here I'm less sure) occupies the corner of a field south of Murton Beck, the northern edge of which is followed by the public footpath from the Flakebridge road towards Murton, upon which the photographer and his trusty but dawdling hound are standing as the daylight fades (again).

Andy Waddington

Footbridge over Murton Beck

The public footpath west from Murton splits here with one way remaining on the north bank of Murton Beck to turn northwards shortly, heading for Brackenthwaite, whilst the footbridge carries the other branch across the beck, to head west to Shepherd's Cottage and Flakebridge (and the end of a minor road to Appleby).

Andy Waddington

Murton and Hilton church

Situated midway between Murton and its smaller satellite Hilton, the church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Its graveyard lies just across the minor road between the villages, and slightly nearer to Hilton, and lies among the tall conifers seen on the left of the view.

Andy Waddington

Cumbrian Red Sandstone house, Murton

David Robinson

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the barn at Langton Farm. It marks a point 159.602m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Pivot

This OS pivot can be found on the wall SW side of the road. It marks a point 164.857m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Pivot

This OS pivot can be found on the culvert NW side of the road. It marks a point 182.426m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the east angle of St John's Church. It marks a point 232.361m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the toppled gatepost.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the NE face of the bridge. It marks a point 241.191m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the wall NE side of the road. It marks a point 259.519m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Grassland rising towards Roman Fell

This photograph was taken from a minor road running south from the village of Hilton to reach the A66; much of the route of the road is through the MOD's Warcop range and training area and as such it may be closed to all but military traffic. (It was open on this day!)

Trevor Littlewood