Ousbydale

Valley in Cumberland Eden

England

Ousbydale

Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map Second wild camp close to the hut. This time I spent a few hours repairing one wall as it&#039;s just too good and remote to let it go to ruin. — Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map Credit: brian mccaffery

Ousbydale is a picturesque village located in the beautiful Cumberland Valley, in the county of Cumberland, England. Situated in the northern part of the country, this charming community is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green fields, and breathtaking scenery.

The village of Ousbydale is known for its tranquility and peaceful atmosphere. With a population of around 300 residents, it offers a close-knit community where neighbors know each other by name. The village is characterized by its traditional stone cottages and well-maintained gardens, giving it a timeless and idyllic appearance.

Despite its small size, Ousbydale boasts several amenities for its residents. The village has a local pub, The Cumberland Arms, which serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, there is a community hall that hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community spirit.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Ousbydale. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. The nearby Ousby Forest offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ousbydale is well-connected to the rest of the region. The village is located just off the A686 road, which provides easy access to nearby towns and cities. The closest larger town, Penrith, is approximately 10 miles away and offers a wider range of amenities, including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities.

In conclusion, Ousbydale is a charming village nestled in the picturesque Cumberland Valley. With its stunning natural surroundings, tight-knit community, and convenient location, it offers a peaceful and idyllic place to call home.

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Ousbydale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.721658/-2.5467125 or Grid Reference NY6436. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map

Second wild camp close to the hut. This time I spent a few hours repairing one wall as it's just too good and remote to let it go to ruin.

brian mccaffery

Shepherd's hut marked on map as a sheepfold

Few hours' repairing one side. Probably constructed purely for an overnight stay to escape the harsh elements, complete with a fireplace/metal grate and chimney. Roof was constructed out of a tree trunk for the joist and branches for the purlins, then corrugated sheeting covered it.

brian mccaffery

Shepherd's hut.

Spent an hour rebuilding another section.

brian mccaffery

Heading NE on track at Little Awfell above Melmerby

Colin Park

Hill track ascending above Meikle Awfell above Melmerby

Colin Park

Summit cairn on Melmerby Fell

Colin Park

Maiden Way (Roman Road) leading up to Meg's Cairn on Melmerby Fell

Colin Park

Climbing out of Ardale

On the track above the lime kiln which leads to the Maiden Way and the high fells. A narrow gauge railway once ran down this way. Across the Eden Valley are the northern fells of the Lake District.

Karl and Ali

Track (dismantled railway) on Ladslack Hill

One of the rails of this old narrow gauge railway is visible in the foreground. It may have carried limestone down to the big lime kiln in Ardale Link Across the Eden Valley are the Lakeland fells.

Karl and Ali

Rusby Hill (352m)

A minor top on the west flank of the North Pennines above Ousby.

Karl and Ali

Ruined lime kiln and sheep by the Maiden Way

After a steep haul out of the valley the track levels off where there are signs of limestone quarrying. The flat top of Cross Fell visible beyond.

Karl and Ali

Muska Hill (536m) from the Maiden Way

The next bump down is Sharp Shears (487m) with the northern fells of the Lake District across the misty Eden Valley beyond.

Karl and Ali

A cairn by the Maiden Way

Small but perfectly formed. Cuns Fell (539m) is the conspicuously rugged height across Ousbydale.

Karl and Ali

Cuns Fell (539m)

Seen across Ousbydale from the Maiden Way. There are quite a few rounded or peaked summits along the East Fellside (the section of the North Pennines rising above the Eden Valley). Probably the best known are the "pikes" such as Dufton, Knock and Murton. They are formed from different rocks to the more usual sandstones, shales and limestones of the nearby Pennine escarpment. Some are probably volcanic in origin or igneous like the dolerite that rings High Cup and which outcrops all along this part of the fells.

Karl and Ali

Wall above Ousbydale

Crossed on the Maiden way. Beyond is Muska Hill and the curiously named top of Sharp Shears separated by Windy Gap. Across the misty Eden Valley are the much busier Lakeland fells.

Karl and Ali

Upright stone, Maiden Way on Melmerby Fell

We saw no markings on the stone but its location near the old bridleway (and Roman Road) suggests it was a marker for the route in poor weather. No need today with Cross Fell in clear view across the moorland miles.

Karl and Ali

Stone by the Maiden Way

This large, tapering stone just beside the track may have been a route marker when, of course it would have stood upright. There are signs of straight cuts and pittings which could conceivably be prehistoric (or just chisel marks and natural weathering). The view is towards Cuns Fell and the distant northern fells of Lakeland.

Karl and Ali