Raise

Settlement in Cumberland Eden

England

Raise

Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston The road is climbing to cross Whitfield Moor passing a minor road on the left giving access to the railway station which now operates as a narrow gauge tourist attraction. The low walls at the side of the road are parapets of a bridge over the River Nent.
The Fuchs crane at the side of the road looks rather shabby. — Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Raise, Cumberland is a small hamlet located in the county of Cumbria, England. Situated in the northern part of the Lake District National Park, Raise is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

At an elevation of approximately 880 meters (2,890 feet) above sea level, Raise is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of its prominent features is Raise Beck, a stream that flows through the hamlet, adding to its natural charm.

Historically, Raise was primarily a mining community, with lead and zinc being the main minerals extracted from the nearby mines. However, mining operations ceased in the mid-20th century, and today, the hamlet is mainly inhabited by a small number of residents and a few holiday homes.

Raise serves as an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. The nearby Helvellyn mountain, one of the highest peaks in England, attracts many climbers and offers stunning panoramic views from its summit.

While Raise itself does not have any significant amenities or facilities, the nearby town of Keswick provides all necessary services, including accommodation options, restaurants, and shops. Visitors to Raise can also explore the surrounding areas, such as Thirlmere Reservoir and the picturesque villages of Grasmere and Ambleside, which are within a short drive.

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Raise Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.810301/-2.448851 or Grid Reference NY7146. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston

The road is climbing to cross Whitfield Moor passing a minor road on the left giving access to the railway station which now operates as a narrow gauge tourist attraction. The low walls at the side of the road are parapets of a bridge over the River Nent. The Fuchs crane at the side of the road looks rather shabby.

Trevor Littlewood

Buildings on east side of A686

The buildings are on the east side of the A686 in Alston. The right part of the stone building was for many years the Central Cafe and is well-remembered as the refreshment stop for the Wrights Brothers bus and coach service which ran (and hopefully will run again), between Newcastle and Keswick. It has been in a deteriorating state since its closure some decades ago. The white painted building is part of Henderson's Garage.

Trevor Littlewood

Building of the South Tynedale Railway

The building is adjacent to the line of the narrow gauge railway and has lines running into it so it's clearly used as a workshop or a storage facility for rolling stock. The South Tyne Trail which runs alongside the railway crosses from the east side to the west side of the line at the camera location.

Trevor Littlewood

Gentle curve along South Tynedale Railway

The narrow gauge railway en route for Alston which lies around 1.5 km. ahead.

Trevor Littlewood

Carriage sidings, Alston

The carriage sidings at the South Tynedale Railway close to the station of the narrow gauge railway.

Trevor Littlewood

Green Dragon at Alston Station

The Green Dragon being prepared for the 1300 hrs service from Alston Station to Slaggyford on the South Tynedale Railway. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Through an arch of the Tyne Bridge

Looking upstream along the South Tyne from below the bridge that carries the A686.

Gordon Hatton

Alston Fire Station

Housed in the former Grammar School which has a date of 1828 above the small red door.

Gordon Hatton

Friends Meeting House, Alston

Quakerism in Alston can be traced back as far as 1668. This meeting house dates from 1732 with alterations in 1762-4.

Gordon Hatton

Alston Post Office

Situated in the centre of this tiny hill town, which at the time this photograph was taken had road works right in the middle of the main street. No traffic could get through and there were lengthy detours.

Gordon Hatton

South Tyne River

The South Tyne, a mile upstream from Alston.

Gordon Hatton

Pennine Way south of Alston

Looking south with the buildings at Low Nest to the left. The wall gap here is a bit of an exception to the general rule on the 2 miles or so of PW into Alston as there's also a series of rather testing stiles, which would not be greeted with enthusiasm by anyone walking the PW from south to north as they will already have trudged some 17 miles from Dufton, over the top of Cross Fell and down to the South Tyne valley.

Gordon Hatton

River South Tyne at the northern edge of Alston

This is the view of the river seen by walkers leaving Alston to the north on the South Tyne Trail.

Clive Nicholson

The River Tyne Trail adjacent to South Tynedale Railway

The South Tynedale Railway runs for 5 miles in this magnificent valley and is run by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society. The valley also has other famous walking trails, The Pennine Way, A Pennine Journey and Isaac's Tea Trail.

Clive Nicholson