Miles Without Stiles 22: Calder Bridge
Details
Route type: For all. A tranquil, riverside walk next to the stunning ruins of Calder Abbey, described as one of Britain’s most enchanting ecclesiastic relics - OS Explorer Map OL6
Distance: 2 km or 1.2 miles
Start point: Small informal car park near the church at Calder Bridge - grid ref. NY 042061
Turning point: Calder Abbey - grid ref. NY 051063
Facilities: None on route, but there is a pub in Calder Bridge
Getting there: Bus: X6 / 6 services call at Calder Bridge from Whitehaven and Millom. Car: A5086 and A595 from Cockermouth, or A5092 and A595 beyond Broughton in Furness
Conditions update
Some routes have suffered water damage after the floods of November 2009, with sections washed away or affected by flood debris. We are checking all routes. In the meantime be prepared that present surface conditions may not be as good as originally described. Please report any damage you encounter to David Robinson at david.robinson@lakedistrict.gov.uk or 01768 871409.
Route
From the car park, head towards St. Bridget’s Church and go through a metal gate on the left. The path winds gently downhill, crossing a small stream and raised causeway to the wooded banks of the River Calder.
This is a particularly beautiful stretch of the river. The sandstone cliffs on the far banks are dramatic and the river alternates between deep pools and fast stretches. It is a popular spot for trout and salmon fishermen. Look out for dippers and wagtails, as well as nature’s own river ‘anglers’, herons and kingfishers.
After 1 km, you arrive at the boundary of Calder Abbey. There is no access to the ruins, as they are in private grounds, but you can get a sense of the grandeur and importance of the Abbey in medieval times. Founded in 1134 by Ranulph de Meschines, Lord of Copeland, for a colony of monks from Furness Abbey, it was originally a Benedictine monastery. The Abbey has been described as one of the most enchanting in the British Isles. You have to return to Calder Bridge the same way.
Map
