Caldbeck

Caldbeck is a picturesque traditional fell side village ideally situated for touring the Northern Lakes, Scottish Borders and Hadrian's Wall being situated 16 miles from Keswick and 13 miles from Carlisle.

The village is named after the river on which it stands. The river provided water power for the industrial development of the 17th and 18thC - corn mills, woollen mills, bobbin mills, a paper mill and a brewery. Mineral mining was also important, the most significant being lead and copper.

Caldbeck has a selection of gift and specialist shops, ideal for browsing, around the village. There are also a good variety of pubs, restaurants and tearooms in Caldbeck. Priests Mill, an old water mill on the River Caldew was built by the Rector of the Church in 1702 for grinding corn. Two hundred years later it was used as a sawmill and joiners workshop. Today it houses a number of retail units and workshops.

In the heart of the village there is an attractive duck pond, an ideal spot to sit and rest. It is known locally as 'claydubs' which reflects its history as a claypit for a brick and tile works in the 19thC.

The present church of St Kentigern dates back to the 12thC and is believed to occupy a site where people have worshipped since Kentigern's time. Youwill find here the graves of Mary Harrison, the Beauty of Buttermere, and John Peel, the famuos huntsman.

Caldbeck village is on the Caldbeck Rambler bus route which runs on Saturdays all year round and on weekdays during the summer. This bus route runs links Keswick with Caldbeck and nearby villages of Hesket Newmarket, Mosedale and Mungrisdale. For bus timetables click here.

Excellent opportunities for walking including Carrock Fell, High Pike and the hills at the back of Skiddaw or 'back o' Skidda' as it is known locally. A short stroll from the village takes you to the Howk, an old bobbin mill and waterfall set in a limestone gorge. Alternatively stroll along the riverside path to the nearby village of Hesket Newmarket. For walking routes click here.