an introduction to lazonby & the lower eden valley...

The fertile valley of the River Eden has long attracted settlement. From one ancient settlement to the next, the area is dotted with picturesque villages linked by the silvery ribbon of the river. A wealth of treasures can be found here from Neolithic stone circles to modern seat sculptures, fortified church towers to working corn mills.

From Culgaith, the river wends its way north to the drovers' village of Langwathby with its large central green. Downstream is Little Salkeld, home to a fully working corn mill and with one of the largest stone circles in the UK on its doorstep. On the opposite bank, the former royal manor of Great Salkeld with its massive fortified church tower was once known as Salkeld Regis. Further north, Lazonby lays claim to the largest auction mart for grey-faced mules in the country. Nearby, but on the other side of the river, is the attractive village of Kirkoswald with its fascinating church, ruined castle and cobbled market square. The next bridging point over the Eden is at Armathwaite in its wooded hollow, with nearby Ainstable on the rise of a hill. Then to Cumwhitton where an important Viking burial hoard was recently unearthed. The similarly named Cumwhinton lies on the opposite side of the river. Cotehill, as its name suggests, is perched on top of a hill. Further north still, the twin villages of Wetheral and Great Corby straddle the River Eden, linked by an impressive railway viaduct. Warwick Bridge and the Norman settlement of Aglionby complete the list of villages before the Eden is joined by the River Irthing to flow into Carlisle.