natural environment of brampton...
Around Brampton there are pockets of woodland and forest with open access awaiting to be discovered, many with waymarked routes and information panels - Gelt Woods, Miltonrigg Wood, Rowbank Wood, Talkin Tarn and The Mote/Ridge Wood. Further afield are the beautiful hanging woodlands along the Irthing gorge at Combe Crag Wood and Gilsland Spa.
Talkin Tarn Country Park
Take time out to unwind in the bucolic surroundings of this ‘kettle-hole' lake set among 120 acres of farmland and woodland. Take a rowing boat out on the lake or enjoy a 1.3 mile (2 km) circuit of the tarn followed by refreshments at the Boathouse Tearoom with superb views over the tarn. The lakeside circuit is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Children's play area. Car park. Open all year (but tearoom may be closed on certain days during the winter).
Gelt Woods
The ‘mad river Gelt' courses through the middle of this ancient oak woodland, sculpting the underlying sandstone bedrock into fantastic forms. The trees are mainly oak, birch and ash with mature specimens of sweet chestnut, Douglas fir and beech that were originally planted for their timber. The Romans quarried stone from here for Hadrian's Wall, leaving inscriptions on the ‘Written Rock of Gelt'. Limited parking at Low Gelt and Middle Gelt bridges.
The Mote and Ridge Walk
This prominent mound overlooking Brampton is a man-made Norman motte that once supported a wooden fortress on the top. Several paths lead to the summit where panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside can be shared with a statue of the 7th Earl of Carlisle (1802-1864). From here, a footpath leads onto Brampton ridge, a beech-lined walk with outstanding views over the Irthing Valley.
Ridge Wood
A tract of mixed woodland with several looping footpaths that connect to the Brampton Ridge walk at the top.
Quarrybeck Wood
A footpath through this beautiful wooded glen follows the Quarry Beck as it tumbles down to join the River Irthing at Lanercost Bridge. Parking and picnic site at Lanercost Old Bridge.
Miltonrigg Wood
Ancient semi-natural oak and birch woodland with some conifer stands. Way-marked paths meander through the wood (most are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs). Pond with viewing platform. Car park (just off A69).
Rowbank Wood
Follow the route of the horse-operated ‘Dandy Line' that linked Brampton station with the town or wander along the many permitted footpaths through the wood. Parking outside Brampton station.
Combe Crag Wood
A varied woodland and riverside walk with many surprising features of interest - exposed crags, Roman inscriptions, tilted stream bed and a swing bridge. Access from Hadrian's Wall Path or Chapelburn.
Irthing Gorge Woods
A network of paths can be followed through these riverside woodlands lining the Irthing Gorge. One footpath leads to the spa well and further upstream is the Popping Stone, where Sir Walter Scott ‘popped' the question to his future wife. Footbridges connect paths on both sides of the river. Parking at Gilsland Spa Hotel.
Kings Forest of Geltsdale RSPB Reserve
From blanket bog to flower-rich hay meadows and a newly planted woodland, this extensive RSPB reserve is internationally important for moorland birds, with three way-marked trails to explore the different habitats. An information centre at Stagsike Cottages (open most days, 9.00-5.00) has CCTV coverage of nesting birds during the breeding season. Year-round programme of events and guided walks (advance booking required). Unless disabled, access is on foot from the car park at grid ref. (40-minute walk).
