art & culture of kirkby stephen...
Eden Benchmarks
Ten carved stone sculptures (which also function as seats) that can be found along the length of the River Eden from Mallerstang to Rockcliffe and commissioned to commemorate the 2000 millennium. The sculpture at Mallerstang, called ‘Watercut' , was sculpted by Mary Bourne. Another ‘benchmark' can be found in Stenkrith Park, called ‘Passage' by Laura White. Booklet from the East Cumbria Countryside Project www.eccp.org.uk.
Andy Goldsworthy sheepfolds
Three restored sheepfolds can be found in the Kirkby Stephen area - at Outhgill, Warcop and Brough. All are sited on old pinfolds, where stray animals were once penned until their owners released them on payment of a ‘pinder' or fee. Each fold contains a stone cone. Brough pinfold is in the grounds of Church Brough Primary School; Warcop pinfold is on the southern outskirts of the village beside a stream, and Outhgill pinfold is on the B6259 road to Garsdale Head. A ‘Touchstone Fold' sheepfold can also be found at Deadman Gill (off the B6276 road to Middleton-in-Teesdale). www.sheepfoldscumbria.co.uk
Poetry Path
A series of 12 short poems by Meg Peacocke celebrating a year in the life of a hill farmer. Each poem is hand carved onto blocks of stone placed at intervals along the 2 mile (3.2 km) route. The Poetry Path begins at Swingy Bridge and follows a circular route around the River Eden. Booklet from the East Cumbria Countryside Project. www.eccp.org.uk
Hutton Lodge Pottery
Small showroom and workshop producing a range of domestic stoneware from egg cups to bread crocks.
