Threlkeld to thirlmere...
From a 17th-century mining community at the base of Blencathra to 19th-century water resource at the foot of Helvellyn,
the two communities of Threlkeld and Thirlmere are linked by the lovely Vale of St John.
About the area
History & heritage
The area has a long history of occupation dating back to Neolithic times.
more history
more heritage
Art & culture
From hand made pottery to wood sculptures and more in the surrounding valley and Keswick.
What's onOddities
Mungrisdale
Mungrisdale was originally merely ‘Grisedale'. The ‘mun' came from St Mungo (otherwise known as St Kentigern), a 6th-century Christian missionary who preached at this spot.
Souther Fell
Souther Fell is Old Norse for the ‘shoemaker's fell'.Wanthwaite
Wanthwaite means ‘clearing where angelica was grown'. Angelica was highly regarded among the Norse for its medicinal properties.
Dunmail Pass
Dunmail Pass is named after a king of Cumberland (King Dunmail), who fought a great battle here in 945 AD. He is said to be buried under a pile of stones on the summit of Dunmail Raise.
Tottling Stone
The Tottling Stone (NY 309 157) at Launchy Gill is perched precariously on one corner and looks as if it would ‘tottle' over at any second. A footpath leads to the stone from a layby on the western road.
Giant Tree
The Giant Tree (NY 304 179) is a silver fir that was planted by the owners of Armboth Hall in 1820. The hall is no longer standing, but the tree still is and its impressive girth and size can be admired by following the waymarked trail from Armboth car park.
Thirlmere Reservoir
The water from Thirlmere Reservoir travels to Manchester by gravity alone, taking around 24 hours to reach the city.
Where to stay
Using this search
This quick search allows you to find accommodation within 5 miles of Keswick. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.
