Langwathby
a potted history
The prefix "Lang" in Langwathby means "home of" and is testament to the Viking settlements in this area in the past. Built around the village green and situated on the bank of the River Eden, Langwathby is also home to a charming railway station serving the famous Carlisle to Settle railway. With a village store, cafes and a public house Langwathby is a delightful place to overnight and prepare for the hills tomorrow.
Edenhall is a very picturesque place, full of sandstone built houses and set back off the main Langwathby road. The Hall was demolished in the 1930's but you can still see the impressive entrance lodge to the old hall at the head of the village.
Little Salkeld lies 1 mile on from Langwathby and is situated in a delightful, rural setting boasting Long Meg stone circle and The Watermill (see below). From just outside the village the magnificence of the Northern Pennine looms ever closer.
places of interest
Eden Ostrich World - an award winning visitor centre where you can see rare breeds, wallabies, emus, ostriches and other species in a farm setting with tea room, gift shop and picnic areas.
Settle to Carlisle Railway - Langwathby station is on this famous line and at the station itself you can find 'The Brief Encounter' cafe.
Long Meg stone circle - a couple of miles outside Langwathby and en-route to Hartside lies this magnificent stone circle which is steeped in folklore and legend.
The Watermill - Little Salkeld ( 1 mile from Langwathby and on route) A traditional 18th century watermill producing organic stoneground flours by water power. Offering a Mill Shop, Tearoom, Gallery and of course the fascinating mill itself.
cycle shops
Langwathby is another place that maybe an unemployed cycle mechanic should explore. Its back to Penrith I'm afraid.
Arragons - Brunswick Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 890344
Halfords - Ullswater Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 892960
eating places
Brief Encounter Cafe - Converted railway station on the Carlisle to Settle Railway serving good food made on the premises and very popular with cyclists. They are open every day from March 1st until December 21st - March until end Oct opening hours are 9 to 5 / November to December opening hours are 10 till 4 but closed on Mondays - NB these were 2005 hours!
The Watermill - Famous for its delicious wholefood and vegetarian cooking. Open for lunch, morning coffee and afternoon teas.
The Village Bakery - If you decide on going up to Hartside via Melmerby then Phil Merrin recommends you stop here for a bite of organic, wholesome food.
route features
The original C2C map had you travelling through Edenhall although the newer route which avoids the short stretch of main road before you turn off for Edenhall is still only half mile from Edenhall should you wish to overnight there. After Langwathby you pass through Little Salkeld before a steep uphill section, at the top of which you can turn left and visit the ancient stone circle of Long Meg and her Daughters (its also an excuse to have a rest!) From here there are two options to get you to the top of Hartside, one is off-road the latter part of which is testing and can be wet underfoot, this option will also involve pushing or carrying your bike uphill part of the way. The alternative is an undulating route with a couple of biggish climbs, but this has the advantage of being on road all the way to the top of Hartside. Once you reach the top you can visit the highest cafe in England and at 1904 ft above sea level Hartside Cafe is a very welcome refreshment stop complete with stunning views over the Eden Valley and, if the weather is clear enough, all the way to Scotland and the Solway Firth. The route then follows an excellent freewheel downhill to Leadgate and an undulating minor road to Garrigill.
Accommodation
A real country pub with open fires, real ale, quality wines and beer garden. Good range of bar food with separate 'Kyloes' restaurant serving eclectic and award winning cuisine. Winner of Cumbria Dining Pub of the Year plus CAMRA's Real Ale Pub of the Year. Also in the Michelin 'inns with restaurants' guide. Top spot with well chosen wine list with a new pub, the Cross Keys, recently opened on the edge of Penrith on the A686 near the rugby ground.
Web : www.kyloes.co.uk
Email : highlanddrove@kyloes.co.uk
Rooms : 3D, 2T
B&B : £35-£65
Evening meal : Bar: 2-courses £12. Restaurant 2-courses £18-£20
Packed lunch : £7.50
Distance from route : 3km - but worth every inch.
Bank House Farm, Little Salkeld, Langwathby, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1NN
B & B and self catering in converted barns and farm cottages for individuals, families and large groups. A warm welcome awaits you and we take you to the pub and back if you have weary legs.
e-mail : bankhouseequ@aol.com
rooms : 4 twin - 3 double - 2 family
months open : all year
B & B : from £25
evening meal : no
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : on route
pub : 1.25 miles
Bradley Foot, Ousby, nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1QA
Former 18th century farmhouse on outskirts of quiet fellside village, relaxing and peaceful with excellent views. Ideally situated for touring Lakes, Pennines and Northern Dales. Locked building for bikes. Drying facilities available. Full english breakfast with locally produced ingredients.
e-mail : bradleyfoot@hotmail.co.uk
rooms : 2D, 1S (1 en-suite)
months open : February to November
B & B : £26
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : easy 3 mile diversion from main climb up to Hartside
pub : 100 yards
A comfortable sandstone house on the route. Colour TV, Tea/Coffee making facilities, drying room.
web page : www.langstanes.co.uk
e-mail : clive@langstanes.wanadoo.co.uk
rooms : 2D, 1T - all en-suite
months open : all year
B & B : £28 pppn
evening meal : no, although a nearby pub serves great food
packed lunch : £4.50
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : on route
pub : 150 metres
CA10 1QW
The Black Swan is three miles outside Langwathby on the B6412 but has a keen following on account of its lovely setting and excellent food. Ingredients are local and Richard the chef/owner also has a smokehouse. He also makes his own Cumberland sausages and meat is sourced within a 10 mile radius. The menu is adventurous and on when the weather warrants it (much of the time) a roaring log fire welcomes guests, as does some excellent beer.
Website : www.blackswanculgaith.co.uk
Email : info@blackswanculgaith.co.uk
Rooms : 7 S/D/T
B&B : From £37.50
Evening meal : Around £16.50 for three courses
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