Walks, Sights & History ii

Grange-over-Sands, in Morecambe Bay, is an elegant town with a mile-long seafront promenade. The resort is also referred to as the "Lakeland Riviera", since the influence of the Gulf Stream gives it an exceptionally mild climate.

Holker Hall and Gardens is a 10-minute drive from Grange-over-sands.
 

With Grange-over-sands seaside resort less than 24 miles from Lowfield House, you can be at this charming resort after a 50-minute, picturesque drive, part of which is alongside Lake Windermere [A592]. Directions via  Google Maps

Holker Hall and Gardens is a 10-minute drive from Grange-over-sands seaside resort. Holker Hall is over 400 years old, and to this day, is the family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. It boasts fine displays of antique furniture and art.

With Holker Hall and Gardens only a 9-minute drive from Grange-over-sands seaside resort, or a 25-minute bike ride, you may wish to add this onto your trip. Directions via  Google Maps

The Ravensglass and Eskdale Miniature Steam Railway is the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in England, and is known affectionately as ‘La’al Ratty’ (meaning ‘Little Railway’ in old Cumbrian dialect). The track is 7 miles long, and takes 40 minutes each way, with spectacular views over the countryside and estuaries. 

The main season for operating is March – October, although there are some services in November, as well as over the Christmas and New Year period. Ticket prices start at £12 for children, and £18 for adults. Under 3’s are free, and various upgrades are available. Dog tickets are available at £1.50, and spaces can be booked for bikes and wheelchairs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Ravensglass Station CA18 1SW 

Boot Station, Dalegarth CA19 1TF

Tel. 01229 717171

After the retreat of the Roman Empire, and before the total takeover of “England” by the invading Anglo-Saxon tribes, several Celtic kingdoms flourished.

However, the most powerful and famous of these was Cumbria, also called Rheged, located in the northwest corner of present-day England, equivalent to the modern English county of Cumbria.

Blencathra Foxhounds is a fell pack, meaning they complete the trail on foot, and on Boxing Day the dogs are taken on the traditional John Peel hunt where they follow an aniseed trail. Foxes are no longer hunted after the Hunting Act of 2004 came into force which made it a crime in England and Wales to chase any wild animal.
 

The Blencathra, Eskdale and Ennerdale, and Coniston started as private packs, while the Melbreak and the Lunesdale were formed specifically as farmer’s packs. Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, north-east of Keswick, is one of the most northerly hills in the Lake District.  

The 19th century folk song 'D'ye Ken John Peel' (do you know John Peel), was written by John Woodcock Graves. It is known the world over and sometimes referred to as ‘The anthem of Cumbria.' 

'John Peel’ was sung in schools and homes across England. It became the most famous Lakeland Hunting Song, after its inclusion in The National Song Book of 1906 (and subsequent volumes in 1938 and 1958).
 

In 1829, John Peel was appointed huntsman for Sir Frederick Fletcher Vane, who kept a pack of hounds at his Wythop Estate. Two years after Peel's death in1854, Squire Crozier bought two couples of hounds including Peel's best and favourite. Peel's hounds were used extensively for stud purposes with the best of Mr. Crozier's - justifying the description of the Blencathra as 'Peel's old pack'. 

Song Lyrics  

D'ye ken John Peel with his coat so grey? 

D'ye ken John Peel at the break o' day? 

D'ye ken John Peel when he's far, far away.  

With his hounds and his horn in the morning?  

Chorus  

From the sound of his horn brought me from my bed,  

And the cry of his hounds which he often led,  

Peel's "View, Halloo!" could awaken the dead,  

Or the fox from his lair in the morning. 

During your time in the Lake District, please follow the Country Code, by protecting the natural environment, and by respecting other people.