Pictures of Threlkeld

About Threlkeld

This is a magical area of sparking lakes, tumbling waterfalls, high peaks and vast moorland regions. It is the English countryside and nature clothed in all her wonderous glory. Threlkeld has a history that stretches back over the centuries for almost 900 years but not a great deal is known of earlier times and for those who wish to learn about the history of the region, a visit to the museum at nearby Keswick is a must.

That Threlkeld is a lonely and largely agricultural place is undeniable. Sheep formed an important part of farming life and there is a long tradition in these parts of sheepdog trials, held mainly in the summer months and attended from all over. A short distance from the village is the stone Circle of Castlerigg, it is 4000 years old and was the inspiration for the poem Hyperion, penned by John Keats (1705-1821). The one hundred foot circle comprises of 38 stones with 10 inner stones, it is awesome to look upon, especially when dappled by a late evening sun. The circle is almost ringed by high moorland sweeping upwards in parts to heights of a thousand feet and more. Blencathra, towers to a dizzy height of 2840ft above the village, it is reached by a torcherous walk but the summit is well worth the effort, it has a stilled and strange perfection with glorious views in every direction.

Stout stone cottages, built long ago are interspersed throughout the village. The Horse and Farrier Inn dates 1688, its mellow stone walls welcome todays tourists just as it must have welcomed the stagecoach travellers of the 17th and 18th-century. One marvells at this lovely old building as it nestles beneath the stark beauty of Blencarthra. The ancient church of St.Mary dates from the 18th-century, it replaced a church of the 13th-century and contains many treasures from the original church including a set of medieval bells, a leather bound bible and parish records that go back to the times of Elizabeth I. The old churchyard is the site of many interesting tombstones and a monument to 45 fox hunters. Fox hunting on foot was once a great sport in this area.

Threlkeld, lying close to the waters of the River Greta, makes an ideal centre from which to explore the heart of the magnificent lakeland scenery. It is a short distance away from the quaint town of Keswick and in the midst of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water with Buttermere being a stone's throw away.