Lady Anne's Way
July 2024 - Westmorland Dales Festival
Ann Sandell of Kirkby Stephen Welcomes Walkers organised a walk as part of the Westmorland Dales Festival. The weather forecast was dire but was fortunately wrong & we enjoyed stunning views of the fells.
We started at the Thrang & followed Lady Anne's Way to the romantic ruins of Pendragon Castle before leaving the 'Way' to reach Outhgill. Here we visited the Jew Stone & St. Mary's Church, which Lady Anne restored in 1663. An inscription to this effect can be seen above the porch door.
Whilst out walking over Halton Edge to Barden Tower recently, we met up with walkers on the 'way' from both Germany & France. It was good to chat & discuss the route.
2024
Just setting off up Gilbert Lane to go over the top into Wensleydale. Delighted to see the Lady Anne's Way marker on the finger post. As I descended down towards Askrigg, I met a couple from New Hampshire, USA, doing the trail. Lovely to be able to have a chat & see how they were getting on.
Aug. 2023
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August 2023
Frank visited the Church at Cliburn in the Eden Valley recently & was surprised to find some Commonwealth War Graves & also some Roman stones. Then a glance at the Visitors Book showed that a couple from Devon & Somerset had passed thro on L. A Way & that they were raising money for the Charity Somerset Dementia Charity -Reminiscence Learning. We hope they managed to raise lots of funds.
A bronze sculpture influenced by Lady Anne, now stands in the centre of Kirkby Stephen. This beautiful concept piece by Academician Diane Lawrenson stands proudly beside the Tourist Information Centre & acts as a focal point in the centre of town.
It is hoped that the statute will encourage more people to visit the town, whilst also being an added attraction for those passing through on their journey along the route.
Selfie anyone?
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Footpath maintenance
August 2020 - We finally got back to the Eden Valley to check out some of the overgrown sections of the route. The old lane from Clifton Dykes heading towards Pembroke House needed a bit of TLC to say the least! There was a tunnel of sloe bushes which needed pruning back. No time to pick the sloes I'm afraid.
Next onto the riverside path at Commonholme Bridge which had become overgrown with willow branches.
LADY ANNE'S WAY PODCAST - June 2020
Mark Richards, David Felton & myself & not forgetting Mark walked along the 'Highway' from The Moorcock, before circling back via the old Chapel at Lunds. check us out on:-
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October 2019
Chris Grogan of Skyware Publications & myself joined the national Walkers are Welcome Group on their Annual Get-Together, for a walk which was hosted by the Kirby Stephen Group. We were transported to the start of the walk on the Cumbria Classic Coach bus - see right!
We had a great walk in Mallerstang, starting at Aisgill Cottages & visiting Helgill Force before climbing up onto the 'Highway'. From there we followed the valley northwards & finished at Pendragon Castle along the route of Lady Anne's Way.
It was fascinating to meet people from all over the country & chat about our mutual love of the countryside.
Frank taking opportunity for a quick sketch.
June 2018
Walked the section from Hawes via Cotter End & along the Highway (Day 4) Frank having dropped me off in Hawes & driven round to The Thrang. We then met up half way along at High Dyke. See right, with Wild Boar Fell in the background.
APRIL 2018 -
We are delighted to announce that the route is now waymarked throughout (Look out for the Lion's Head symbol) - Sponsored by:- Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust / Long Distance Walkers Ass. / Cumbria C.C. Comm. Grant Scheme / Grassington & Kirkby Stephen T.C.'s / Mickledore Walking Holidays / Craven U3A Walking Gr. / & private individuals.
February 2017
Julie, Molly & Digger finishing Lady Ann's Way as part of their '6 Ways in 2016' for charity & have raised the magnificent sum of £5,000 so far - Congratulations
'We absolutely loved this walk........ the book is fabulous! It is a little worse for wear after being dropped in the mud and soaked in rain but we think it brings character and happy memories'
Mollie, Julie & Digger at Brougham Castle
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