The Upper Eden Valley
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The River
The river Eden - the only major English river that flows north - rises in the limestone moors above Mallerstang Valley to the south-east of Ravenstonedale. The waterfall of Hell Gill Force marks the start of the Eden - prior to this the stream is known as Hell Gill Beck - which then flows northwards towards Kirkby Stephen, eventually meandering out to the Solway Firth some 90 miles to the north-west. The Visit Cumbria website (www.visitcumbria.com/rivereden/index.htm) has some beautiful pictures of the river as it makes its way through this picturesque corner of England.
Local food
The region is known for its food - and not just Cumberland sausages! Here you can find local cheeses, fell-bred lamb, damson gin, gourmet chocolate, Cumberland ale, and a mouth-watering selection of meats, sausages, and locally-grown vegetables. Farmers’ markets, which are generally monthly events at different locations, are well worth as visit, bringing many of these products together under one roof - or under one sky! For more information about farmers markets visit the Made in Cumbria website here. (www.madeincumbria.co.uk/fm/fm_details.html)
Ravenstonedale
The picturesque village of Ravenstonedale boasts two fine pubs and a golf course, and nestles in a valley with Ash Fell to the north and Wild Boar Fell to the south. It is a village with a strong community spirit, with many local events which include a music festival. The spirit of the village is captured in an informative website. To get a feel for village life, visit www.ravenstonedale.org.
Kirkby Stephen
The lively and historic market town of Kirkby Stephen lies 5 miles to the north-east of Ravenstonedale on the banks of the Eden - see http://www.kirkby-stephen.com/. Visit the tourist office in Market Square to pick up leaflets and maps for the many places to visit in the Eden Valley, then wander down the road to the Church Gallery for a coffee and a read. Here you can also pick up great presents to take home. The town also has a number of shops and restaurants: if you’re looking for great food check out The Old Forge Restaurant on North Road, but you will need to book in advanced (017683 71832).
Sedbergh
South of Ravenstonedale, down one of the loveliest roads in the area (and that’s saying a lot!) lies the market town of Sedbergh. (http://www.sedbergh.org.uk/home.html) Here you are in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in what is known as ‘England's Booktown’ where bookshops abound - great for days when you can’t get out on the fells. Also worthwhile is a visit to the Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre. (http://www.farfieldmill.org/index.asp) To give you some idea of the excellent food available in this part of the world, check out the award-winning Steadman’s Butchers (www.steadmans-butchers.co.uk).
The great outdoors
Perhaps the greatest attraction of the Eden Valley is the breathtaking scenery of the river valley and its surrounding moors and fells, and the fresh, clean air. To the south of Ravenstonedale the Howgills rise to 676 metres (2,218 ft), and to the north-east the Pennines form an imposing barrier. To the west, in the distance you can see the Cumbrian Fells. Between these natural barriers the river Eden flows in a fertile valley dotted with farms, market towns and villages. All in all a walker and food-lover’s paradise.
A few days at High Chapel House with some fell-walking - or perhaps a more gentle stroll in the valleys or a round of golf - will do wonders to restore a sense of balance and well-being which will stay with you for many weeks. We look forward to welcoming you here in our little corner of Eden.