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 Departing Carlisle on the A69 highway towards Brampton to Warwick Bridge where before crossing the bridge bare right to Wetheral which is overshadowed by Corby Castle with its stone lions on the roof. There was a Benedictine Priory here of which the gatehouse remains and St Cuthbert was said to have been buried here in the 7th Century.

Continuing down the Eden valley as it winds it's way down the west side of the Pennines a short distance from Castle Carrock, where Tottergill Farm is located offering Self Catering accommodation with a history. There is a castle Armathwaite that  started as a pele tower against the Scottish Marauders, then continuing on through Kirkoswald  and Glassonby to Robberby turning left for Melmerby for refreshments. Alternatively Penrith is also a short drive west

North of Langwathby near Glassonby is a 18 century corn mill at Salkeld which powered from the watermill still produces stone ground flour during the summer months.

In the same vicinity are two more places of interest, Long Meg a prehistoric circle of 68 large stones and Lacy’s Caves at Little Salkeld which are carved out of the red sandstone and can be found after a 2km  walk by the river Eden.

Quiet rural accommodation is available at Newby End Farm in Newby, just off the M6 Motorway south of Penrith, where B&B, Self Catering and small Touring Camp Site can be found. An ideal location to explore the Pennines, Eden Valley or the North Eastern Lakes.

The  valley of Eden which winds it's way down the west side of the Pennines from Carlisle to Kirby Stephen in the Yorkshire Dales, has a Art Sculpture Trail which has 10 distinctive works by various local Artists, giving an interesting route to follow.

Alan Stone is a painter & printmaker with his work on show at Blencarn in the shadow of Cross Fell the highest point on the Pennine Way.  www.alanstones.demon.co.uk   Tel: 01768-88-688

Quality Country House Hotel accommodation is available at the Brantwood in Stainton only two miles west of Penrith off the A66 Keswick road. Near the RHEGED Discovery Centre and Ullswater, ideally located to visit the Northern Lake District

Brougham Castle at the south of Penrith at Eamont Bridge was built by the Roman General Agricola in the 1st Century AD and another was built in the 12th Century which was derelict when the Countess of Pembroke a Lady Anne Clifford of Appleby a Royalist restored and fortified it during the Civil War in the 17th Century. A further short run south is the Mayburgh Earthworks where Authur’s Round Table a prehistoric mound some 15 feet (5m) high covers an area of more than an acre.

Appleby is a stop on the 19th Century (Carlisle to Settle) Railroad, still in operation by modern commuter trains and occasionally restored Steam Locomotives, being popular with steam rail enthusiasts. The scenic route to Carlisle is renowned for its views especially across the Ribblehead Viaduct which has also to be viewed from below to comprehend the Victorian Engineering.

Appleby has an annual  Horse Fair which has been in existence since 1685 is held in early June, originally a festival of nomad travelling people there is now a strong mix of local horse traders involved in the celebrations and country activities.

The castle at the head of the village was fortified during the Civil War as a Royalist refuge by Lady Anne Clifford who when besieged in 1648 resisted the Roundheads till they ran out of food. Jack Robinson a Secretary to the Treasury lived in the White House on the main Street, he was  impatient and refused to tolerated delays, hence the saying 'Before you can say Jack Robinson'

Kirkby Stephen is an ancient market town at the foot of the panoramic Eden Valley and has something to interest everyone.  It is a thriving town with many antique shops and high class cafes, restaurants and pubs, accommodation is nearby at the Kings Head Hotel in Ravenstonedale.