Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club

Walk & Event Reports

Sunday 23rd May 2021

Old Corpse Road - Shap to Selside

Leaders: Carol Telford-Jean Murray

Report by Carol Telford

Photos by

Carol Telford & Jean Murray

Due to the length of the walk and the weather forecast we weren’t expecting a high turnout- but 6 of us (+Bella) did endure the early start and headed for Shap in the pouring rain.

Luckily with the exception of a few light rain showers the sun prevailed for most of the day allowing the beautiful Swindale Valley with its stunning views to be experienced at their absolute best. No one was brave enough to tackle the stepping stones in the Valley bottom – but we did all manage to cross 4 turbulent mountain stream fords.

The walk ended with a glimpse into Tudor history at the ruinous Shap Abbey and Neolithic history with The Gogglebury Stone.

Thank you to everyone who turned out expecting a wash out- but instead were rewarded with plenty of sunshine and a little walked valley to remember.

Finally spare a thought for the pall-bearers carrying the coffins through bleak and desolate places while having to comply with all the superstitions of the day to prevent the dead spirits returning.

However unlike the spirits this is a valley that we absolutely must return to in the future

Carol