Both Norman castles at Brough and Brougham rest on the outline earthworks of Roman forts and the very presence of castles from many ages affirm a region beset with ancient challenge and potential conflict.
For walkers eager to make more of the expedition the walk can include a longer opening sequence lassoing the enigmatic Pendragon Castle. Located at the dramatic Pennine entry to Mallerstang, where the Eden is born. Thereafter, heading downstream by the ruined Lammerside pele and defended manor of Wharton Hall to link up with the direct route at Halfpenny House, thereby almost doubling the first day’s trek.
The Walk concludes in close proximity to the Far Eastern Fells of Lakeland drawing down the river Lowther to pass the fantasy castle associated with the Earls of Lonsdale at Askham and passing through Clifton where the last land battle on English soil occurred in 1745 when the Duke of Cumberland’s red-coat militia confronted the retreating army of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Once over the river Eamont the route concludes in chime with a Roman road to end in Penrith, the administrative heart of the Eden District, where you may board your train or bus connection home.
