When planning a stay in Calthwaite, two distinct themes stand out: architectural and local history around All Saints and Calthwaite Hall, and The Miller’s Way, with its old routes and a footpath section to Calthwaite Bridge. You can tailor your stay to your interest in architecture and remembrance, or include the walking route. For The Miller’s Way, it is worth distinguishing the length of the full route from a specific stage.
Architectural history and places of remembrance
All Saints Church was built in 1913 from locally sourced Lazonby sandstone. Calthwaite Hall is a Grade II listed house dating from the early 19th century. Thomas Dixon built it in 1837 from grey sandstone; its Gothic porch with a pointed arch adds an architectural accent. The buildings can be distinguished by their construction dates and materials: All Saints is defined by its 1913 construction and local Lazonby sandstone, while the Hall dates from 1837, is built from grey sandstone and has a pointed-arch porch.
All Saints also has a distinctive feature inside: a unique stone gallery pulpit is attached to an interior wall. This detail of the interior complements the information about the church’s exterior architecture. For those interested in cultural history, both the building itself and its unusual stone furnishing are among the church’s notable features.
The Calthwaite War Memorial commemorates 12 local servicemen who fell in the First World War. It adds a distinct focus on remembrance to the architectural history. The history of Calthwaite Play Area is also part of the village’s more recent past: it officially opened in June 2017, following three years of local fundraising and community involvement. Alongside the older buildings and war memorial, it is an example of a community-led initiative.
The Miller’s Way: full route and stage
The Miller’s Way is a 51-mile walking route that largely follows the route JD Carr is thought to have taken. It runs along old turnpike roads, existing rights of way and minor roads. This mix gives a clear indication of the route’s character: it does not follow just one type of path. Check local path conditions before setting out, as they can change.
A section of The Miller’s Way from Plumptonfoot to Wreay follows a riverside footpath downstream to Calthwaite Bridge. The full length of 51 miles describes the entire walking route; the route from Plumptonfoot to Wreay, by contrast, refers to a single stage. This distinction can help you decide whether to focus on the length of the full route or a specific named section.
Practical planning
In Hesket Parish, the volunteer-run Fellrunner community bus serves Calthwaite and offers return journeys to Penrith and Carlisle. Check the current timetables and updates directly with the operator before including the service in your onward or return travel plans.
All Saints welcomes everyone to services on the first and third Sundays of the month at 9.30 am. If a service fits your stay, check the time before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Nether Wasdale, Thirlmere, Bampton, Cotehill, Cleator, Greystoke, Cockermouth, Wigton.
Return to the wider travel overview: Cumbria.
