The oldest surviving part of St Lawrence's dates to around 1200. Ewe Close is considered the best-preserved native Romano-British settlement in north-west England. A walk across Crosby Ravensworth Fell and through the valley complements the cultural history with a clearly defined landscape focus. This offers different themes to choose from when planning: individual traces of buildings and settlement, or a walk with panoramic views.

Church and monuments

St Lawrence's brings together several periods. The crossing is considered its oldest surviving part, dating to around 1200. A crossing is the area where a church's nave and transepts intersect. The altar tomb for Sir Lancelot Threlkeld dates from the early 16th century. The Crosby Ravensworth churchyard cross is protected as a Scheduled Monument. Its chamfered medieval stone shaft is 2.1 metres high; its architectural ornamentation is characteristic of the Early English style.

Ewe Close is considered the best-preserved native Romano-British settlement in north-west England. The monument includes a section of the Roman road Wicker Street. A medieval farmstead is also among the surviving remains. It comprises a rectangular stone building, a paved yard or cattle enclosure, and a small outbuilding. The Roman road and medieval farmstead offer distinct historical reference points: a section of a route on the one hand, and the structures of a farmstead on the other.

Another historical point of interest is the Charles II monument at the source of the River Lyvennet. It commemorates Charles II drinking from the spring in 1651 while travelling south from Scotland. Thomas Bland of Reagill erected the monument around 1851; it was restored in 1861 at the expense of Mr Gibson. Three reliefs depict a profile bust of Charles II, a crown and a lion. The commemoration relates to an event in 1651, while the monument was erected and restored in the 19th century.

Walking and practical planning

The local Parish Walks booklet from 2018 lists a walk across Crosby Ravensworth Fell and through the valley: 6 miles or 9.2 kilometres, 2½ hours and moderate difficulty. The route offers panoramic views of the Pennines, the Howgills and the Lakeland Hills. The stated duration helps you plan the walk as a separate activity; check the route conditions locally.

The local walking booklet from 2018 describes the village street in Crosby Ravensworth and the road around Maulds Meaburn as fully accessible to wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. Conditions can change, so check before your visit.

Walkers can take shelter at St Lawrence's, where toilet and kitchen facilities are available. Check in advance whether they are currently available for use.

Discover more destinations: Soulby, Patterdale, Sedbergh, Ambleside, Ivegill, Bouth, Shap, Holmrook.

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.