A milestone east of Distington Secondary School, the Wythemoor Sough and Adjoining Barn and Stable complex, and the history of Workington and Winscales Common offer different historical perspectives. They range from an old transport route to a distinctive roof form and landscape history. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Winscales, these topics may help you choose the character of place that interests you most.
Milestone and historical distances
The milestone east of Distington Secondary School dates from the late 18th or early 19th century. It was made for the Cockermouth-Whitehaven Turnpike. Its cast-iron plates show 3 miles to Workington, 9 miles to Cockermouth and 5 miles to Whitehaven. The figures can be compared directly: Workington has the shortest distance shown, Cockermouth the longest, and Whitehaven lies between them at 5 miles. The monument thus brings together its date and purpose with three specifically named destinations. Anyone interested in transport history will find more than a road name here: the inscription and the historic transport route are brought together in one object.
A complex beneath a green slate roof
Wythemoor Sough and Adjoining Barn and Stable comprises a farmhouse, a stable and a barn dating from the mid- or late 18th century. All three parts of the building sit beneath a shared, stepped green slate roof. This combination is what makes the architecture interesting: the components are identified as a farmhouse, a stable and a barn, while the roof brings them together as a complex. In considering the building, both the different functions of its parts and their shared roof design matter. Its historical interest is not limited to its age; the distinctive arrangement of the buildings also shapes the character of the complex.
Workington and Winscales Common through history
Historically, Workington and Winscales Common covered about 1,000 acres, or about 400 hectares. Both area figures are approximate and indicate scale rather than an exact value. The Common extended across the boundary of two townships and was enclosed in 1815. The details highlight different aspects: the area describes its approximate extent, the township boundary its historical administrative setting, and the date a turning point in the history of the landscape. Together, they provide a temporal and spatial framework for understanding the history of the Common.
A footpath with a bench
A footpath set back from the A596 runs between Castle Gardens and the Golf Club. There is a bench on this path. In 2024, it belonged to and was maintained by Winscales Parish Council. The bench adds a specifically named stopping point to the description of the route. If you include the footpath in your plans, check local conditions before your visit, as they may change.
Dining in the western Lake District
Oily’s is a food pub in the western Lake District. It serves traditional British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Cumbria. This offers a distinct culinary connection to the wider region. The menu and service may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Flookburgh, Baycliff, Bampton, Portinscale, Dufton, Lupton, Lindal in Furness, Eskdale
Return to the main travel overview: Cumbria.
