Appleby-in-Westmorland

It was a dull, chilly day but I still enjoyed exploring the small market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria. Sitting between the Pennine hills and the Lake District fells, it was originally the county town of the historic county of Westmorland. It has the tell-tale features of a town with Norman origins: a castle, a church, a market place and a single main street, which would probably have had crofts (homesteads) on either side. The wide main street, Boroughgate, is marked by a column (cross) at either end. The High Cross (shown above) dates from the 17th century and is inscribed: 'Retain your loyalty; preserve your rights'. An avenue of lime trees shades the properties on either side, some of which date back to the 17th century, and beyond them there are the little alleyways and mews characteristic of our old villages and towns.     

The town is on the famous Settle-Carlisle railway line, so a rail journey to Appleby is a real treat, passing through stunning countryside and over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. 

The bottom of Boroughgate has the old Moot Hall, built in 1596 as an assembly room where local matters were decided. It was swathed in scaffold and tarps, undergoing repairs, so I didn't take a photo. At the south end lies Appleby Castle, historic home of Lady Anne Clifford. The keep dates back to Norman times and reflects a time when there were many battles in these parts between the English and the Scots. 

The River Eden cradles the town in a huge meandering loop and there are some lovely woodland walks. 

The local stone is sandstone, giving rise to some attractive russet-coloured buildings, and evidence of dwellings and storage rooms within the rock. I particularly liked this old, weathered door and the red creepers hanging down.