Nestled in the shadow of the northern fells in the Lake District is a tiny village which feels a world away from the tourist hotspots in the southern lakes. Caldbeck features rows of pastel-coloured cottages painted in sugary pinks, blues and greens, overlooking lawns of velvety grass.
The village - around a two-drive from Greater Manchester - is a designated conservation area and remains largely untouched with just a couple of shops, cafes and one pub. It straddles the river Cold Beck, after which the village is named.
Being so far north you’d be forgiven if you thought Caldbeck would be a little dreary, yet the village’s colourful cottages and picturesque gardens ensure it is anything but. Various brooks and streams flow through it and there’s a long village green with a duck pond, where you can sometimes spot sheep, ponies and cattle grazing in the centre.
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Historically Caldbeck had a thriving mining industry, which dated back to as early as the 13th century, but came to prominence in the 17th century. The surrounding fells were a rich source of a range of minerals, including lead and copper.
Very little of the village’s mining history remains today, although in the churchyard of St Kentigern’s is the Roughton Stone. It's a tribute to those who worked in the mines of Roughton Gill and the stone itself was used in the mining process. In the 17th and 18th centuries milling became the main focus, thanks to the river and the neighbouring streams, before fell farming later took over as the main industry.
You can see the well-preserved remains of an old bobbin mill just a short walk from the centre of the village, which also leads you to a picturesque waterfall in a limestone gorge, called the Howk. The mill reputedly had the largest waterwheel in the country, measuring three feet wide and 42 feet diameter.
The route is easily signposted from the village and the falls lie just beyond the remains of the mill. The waterfall is best seen in the autumn and winter months, when there’s less greenery blocking the view.
In the heart of the village is The Oddfellows Arms, a traditional inn serving hearty meals using locally sourced food. It’s a dog-friendly pub and has 12 renovated guest rooms.
There are several walking routes and bridleways which lead from Caldbeck through the surrounding area. Around three miles south of the village is High Pike, a fell standing at just over 2,100 ft tall which has incredible views from the summit.
The nearest lake to Caldbeck is Bassenthwaite, which is 10 miles away - around a 20 minute drive. Only 1.5 miles south of Caldbeck is the scenic village of Hesket Newmarket, which has strong links with Caldbeck.
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