Lorton

a potted history
Lorton is in one of a sequence of valleys leading from Cockermouth heading in the direction of Keswick. This is one of the prettiest parts of the Northern Lakes with Loweswater and Crummock Water nearby. The name 'Lorton' comes from two old English words, 'Hlora' meaning roaring -stream- and 'Tun' meaning farmstead, giving us 'the farmstead by the roaring stream'.
The village of Lorton is actually two separate places -High and Low Lorton- with High Lorton the larger of the two, containing the school, shop and church. Low Lorton comprises of a few houses and a public house, with the area in between the two settlements largely taken up by the grounds of Lorton Hall.

places of interest

Wordsworth's Yew Tree - This yew tree was immortalised by William Wordsworth in his poem 'Yew Trees' and is at least 1000 years old. The Methodist, John Wesley, preached here in the mid 1750's as did George Fox, the founder of the Quakers.
Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre - Tea rooms, visitor centre, forest walks and exhibitions are all here in England's only working mountain forest.
Billy Minikin's Memorial Stone

this memorial stone, set at the foot of Whinlatter Pass on the Lorton side, is a memorial to Billy Minikin, a firefighter from Tyne and Wear who collapsed and died whilst attempting a C2C fundraising trip on what would have been Billy's 4th C2C trip. The memorial stone was erected by Billy's watch from his fire station and the words on the stone were chosen by his family who have let me know that they are - 'chuffed that so many cyclists have taken time out to find out who Billy was and that Billy himself would have also appreciated it' so as you are passing by give Billy a thought and take care yourselves.


cycle shops

The Stores - Braithwaite - spares and repairs in the village
Keswick Mountain Bikes - Southey Hill, Keswick Tel:017687 75202

eating places

New House Farm Tea rooms - tel:01900 85404 'Delicious Homemade Teas and Lunches' are served on a daily basis between 11am and 5.30pm from April to November in The Barn (the old cow byres) situated next to New House Farm (see overnight entry).

Winder Hall - tel: 01900 85107. Afternoon teas a speciality within the walled elegance of a modestly priced country house mansion. www.winderhall.co.uk. (see overnight entry).

route features
This is arguably one of the prettiest sections of the whole C2C route, passing by Loweswater and offering occasional glimpses of Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. After the cycle-paths coming out of Whitehaven and before the off-road section at Whinlatter this section is mainly set on quiet, minor roads and with the scenery all around it is a delight to cycle here. The route takes a steep uphill turn just after Lorton when you start the climb up to Whinlatter, but even this affords you stunning views all around (and you will have time to savour them when you get off your bike for a rest halfway up!)

route features
Situated midway between Keswick and Penrith, Greystoke is situated in the midst of some of the most picturesque countryside you will visit and is served by delightful rural roads. You follow the route into Penrith through delightful villages, such as Blencowe and Newton Reigny before turning left at the agricultural college and take the short off-road section into Penrith.


Accommodation
New House Farm, Hazel Thompson, Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA139UU

'Winning 17th century grade II listed farmhouse set in stunning surroundings, now boasting a tea room with declicious home-made produce. Beautiful antiques throughout compliment the original oak beams, flag floors and stone fireplaces where log fires crackle on colder days. Four posters, hot tub in the garden. Delicious food.'

Tel : 07841 159818

Web : www.newhouse-farm.com

Email : enquiries@newhouse-farm.co.uk

Rooms : 5D, 1T (E-S)

B&B : £75

Packed Lunch : £7.50

Evening meal : £24 for 3 courses

Distance from C2C : 2km

VisitBritain 5 stars : Which? Hotel of the year award winner

Pub 2km : Tea room now available





Ann and Nick Lawler, Winder Hall Country House, Low Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9UP

Beautiful hide-away location in a historic manor house just off C2C. Now a popular stopping off point for sandwiches and coffee mid-morning before the tough climb up Whinlatter. Also proving popular for afternoon teas. Those who like to take things easy might care to make this a stopping off point. Indeed, not a bad overnight for anyone coming back along the Reivers (about 3 miles south of the route down the B5292). The rooms are very pretty and the food is organic and excellent.

Tel : 01900 85107

Fax : 01900 85479

Web : www.winderhall.co.uk

Email : stay@winderhall.co.uk

Rooms : 7D, 2T, 2F, 2 Four-posters (E-S)

B&B : £55-£90

EM : £27-£39

Distance from C2C : 100m

5 Diamonds : Fine Dining Award





Christine Edmunds, Meadow Bank, High Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9UG

The reception here is as warm as the rooms and the location could hardly be bettered. Secure bike storage, drying facilities - pub close by and a great breakfast to see you on your way.

Tel : 01900 85315

Web : www.buttermerecumbria.com

Email : CEdm85315@aol.com

Rooms : 1D (private bathroom), 1T (en-suite)

B&B : £26 - £28

Packed Lunch : £4

Distance from C2C : 300m Pub 1 km