This area which looks so cultivated and prosperous (putting aside for one minute the wretched chapter of foot and mouth disease in 2001) was once so violent that there was no proper settlement outside Carlisle until 300 years ago; that handsome bastion on Longtown's high street, the Graham Hotel, bears the name of the family who settled the town. They were also amongst the most infamous of reiving families (see p.113-114), whose very surname was at one stage declared illegal. That is the reason there are some 90 pele towers scattered around this area - the only way of staying alive and keeping your few head of cattle was to put them behind lock, gate and thick stone wall when the riders were abroad.

With respectability came not only the Graham Hotel, but high street banks, so if you are running low there are a couple of cash dispensers there. The quickest way to Longtown is to turn right and head up the A6071 fior 3km just beyond Kirklinton, or cross the A7 and turn right a few hundred metres past the Lynebank House Hotel. This takes you onto the Route 7 cycle way, the Lochs & Glens route which connects Carlisle with Glasgow.

13. Westlinton		Back to
Duncan Todhunter		Lynebank Guest House, Westlinton, nr Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 6AA
Tel		01228 792 820
Fax		01228 792 816
Web		www.lynebank.co.uk
Email		info@lynebank.co.uk
Rooms		3S, 3D, 2T, 1F
B&B		£22.50 - £40 (with a bridal suite option)
Packed Lunch		from £4.50
Evening Meal		£5.85 - £29.50
Distance from Reivers		On route
VisitBritain		4 stars

17th century coaching house recently renovated to nine bedroomed hotel, restaurant and bar. All rooms en suite. Licensed. Secure cycle parking in landscaped courtyard. Kannyble's restaurant has vegetarian options. Free pint for the first person to guess the provenance of the restaurant name.