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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.
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.
The Stores - Braithwaite - spares and repairs in the village
Keswick Mountain Bikes - Southey Hill, Keswick Tel:017687 75202
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.
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!)
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.
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Please try to book
accommodation in advance and give as much
notice as possible if you have to cancel
the booking so the room can be re-let
otherwise your deposit may be forfeited.
Also if you are going to be late arriving
at your accommodation it is always a good
idea to ring and let the proprietor know so
they can keep your room open for you.
Remember to double check all details with
the establishment as this guide cannot be
held responsible for any inaccuracies or
omissions nor for any loss arising as a
result.
When booking
accommodation please mention the C2C Guide
website.
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Hazel Thompson
New House Farm, Lorton, Nr Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9UU
tel
:
01900 85404 - fax: 01900 85478
home page
:
www.newhouse-farm.co.uk
e-mail
:
hazel@newhouse-farm.co.uk
rooms
....
4 double - 1 twin - 5 en-suite
months open
....
all year
B & B
....
£67
evening meal
....
£24.00
packed lunch
....
£7.00
secure cycle parking
....
yes
distance from route
....
1 mile
pub
....
1.5 miles
New House Farm is situated in the heart of the Buttermere/Lorton valley. Dating back to 1650 it boasts original period features including beamed ceilings, flagged floors and open stone fireplaces. Magnificent views all around, fine food and en-suite bedrooms.
Also has Tea Rooms serving homemade tea and lunches in 'the old cow byres'.
Winder Hall Country House, Low Lorton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9UP
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
....
£37-£64; £71-£101 (DB&B)
EM
....
£26-£37
Distance from C2C
....
100m
5 Diamonds
....
Fine Dining Award
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.
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accommodation
