Crosthwaite Cumbria the Lake District.

Crosthwaite village west of Kendal Cumbria

Crosthwaite

The word Crosthwaite means a cross in a clearing-the spot was probably named after an ancient chapel or church, long since disappeared. St Mary's, on the site, was built in 1878.

The church sits next to a traditional 17^th century Lakeland pub, the Punch Bowl. Its original beams and open fires bring into focus its historical context. There is, supposedly, a lady ghost haunting parts of the pub.

Views of the Lyth Valley are to hand. The valley is famous for Damson plums, and, in the spring, is awash with white blossoms. Damson Day celebrates the fruit. The trees were said to come from Damascus and were planted by the Furness Abbey monks. Their skins were used for purple dye during the heyday of the woollen trade. Locally called Witherslack damsons, they can be used to make jam, liqueur, ice cream, and wine.

The area was once replete with mills: a paper mill, bobbin mill, fulling mill, and corn mill dated 1829. Water was harnessed from the Gilpin River for power.

Crosthwaite, at the head of the Lyth Valley, is a scattering of farms and cottages. It's an often overlooked area on the tourists' rush to Windermere, but one that offers interesting explorations and lovely pastoral views.

Location Map of Crosthwaite
Crosthwaite is 5 miles west of Kendal off the A5047.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Ballard

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