Appleby

11:01am Tuesday 17th April 2007

THE former county town of Westmorland is a traditional market town and a haven for visitors. Appleby offers beautiful walks along the side of the River Eden. For train enthusiasts, the Settle-to-Carlisle railway line also stops off at the town, where the traditional station has been kept in first class condition for the many visitors who arrive by the chartered steam trains as well as regular loco service.

The town is renowned around the world for the annual New Horse Fair in June when gypsies and travellers make their way to the historic Fair Hill, where they have traded and raced their horses for more than 300 years.

Appleby is steeped in history. The picturesque centre, with the Cloisters and St Lawrence's Parish Church at the bottom and Norman Castle at the top, has remained unchanged for generations. St Lawrence's has one of the oldest-surviving organs in the country.

The Grammar School was attended by the half brothers of George Washington, first President of the USA. You can see the almhouses, originally built for 13 poor widows of the Castle Estate by Lady Anne Clifford. Known as St Anne's Hospital, the almshouses are still maintained by the trust endowed by Lady Anne Clifford.

There are also other unique festivities, like the rushbearing services still held in the villages of Great Musgrave and Warcop, or the outstanding Jazz and Music Festival held every August.

Appleby remains a market town, with a small open-air market opposite the Cloisters every Saturday and indoor Friday market.

Main attractions...

The Town Trail is now available with interactive, hand-held media, to guide you around the main attractions of the town centre, including St Anne's Hospital, Appleby Almshouses, the Moot Hall, St Lawrence's Church and Shire Halls.

Appleby Golf course provides magnificent scenery in which to play the game.

Appleby Exhibition centre in the Moot Hall has year-round exhibitions of local talent and interest.

And if it's wet...

Appleby War Memorial Swimming Pool, on the site of the old outdoor lido, features a new, modern pool and gym which were developed with money raised by local people.

Goldworthy Sheepfolds indoor exhibition is open at Appleby Heritage Centre, exploring the largest outdoor art project ever undertaken.

Walks...

Long: The disused railway station, next to the Settle-Carlisle railway station, is the starting point for a 8.5 mile walk from Appleby to Flakebridge Wood and the Roman Road. You take in the villages of Murton, Flakebridge and Long Marton on this circular route.

Short: A short circular route takes in the beauty of the River Eden. Starting from the car park at the Swimming Pool take the footpath upstream, coming to the main bridge across the Eden turn left and follow the path along the river down stream through a wood, over a bridge back.

Events...

Every Saturday - open-air market in town square.

Every Friday - Indoor market.

Appleby Horse Fair Appleby, details on 017683 51177. June.

Appleby Town Carnival & Sports - details on 017683 53034 -July.

Appleby Agricultural Show Barley Field, near Appleby Golf Course- details on 01931 714571 - August.

Dufton Agricultural and Sheepdog Show, Dufton Showfield, Fawcett Park, Long Marton - details on 017683 62015 - August.

For more information...

Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby 017683 51177 or www.appleby.uk.net.