5:30pm Monday 13th July 2009
By Gazette News Room
THE ribbon-like village of Shap is situated on the ancient road linking London with Edinburgh.
After his defeat at Derby in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie spent one night here but was being closely followed by the Duke of Cumberland.
Several buildings claimed to have been his resting place, including the Greyhound Hotel are the Hermitage on the opposite site of the A6.
This stroll in limestone are granite country winds its way along narrow lanes, through lush fields and down to a splendid little river.
It passes Shap Abbey and the chapel at Keld. The source of running water and bird sounds plus the majestic ruins make the route a joy whatever the time of the year.
How to get there...
From the M6 leave at junction 39 and follow the signs for Shap (A6). The Greyhound Hotel has parking for patrons, there is street parking and also a pay and display car park in the centre of Shap.
Refreshments...
Being an important coaching stop on a once busy road Shap still caters very well for visitors. The Greyhound Hotel (01931 716647) was set up in 1680 by converting a farm dating to the 15th century. The food is excellent and children are welcome.
The walk...
1 From the Greyhound take time to look at the horse-mounting steps, a fine old milestone and the attractive frontage of the hostelry. Cross the A6 and take a look at Green Farm built in 1684 and which has kept all of its old worlde charm. Follow the main road in a northerly direction through the village.
2 On the left find the old market hall, which is almost opposite the village car park. This looks very monastic, which is hardly suprising because during the 17th century masonry was removed from Shap Abbey and used to construct the impressive building. Continue past a number of grand old cottages and a number of hostelries before reaching the hermitage. This black and white structure, which now offers accommodation and dates back at least to the17th Century, is said (but who knows?) to have entertained Bonnie Prince Charlie but I don’t want to argue because this place itself is so bonny that it would entertain anybody!
3 Beyond the Hermitage look out for a brown sign indicating Shap Abbey to the left. From here onwards the route follows narrow roads - more like tracks - leading down to the abbey where there is a small car park next to the River Lowther. There are also parallel field paths, which are well marked. From the car park turn right over an old bridge crossing the river. Turn left through a gate and follow a grassy track with a stone wall on the left and reach the abbey. Shap Abbey is open free of charge and is in the care of English Heritage. Shap was founded in the 12th century by the Premonstratensians who were known as the White Canons because of their habits, which were made from undyed sheeps wool. No more that 15 monks were in residence at any one time. The most impressive remaining feature is the mighty tower which was built in the 15th Century.
4 From the abbey retrace your route and pass over the old bridge. Look for a path to the right, which ascends through a woodland. The track is easily followed to Keld.
5 Keld is a pretty little hamlet of farm cottages and an architectural gem that is maintained by the National Trust. The 15th Century monastic chapel has recently been re-roofed and is open free of charge. It is on the right of an incline leading up the the hamlet. Opposite is a cottage and on its door hangs the key to the chapel.
Just beyond the chapel a right turn indicates a cluster of buildings at Thornship, from where a well marked footpath leads back to Shap.
Distance: 4 miles Time: allow 2.5 hours Map: OS explorer OL 5 Map ref: Greyhound Inn GR 565146 NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.
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