Walk: Sprint Valley (Skelsmergh to Holme House Farm/Sprint Mill).
For: Adults.
Duration: 3 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 3 miles with minimal ascent.
Grading: Easy.
Description: Skelsmergh is a little-known 'no man’s land' on the edge of the Lake District, rich in natural beauty and geological significance. The area features an impressive array of glacial landforms, including one of the finest drumlin fields in the UK, and is underlain by rare geological formations. This landscape also supports a vibrant cultural heritage, with historic bobbin mills, working traditional farms, remnants of ancient woodland, and the River Sprint — celebrated as one of the fastest and cleanest rivers in England.
Holme House Farm is home to five families who came together in 2019 to establish an eco-conscious co-housing community. The site includes a central area for new homes and 8 acres of surrounding land. Most residents currently live in converted caravans, with two homes nearing completion and three more in the planning stages.
During this walk, you’ll explore the rich geological and cultural history of the area and hear from Beki and Chris about their experience living in a co-housing community — including the challenges and rewards of self-building their home.
Meeting Place: Layby on the east side of the A6 GR528952. We will meet here and car share to the start of the walk where parking is limited.
///owls.bookshop.rentals
Grid Ref: SD528952.
People arriving on foot or by bike are welcome to meet at Holme House Farm.
///heartless.inspected.shippers
Grid ref: SD520970
Meeting Time: Sunday 30th / 9:30am.
Leader / Organisation: Chris Loynes. Chris Loynes lives with his partner in the Holme House Farm co-housing community and is a member of the Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council. He has been a teacher, youth worker and, recently, he retired from the University of Cumbria as professor of Human Nature Relations. He is a keen naturalist.
Equipment: Walking boots, waterproofs, warm clothes + lunch and snacks.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs.
Max No People: 12.
Adult Only Half Day
Cost: Adult £7.00, Concession £4.00.