Walk: A circular walk of around 5 km on footpaths and lanes with some stiles. There will be two tea and cake stops to meet local people with stories to tell.
For: All.
Duration: 3 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 5Km.
Grading: Moderate.
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.
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See Start Locations.
Meeting Time: Monday 25th / 11:00.
Leader / Organisation: Beki Winter, Chris Loynes.
Beki Winter is a passionate advocate for community-led housing and rural resilience. Beki and her family are the newest members of Holme House Farm and are halfway through building their home using WikiHouse – an innovative, open-source construction system designed to be sustainable and accessible.
Professionally, Beki leads the Church of England’s national Housing Project, supporting parishes and dioceses to reimagine church land as a resource for affordable housing. Beki has a background in homelessness work and community-led housing.
Chris Loynes lives with his partner at Holme House Farm 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 and sailor.
Equipment: Some cash to donate to the tea and cake providers, a packed lunch, stout walking boots or shoes, clothing suitable for a low level walk for the weather of the day, swimwear for a dip in the river for those that fancy it, any personal effects that you may need.
Dogs: Yes well behaved dogs on lead.
Max No People: Max 18.
Cost: Child (under 16) £5.00, Adult £10.00, Concession £5.00.