Ainstable: Walking and History

When planning a stay in Ainstable, you can focus separately on outdoor activity and local history. The Ainstable slow trail is a circular walk with a clearly stated distance; St Michael’s Parish Church offers a longer historical perspective. When choosing between activities, the key details are the time required for the full circuit and the water-level condition for accessing the sandstone sculptures.

Walking by the River Eden

The Ainstable slow trail is a 10.9-kilometre circular route, estimated to take more than two hours. It follows a riverside path along the River Eden and crosses small streams on small, flat bridges. The distance and duration help you plan the full circuit as a block of time; nevertheless, check the path conditions before setting out. A shorter option loops around Coomb Wood; a grey section of the route can optionally be included. The estimate of more than two hours applies to the full circuit and should not automatically be applied to this shorter option.

Sandstone sculptures and foraging plants

The sandstone sculptures below Coombs Wood comprise five faces and written inscriptions. Access is difficult and possible only when the River Eden is at a low water level. If you plan to visit the sculptures, treat the water level as a prerequisite and check conditions before your visit.

In Coombs Wood, violets, dandelion leaves, wood sorrel and nettles are among the popular plants for foraging. If you are interested in foraging, follow the latest guidance on landscape use and land management.

Stone circles and historic structures

Broomrigg A and B1 differ in shape and size. Broomrigg A is a rare example in north-west England of a large, irregular stone circle with an associated double stone row. Originally, red sandstone formed a circle about 55 metres in diameter; the north-western arc is still largely intact in its original position. Broomrigg B1 originally consisted of seven stones, four of which survive; they enclose an area about 3.4 metres in diameter. Despite excavations and the loss of some stones, this prehistoric circle is relatively well preserved.

At Broomrigg F, two adjacent hut circles have stone rings about 3.7 metres in diameter. Broomrigg P has a different structure: the remains include a single-chambered dry-stone shieling. The surviving walls are seven metres long and up to 1.5 metres wide. The medieval shieling was a seasonally used hut for shepherds on upland or moorland pasture.

St Michael’s in Ainstable

St Michael’s Parish Church in Ainstable is medieval in origin and was rebuilt in 1870–1871. Its medieval origins and later rebuilding therefore represent two distinct historical phases. A will from the mid-13th century also mentions the churchyard. The building history and the early mention of the churchyard thus offer different points of reference in time for anyone interested in the history of the area.

Discover more destinations: Broughton-In-Furness, Backbarrow, Silecroft, Broughton, Wheyrigg, Gamblesby, Cotehill, Ireby

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.