Orton: Landscape, Paths and History

Orton is surrounded by several distinctive landscapes: the Howgill Fells lie to the south, the Lake District to the east and the Crosby Garrett Fells to the west. Orton Scar, a prominent limestone escarpment, lies to the north. Streams flow through the village, crossed by bridges and stepping stones. Thus, the landscapes around Orton sit alongside the streams and crossings in the village.

Landscape and Walking

The Wainwrights ‘Coast to Coast’ walk passes through Orton. Walking routes from Orton also cross Orton Scar, where deep fissures shelter ferns and wildflowers. These are two distinct connections: one route passes through the village, while other paths cross the Scar and its fissures.

Buildings and Historic Sites

All Saints Church was built in 1293. Its square tower dates from the early 16th century and is finished with white lime render. The church thus reveals two construction periods far apart in time: the late 13th-century building and the tower, built later. The white lime-render finish is another specific feature of this later phase.

Petty Hall and Orton Hall also offer distinct historical points of interest. Petty Hall is an Elizabethan building in Orton; Orton Hall was built in 1662. Petty Hall is notable for its period, whereas Orton Hall is dated to a precise year.

Behind Orton Scar lie Castle Folds, a small fort and a wall. Both were built to keep livestock during Scottish raids. The site therefore combines a specific historical function with its location behind the Scar.

A monument on Orton Scar marks the site of a beacon lit on 21 June 1887 for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The precise date and occasion link the monument clearly to a specific event. The Gamelands embanked stone circle adds another kind of historic site: it is a Scheduled Monument and the only fully intact example of an embanked stone circle in Cumbria. The historical dates mark different points of reference: 1293 dates the construction of the church, 1662 the construction of Orton Hall, while 1887 marks the lighting of the beacon for the Golden Jubilee. Thus, building history sits alongside the memory of a single event.

Market and Local Crafts

The Orton Farmers’ Market offers local, seasonal food and drink, as well as locally made arts and crafts. So, alongside the landscape, walking routes and building history, food and local crafts are also among the things you can consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Wigton, Allerdale District, Barrow-In-Furness, Lowick, Watermillock, Oulton, Haverigg, Near Sawrey

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.