Top 6 Natural Monuments around Cumrew

The Cumrew area, situated within the North Pennines National Landscape, is characterized by expansive open heather moors, rolling fells, and dales sculpted by upland rivers. You'll find diverse terrain including limestone outcrops, grasslands, and glacial formations. Notable features include Talkin Tarn Lake, a glacial lake formed 10,000 years ago, and various summits offering panoramic views.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Talkin Fell Summit Cairns and Trig Point. Although not a huge fell at 381m, it offers excellent views to the north and east. Another option is Cold Fell Summit and Trig Point, the most northerly mountain in Cumbria at 621m, which also provides extensive vistas.

Yes, Talkin Tarn Lake, located within Talkin Tarn Country Park, is a great family-friendly natural monument. The area around the lake offers gentle walks and opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. Additionally, the Vista – Eden Benchmark Sculpture by Graeme Mitcheson, while man-made, is considered a natural monument and is easily accessible on a forest path, making it suitable for families.

The region offers a variety of hiking trails. For an accessible experience, the Talkin Fell loop is a popular easy hike. The Geltsdale area also features trails like the Geltsdale and Old Water loop from Castle Carrock, which passes through the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve, offering opportunities for wildlife observation. You can find more options in the easy hikes guide around Cumrew.

The North Pennines National Landscape is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather for exploring the fells and trails. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for hiking and enjoying the scenic vistas. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in upland areas.

Yes, there are several cycling routes in the vicinity. For road cycling, you can explore options like the Winding Road to Castle Carrock loop from Cumrew. If you prefer touring, the Station Climb, Armathwaite – Eden Valley loop from Armathwaite offers a moderate challenge. More cycling routes can be found in the cycling guide around Cumrew.

When hiking in the North Pennines, it's advisable to dress in layers, even in warmer months, as weather conditions can be unpredictable. Essential gear includes waterproof and windproof outer layers, sturdy hiking boots, and appropriate clothing for insulation. Don't forget sun protection, a hat, and gloves, especially when ascending to exposed summits like Talkin Fell or Cold Fell.

Many of the natural areas and trails in the North Pennines National Landscape are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock and wildlife. Specific natural monuments like Talkin Tarn Lake and its surrounding park are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. Always check local signage for any restrictions, particularly within nature reserves like RSPB Geltsdale, to ensure responsible visiting.

Parking is generally available at trailheads or nearby villages for popular routes. For instance, when visiting Talkin Fell, you can typically find parking in or around Talkin village, which serves as a starting point for the Talkin Fell loop. For other areas, it's best to research specific starting points for trails like the Geltsdale and Old Water loop, which often have designated parking areas in villages like Castle Carrock.

The Vista – Eden Benchmark Sculpture by Graeme Mitcheson is one of ten stone artwork pieces commissioned to celebrate the millennium along the River Eden. It depicts carvings of boots, clothing, and a backpack, symbolizing someone preparing for a dip in the river. You can easily find it on the forest path through Coombes Wood.

Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse landscapes, from challenging fell walks to gentle reservoir loops, catering to various fitness levels. The stunning views from elevated points like Talkin Fell, the opportunity for wildlife observation within areas like the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve, and the overall character of open moorland and rolling fells are highly praised. The unique geological features, such as Talkin Tarn Lake, also draw significant interest.

Beyond the well-known fells and lakes, the area holds some unique spots. For instance, Carved Faces Bay offers an intriguing discovery, featuring five carved faces, a fish, and scripture. This bay is only accessible when river levels are very low, adding to its hidden charm and making it a rewarding find for adventurous explorers.