A STROLL BY OLD ITOUNA - 13.1.13


OLD ITOUNA

A New Year, A refreshed Group!

 

 15 started Louise’s Riparian Ramble - a number not seen for nearly five years when 18 started up Fusedale. Twelve members were accompanied by three welcome guests as we started along the River Eden at Wetheral. Conditions were dull but frosty which helped alleviate the inevitable muddy stretches though sunshine was in short supply throughout the day. In fact a not unpleasant light fall of snow refreshed the ground during the afternoon.

 Itouna (or Ituna) is the Roman version of Eden –

Carved on the rock by William Mounsey in the 1850’s on rock near St. Constantine’s Cell is:

 

“To meet the Atlantic’s boundless time,

See old Ituna’s waters glide,

As rolls the river to the sea

So time unto eternity”

 

After leaving Wetheral the river was soon joined, the first landmark being the ‘Flight of Fancy’ Eden Benchmark seat. This was soon left in our wake as even the least fit were not yet ready to rest. Next up was the monastic cave dwelling of St. Constantine’s Cell carved out of the sandstone cliffs.

 Several miles of riverside walking followed, with a short stop for coffee at a handy fishing hut, passing Brackenbank before leaving it at Drybeck to walk quiet lanes into Armathwaite. Crossing the river here at the road bridge marked the approximate half way point at eight plus miles but those who anticipated an interlude in the handy Fox & Pheasant Inn were sadly disappointed!

 After a short road passage the opposite east bank of the river was regained at Holmwrangle and further pleasant paths lead homeward before the right of way ran out at Brocklewath. The steep but short climb of Howcliffe Scar after Hurley Beck was saved until after a welcome lunch break perched above the water.

 Bypassing the private grounds of Corby Castle, which together with its impressive cascading waterfall were seen to good effect shortly after starting, the village of Great Corby was soon reached. It only remained to cross the lofty railway viaduct high above the Eden to re-enter Wetheral via the station where some dallied to enjoy the delights of the Wheatsheaf Inn before dispersing.

A NICE PLACE TO STOPST. CONSTANTINE'S CELLIN A LINE FOR LUNCH

 

THE EDENTHE EDEN AT WETHERALWETHERAL STATION