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Sunday 2 December 2012

Sun 2 Dec - Long Meg and her Daughters

In the shadow of the North Pennines within the pleasant Eden valley lies one of the largest stone circles in Britain. Dating from the early Bronze age it is surrounded by many myths and legends.

The walk begins alongside the River Eden and continues through fields before joining a country lane, which rises steadily uphill to Glassonby. Soon after, the route takes us onto a track and through the churchyard of St Michael's, the medieval church of the lost village of Addingham. Continuing through fields we eventually reach the stone circle, where we can pause to explore the stones and their megalithic artwork.
Following the track takes us into Little Salkeld and then alongside the Settle-Carlisle railway line, before descending into woodland and back towards the riverside path. After a mile or so, we reach the shelter of Lacy's caves, carved out of the sandstone by the eccentric Colonel Lacy in the 18th century, before rejoining the riverside path and finally arriving back at the car park.

Distance: 8 miles
Time: 4 hours
Total ascent: 150m
Grade: 2
Start: 10 am at the Eden bridge car park in Lazonby (Grid ref NY549402). Directions: From M6 Junction 41, turn onto the B5305 (signposted A6 Carlisle) and then follow the A6 to Plumpton. Turn right onto the B6413 and follow all the way to Lazonby (3 miles). Continue through the village and the road bends left alongside the river. After about 250m, and before reaching the bridge, there is a car park on the right.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

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