Top 9 Natural Monuments around Great Strickland

The area around Great Strickland, nestled in the Eden Valley, offers several significant natural monuments. Among the most prominent are Arthur's Pike summit, a fell offering expansive views over Ullswater, and The Cockpit Stone Circle, an ancient Bronze Age site with historical intrigue.

Yes, the region is rich in historical natural monuments. The Cockpit Stone Circle is a prime example, an impressive Bronze Age site estimated to be between 3,500 and 5,000 years old. It features a large stone circle and is believed to have served as a prehistoric gathering place or marker.

Many natural monuments in the area offer breathtaking panoramic views. From Arthur's Pike summit, you can enjoy expansive vistas over the northern reach of Ullswater and other fells, including the North Pennines on clear days. Other summits like Nameless Summit (1380 ft) – Naddle Horseshoe also provide views of several Wainwrights.

The natural monuments around Great Strickland are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, running, and cycling. Many routes pass by or offer access to these sites, allowing you to combine exploration with physical activity.

While some natural monuments involve moderate climbs, there are accessible options. For instance, the remote setting of The Cockpit Stone Circle can be reached via walking trails from Askham or Pooley Bridge, offering a tranquil experience. When planning, look for routes described as 'easy' in the nearby hiking guides.

The natural monuments in the Eden Valley and near the Lake District are beautiful year-round. However, for the most comfortable hiking and clearest views, late spring to early autumn (May to October) is generally recommended. During these months, the weather is milder, and trails are typically in better condition.

Many natural monuments and surrounding trails in the Great Strickland area are dog-friendly, especially those on open access land. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code. Check specific access rules for each site if available.

Arthur's Pike is characterized by grassy slopes and dramatic, craggy drops on its western face, known as Arthur's Pike Crags. Geologically, it is composed of ancient volcanic rocks, including hardened volcanic ash (rhyolitic lapilli-tuff) topped by tougher lava flows of dacite and andesite.

Yes, the area around Askham Fell, where The Cockpit Stone Circle is located, is archaeologically significant. It features over 100 other Bronze Age sites, adding to the historical depth of the natural landscape.

Arthur's Pike rises to an elevation of 533 meters (1,749 feet), making it a prominent fell in the Far Eastern Lake District and offering a rewarding climb for walkers.

Nameless Summit (1380 ft) – Naddle Horseshoe, despite its lack of a formal name, is a notable viewpoint and summit included in Alfred Wainwright's 'Outlying Fells of Lakeland'. It offers views of several other Wainwrights, such as Selside Pike and High Street, and is part of the scenic Naddle Horseshoe route.

Parking availability varies by specific natural monument. For sites like The Cockpit Stone Circle, access is often via walking trails from nearby villages such as Askham or Pooley Bridge, where designated parking areas may be available. For other fells and summits, look for small car parks or roadside parking options at common trailheads.