53 min listen
Countrystride #74: Railways of Cumbria
FromCountrystride
ratings:
Length:
57 minutes
Released:
Feb 4, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
...in which we walk the popular Railway Trail between Threlkeld and Keswick to explore the history of rail in the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. In the company of Peter Rooke, curator of the West Cumberland Railway Museum, we embark on our journey in the pioneering age of steam, when Carlisle offered a west coast port for the metalworks of Newcastle. As lines spread – around the west coast and reluctantly over Shap – we learn about the Lowther decree that split Whitehaven in two and the overseas fate of Europe's then-longest viaduct across the Solway. Entering the tourist age, we consider why golf-loving Scots were the making of Silloth and why La'al Ratty once had ambitions on Ambleside, before arriving in rail's sunset years, when consolidations and Beeching laid waste to many still-lamented rural lines.
You can find out more about Peter's museum – and arrange a visit - at https://www.facebook.com/West-Cumberland-Railway-Museum-1082018475225883/
You can find out more about Peter's museum – and arrange a visit - at https://www.facebook.com/West-Cumberland-Railway-Museum-1082018475225883/
Released:
Feb 4, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Countrystride #12: Great Langdale - A heritage landscape: ...in which we celebrate World Heritage Day by exploring Great Langdale with National Trust archaeologist Jamie Lund. Setting out from Sticklebarn, we talk dry stone walls, the remarkable Cumbrian commons and the legacy of campaigner George Trevelyan, be... by Countrystride