Talkin Tarn
Near to Brampton, you’ll find the pretty Talkin Tarn, created by glaciation thousands of years ago. Fed by underground streams, its 65 acres are perfect for a stroll by the water or a trip out on a rented rowing boat. There’s even an excellent tearoom for less perfect weather!
Gelt Woods
Just a few miles south of the centre of Brampton brings you to Gelt Woods, a beautiful strand of woodland and a RSPB bird reserve. The River Gelt, running through the woods and giving them their name, is funnelled through the valley by the surrounding sandstone, providing a spectacular torrent at times. What’s more, you can still see Roman graffiti in the rock from the 3rd century AD, demonstrating the site’s long history as a Roman defence.
City of Carlisle
The city of Carlisle is the largest city in Cumbria and the county seat. Known for its spectacular mediaeval castle and its long history as a border town, it’s a great place for slightly more urban exploration. Tullie House museum and gallery, the stunning cathedral and the Solway aviation museum offer plenty to do in all weathers, with a friendly welcome a guarantee. What’s more, the city is easily accessible by bus from Bramtpon, should you wish to leave the car behind.
Heading North
Hadrian’s Wall
The World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall lies very close to Brampton, and is a must-see for any visitors to our area. In fact it remains the most visited site nearby and it’s not difficult to see why.
A crucial part of the British Isles’ heritage, the wall was a Roman invention and once formed the border between England and Scotland. Designed to keep raiding Scots tribes from raiding Roman villages in the north of England, Emperor Hadrian ordered construction of the coast-to-coast wall.
Only some of the wall remains standing, with some of the best-preserved sections just outside our village. Quite apart from the fascinating history on display, the ancient wall cuts across some spectacular sweeping countryside, with views for miles – essential if you’re trying to stop oncoming bands of raiders! This world-class Roman ruin can be followed by its accompanying footpath, making it an essential component of a visit to Brampton.
Galloway Forest Park
Just over the border in Southern Scotland, the Galloway Forest is a stunning place to spend a day. Often referred to as “the Highlands of the Lowlands”, this beautiful area combines ancient woodland with the wild atmosphere of the untamed nature further north.
From historic castles to mountain biking adventures, the great outdoors in all its forms can be found here, tucked away in a corner of Southern Scotland. While the park receives 800,000 visitors a year, this is a fraction of its more famous cousins to the north and south, making this something of an undiscovered gem. Combine this with the wide area it covers, and you’re sure of some peace and quiet.
The park is easily accessible from Brampton, in fact you’ll be stunned at just how accessible wild Scotland is.
Heading South
North Pennines National Landscape
Just south of Brampton is the stunning North Pennines National Landscape, which has been rated as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2003. The area boasts incredible geodiversity in a small area, interesting as much for its wildlife as for its variety. As well as the unusual habitats it provides, the stone-built villages nearby are an attraction in themselves.
England’s biggest waterfall is present at High Force, while over a third of the park has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. As far as scenery goes, from the big gestures to the small, it doesn’t really get any better than it is here.
Heading East
Northumberland National Park
One of the least-visited national parks in England, Northumberland boasts the cleanest air, cleanest rivers and the darkest skies in the whole country. It is also the furthest north and least populated, which tells you something about its remote location.
Thankfully, Brampton is one of the few towns that is relatively close to this natural wonder. With rolling moorland and breathtaking scenery, the park is the closest you come to being truly alone in the packed country of England. Unusual environments such as peat bogs and heather moors create perfect habitats for deer and the iconic red squirrel.
While the park covers quite a wide area, simply entering the park by road will provide you with a sense of wonder at what the park has to offer.
Kielder Forest
Directly south of the park, the bare moors give way to the tree plantations of Kielder Water and Forest Park.
The biggest man-made lake in the north of Europe, Kielder Water, provides the central point of this stunning nature reserve. Hiking and fishing opportunities are unparalleled, and the breathtaking gothic monument of Kielder viaduct is an attraction in itself. Pristine forest stretches as far as the eye can see, making it the perfect location for wildlife-spotting.
Heading West
The Lake District
Possibly the most famous of all the English National Parks, the Lake District offers world-class scenery of mountains and lakes, all within a manageable and compact area. Sweeping glaciated peaks, mirror-smooth waters and some of the most famous vistas in the country await you, along with postcard-perfect villages and Michelin-guide food.
While the whole park is accessible from Brampton, the lesser-visited northern and eastern portions of the park are perhaps the most spectacular and untroubled by tourists. The reservoir of Haweswater, with its spectacular valley setting and bleak, romantic atmosphere is a particular favourite. In a period of drought, you can still see the remains of the sunken village of Mardale, drowned in the 1930s for the creation of the reservoir.
For the mountaineer, the high peak of Skiddaw is easy to access, standing majestically above Bassenthwaite Lake. The fourth-highest mountain in England after the nearby Sca Fells and Helvellyn, the views from the top simply have to be seen to be believed. A tough climb, but one that can easily be achieved in a day.
A word of warning – while the Lakeland fells are not giants by world standards, never underestimate them. They are a physical challenge with rough ground and very unpredictable weather conditions. That said, they are conquerable by most people with the right preparations and attitude.
Solway Coast
An unheralded jewel of the North of Cumbria, the Solway Coast offers a sea of reeds, estuary walks and some of the best bird habitats in the country. A piece of coastal solitude, in all likelihood you’ll have the area to yourself.
Forming the border between England and Scotland, the unspoilt estuarine habitat is the perfect place for a contemplative walk, or simply to watch the tides roll in. An area long known among locals as an out-of-the-way beauty spot, it was officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1996, giving national recognition to its ethereal magic.