Ireby: Northern Fells, History and Trails

Ireby combines the landscape on the edge of the Northern Fells with a remarkable density of historic traces. The village lies in the area locally known as “Back o'Skiddaw” and therefore offers a special starting point for travellers who want to combine experiences in nature with cultural history. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ireby can base their choice of accommodation on precisely this interplay between landscape, historic buildings and trails.

Landscape between the Northern Fells and the Lake District

Ireby's character is shaped by its location on the edge of the Northern Fells. There are easy walking trails in the local area around Ireby and Uldale. At the same time, the Smugglers Route ends in Ireby. These two details open up different possibilities for planning your days: you can include a route with Ireby as the endpoint or plan walks and hiking trails in the local area without focusing your stay exclusively on historic sights.

The wider surrounding area also offers interesting destinations. Overwater, the northernmost lake in the Lake District, is a few miles from Ireby. A Bronze Age farmstead was located on nearby Aughertree Fell; remains of a pre-Roman road can also still be seen there. This gives you nature and history themes for your trip that can be explored independently of one another.

Ireby Old Church and Historic Buildings

A central cultural and historical site is Ireby Old Church. It was built around 1150. Particularly noteworthy is the arcade in the east wall with three round-headed lancet windows, dating from around 1170. The church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Access is via a footpath from the road across uneven pastureland; you should take this path into account when planning your day.

The architectural history continues with St James. The building was constructed in 1845–1846 as a replacement for the Old Church. Ireby is also home to the Ireby War Memorial, which commemorates the First World War; it dates from 1921 and includes additions commemorating the Second World War. Moot Hall probably dates from the late 16th century and adds another distinctive building to the village's historic character.

The Butter Cross also tells of the area's past. Ireby was formerly known as Market Ireby and was granted the right to hold a weekly market in 1236. The Butter Cross is a market cross and probably dates from the 17th century. It is made of red sandstone and stands on a stepped base with an octagonal shaft and a cross finial restored in the 19th century. John Keats visited Ireby during a walking tour – a detail that adds to the village's connection with the history of travel and walking.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans

Accommodation in Ireby is a good choice for travellers who do not want to plan their holiday around just one destination. If you want to combine historic architecture, landscape and trails, it is worth considering the mix you want for your days when choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home. Ireby Old Church requires specific route planning because of its uneven access, while the easy walking trails in the local area offer a different focus.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Ireby with other destinations, you can also include Arnside, Alston, Bassenthwaite, Eskdale, Dockray, Haverigg, Drigg and Crosby Ravensworth in your wider search.

For the overarching travel overview: Cumbria.