Shap & the Lowther Valley...
Farming has been at the heart of life in the Lowther Valley for hundreds of years - the fertile pastures being grazed by sheep and cattle for generations.
Shap was on an important droving road from Scotland into England. Bonnie Prince Charlie came this way as his bedraggled army retreated during the Jacobite Rebellion.
About the area
History & heritage
The wealth of ancient archaeological remains on the moors and fells around Shap indicate a long history of human occupation.
Art & culture
From a traditional toy maker's shop to learning how to hand-throw pottery, there's a couple of things to do.
Natural environment
Keep an eye open for the Golden Eagle that lives around Haweswater, it's quite special when you spot it.
What's on
A must see is the famous Lowther Horse Driving Trials & Country Fair - Cumbria's biggest weekend event.
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Oddities
Jack's Yak
The venerable old oak tree known as Jack's Yak in Lowther Park (NY 526 243) is carefully tended because local legend says that the family fortunes will end if it dies or one of the boughs touches the ground!
Shap Abbey
Shap Abbey was dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of mistresses!
Mardale churchyard
On the hillside above St Michael's Church in Shap is a small enclosure where the dead from Mardale churchyard were re-buried prior to the flooding of Haweswater.
Tank development
A secret tank development unit was stationed at Lowther Castle during WW2.
Haweswater Reservoir
The water from Haweswater Reservoir travels over 100 miles to Manchester by gravity alone.
Withnail and I
The cult film, Withnail and I, was filmed at a remote farmhouse at Wet Sleddale.
Where to stay
Using this search
This quick search allows you to find accommodation within 5 miles of Shap. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.
