Brough Castle is perched upon a small hill just to the south of Brough. The walk near Brough Castle passes through some rolling countryside and farmland all under the shadow of Mickle Fell.
Brough Castle forms the centre piece of a walk to the south of Brough and an area I knew very little about. With the vast slopes of Mickle Fell offering a backdrop the walk is full of interest, particularly in the second half when it crosses the A685 and in to pretty Brough Sowerby. There are some attractive riverside sections, an old Roman fort, two castles and plenty of human interest within each village. Livestock are plentiful with a particularly feisty herd of cows frolicking near Ausgill Castle hotel. However this walk is principally about the remains of Castle Brough, one of the best in the area. The castle stands in a commanding bluff, on Stainmore Pass, but is maybe most famous when it burned down “by accident” after a lively Christmas party in 1521. Oh yes and this one is one of many owned and repaired by Lady Anne Clifford.
The town of Brough’s real claim to fame was in the 18th and 19th century when, along with Appleby, it was a major staging post between England and Scotland. In fact it was so popular that at one time there were twelve ‘inns’ vying for trade. How times have changed.
Extend the walk in to the village of Great Musgrave.
It is not straightforward on the walk from the western end of the walk back to Brook Farm. Use the lie of the land. Follow the north side of the stream and cross due south of the only building in the vicinity. From here keep to the north and then east flanks of some raised land directly ahead. The path is very faint and in places non existent.
My friend, my dog and I went on the above walk last week The scenery was beautiful What a lovely part of the country. However the paths weren’t clearly signposted some of the arrows which determined which direction you would take once in a field were too faded to read. We came upon a locked gate and ended up in a field with horses one of which kept nudging me it was rather a hairy experience. Just wanted to let other dog owners know about this walk so they didn’t have the same experience. The toilets in brough were immaculate and the one cafe there was very friendly and they make a really delicious mocha. Julie
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