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Main Instructor:

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Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

Join us for this shortish walk of 5.5 km To look at another Abbey in this years series of Abbeys and Priories.

Walk down from Shap village after looking a couple of the old buildings in the village, to Keld medieval chapel. On the way looking at the Goggleby stone 

From the chapel we will walk over to Shap Abbey on the banks of the River Lowther, in the Vale of Lowther. Even though it is in ruins, it is quite imposing still. Lovely little swimming spot, so pop your towels in. 

Then wend our way back to village, have a look at St Michaels church before getting back to the start. 

Shap – the name Shap, probably comes from and old English word for ‘heap of stones’ referring to a prehistoric standing stones. Prior to the 18th century turnpike road from Kendal to Penrith, packhorse ponies and drovers made their way north or south via Shap. These ancient routeways where eventually replaced by the A6. Much of Shaps industrial wealth has come from quarrying, which two still exist.  

Old courthouse – was formerly a school but became a magistrate court in 1970 but now a community arts centre.

 Market cross – market cross or hall was built in 1687 when grant was granted a Market charter. The arches were originally open. Sheltering the market stalls. T new market Hall, now the memorial hall was built in 1861, following the arrival of the railway. 

Goggleby Stone – 18th century antiquarians realised that there was once an avenue of standing stones, deliberately placed in a double row that stretched north and south. Suggests Shap was the location for important prehistoric rituals and celebrations. Only parts survived such as the Goggleby stone. 

Keld medieval church – rustic stone chapel was built in the 16th century thought to have been a Chantry for the abbey. Has been used as a cottage and a meeting house in its history. 

Shap Abbey – the 13th century abbey was founded Premonstratensian Monastic order. Their farming enterprise established a flourishing wool business with thousands of sheep grazing the hills. 

St Michaels church with war memorial – a church has probably been here since c.800. the dead from outlying settlements were brought for burial here via historic ’corpse tracks’.

 

 

 

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

Shap Village, car park on main A6. Memorial Hall Car Park, Main Street. Shap. CA10 3NR W3W///sweetly.snippet.niece.