The River Irthing at Brampton Cumbria. More pics of the River Irthing here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/albums/72157627344360135
The River Irthing rises on Paddaburn Moor in Kielder Forest and skirts the eastern edge of Butterburn Flow raised bog. Remains of numerous mediaeval shielings have been found along the banks of these upper reaches, some of which have been given ancient monument status.
For two miles above the village of Gilsland the river flows through the Irthing Gorge, flanked by mainly sandstone crags. Within the upper section of this gorge lies Crammel Linn waterfall. Peregrine falcons and ravens nest near the waterfall and derelict military structures, probably pump-houses supplying water for the Blue Streak rocket site at RAF Spadeadam, can be seen just upstream. Further downstream, in the grounds of Gilsland Spa hotel, the crags develop into high cliffs. The cliff face below the hotel gives rise to the famous sulphurous spring after which the hotel is named and also a chalybeate spring and a petrifying seep.
Hadrian's Wall crossed the river on a bridge at Willowford, half a mile east of Birdoswald Roman Fort. From that point the course of the river as it turns west is lined with other Roman sites associated with the Roman Stanegate road and Hadrian's Wall. A stretch of Wall, (including two turrets and the impressive bridge remains) runs alongside the River Irthing at Willowford, linked by a new footbridge to Birdoswald Roman Fort. This crossing of the River Irthing marked a significant transition in the construction of Hadrian's Wall, emphasising the greater availability of building stone to the east.
Passing Brampton the Irthing merges with the River Gelt, and soon after meets the River Eden near Warwick Bridge, just north of Wetheral.
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More photos of Quarry Beck here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/sets/72157627151511095/
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