Volume IV (1878-9)

August 1879

The plan was to hold an excursion which took in Naworth Castle and Gilsland areas. Very early in the report, we read:

'The rendezvous was at Carlisle Station in the first day, in time for the 2.5pm train east. At that time the weather was that usually experienced on such occasions. A brisk breeze was blowing, and as it drove a heavy rain before it, and the sky was quite leaden-coloured, things looked hopeless enough to discourage anybody but antiquaries. The very worst weather never hindered this Society from carrying out the main part, if not the whole, of the programme which it had set itself to accomplish.'

Volume VII (1883)

'After lunch the route was resumed along the eastern side of the Lune, by a road high up on the fell.

Lune Gorge East Side Looking North

The weather at the start was most brilliant, but after a pleasant walk of something over a mile, rain began to fall, and on a bleak unsheltered fellside, on which could be seen some of the marks of a now historical storm, the travellers were exposed to a pitiless rain. It had been intended to deviate to Castle Howe

Castle Howe Motte

but owing to the storm it was resolved to defer the visit for the present.....

As the party left Middleton Hall

Middleton Hall

rain began to fall very heavily and it continued during the afternoon.....The journey was shortly resumed, but, owing to the rain, was becoming anything but pleasant.....

Reaching Whelprigg gate, where a halt was made for the purpose of viewing Barbon Cross the very welcome intelligence of an invitation to kettledrum with the High Sheriff of Westmorland (Mr Gibson) was communicated to the half drowned travellers, who gladly accepted the invitation.....

After leaving Whelprigg the journey was continued to the Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale

Royal Hotel Kirkby Lonsdale

which was reached about seven o'clock in the evening. The number seeking shelter and lodgings for the night was about seventy. Arrangements had been made by the Secretary for the accommodation of most of the party for the night at the Royal Hotel and the various inns in the town.'