Orton Village, Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Haweswater to Orton subsection
Orton Market and Market Hall
Orton Village, Tebay - Coast to Coast
Orton is one of the most attractive and historically significant villages encountered along the Coast to Coast route between Haweswater and Kirkby Stephen. Long associated with drovers, packhorse routes and medieval trade, the village gained market status during the thirteenth century and remains an important overnight stopping point for walkers crossing the eastern Lake District fringe.
Set amongst limestone pasture and gently rolling Westmorland countryside, Orton possesses a distinctive village layout shaped by narrow water channels, small stone bridges and traditional cottages built from local stone. At the northern edge of the settlement stands All Saints Church, its elevated position and whitewashed belfry forming a conspicuous landmark visible across the surrounding fields and approach roads.
Despite its popularity with Coast to Coast walkers, Orton retains much of its quiet rural character. Ancient buildings, old farmsteads and traditional inns continue in use throughout the village, reflecting centuries of agricultural and market history within this peaceful corner of the upper Eden Valley.
Petty Hall, Orton Historic Village Houses
Orton contains many historic buildings dating from the village’s long agricultural and market history, including the notable properties of Petty Hall and Orton Hall. Petty Hall is a Grade II listed Elizabethan house constructed in 1604, its stone entrance lintel bearing the initials “GB” and “MB” associated with the Birkbeck family. Nearby stands Orton Hall, an imposing Jacobean mansion built in 1662 and now operating as a hotel. Together, the buildings reflect the prosperity and importance once enjoyed by this ancient Westmorland market village beside the Coast to Coast route.
Orton Wetland Pond Conservation Area
Opposite Petty Hall lies the Orton Wetland Habitat, a protected conservation area created to preserve and encourage wildlife within the heart of the village. Established with assistance from a Countryside Commission stewardship grant, the former pasture was transformed through the creation of a pond and the planting of more than five hundred native trees. Left largely to colonise naturally over subsequent years, the habitat now provides a peaceful wetland refuge that contrasts gently with the surrounding stone buildings and historic village lanes of Orton.
🌿 Insight – Natural History
Petty Hall Wetland Conservation Area
The wetland conservation area opposite Petty Hall possesses a rich fen-like habitat supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life within the heart of Orton village. Throughout the summer months the colours of the reserve change continually as different wetland species come into bloom. Early summer brings broad sweeps of yellow buttercups, while water avens introduce soft orange-pink flowers amongst the grasses. Later in the season comfrey adds deeper purple tones before creamy meadowsweet and rusty-red common sorrel spread across the damp ground beside the pond.
The reserve also attracts a notable variety of birdlife. Migratory species including pink-footed geese, Canada geese, herons and tufted ducks are regularly observed, while snipe, mallard and coots nest amongst the wetter margins. During the warmer months swallows, house martins and swifts sweep low across the pond feeding upon the abundant insect life above the water.
Beneath the grasses and wetland vegetation, the habitat supports large populations of short-tailed voles together with frogs and toads that breed within the pond each spring. Thousands of tadpoles gather in the shallows during early summer, while the pond itself sustains a remarkably rich variety of microscopic aquatic life that reaches its seasonal peak during July.
Chapel Beck - Orton Waterways
Two small becks flow through the heart of Orton, their waters carefully channelled to form a network of narrow streams that weave between the cottages, lanes and greens of the historic village. Crossed by numerous small stone and timber bridges, the waterways contribute greatly to Orton’s distinctive pastoral character and long-standing village layout. The principal streams are Chapel Beck and Eskew Beck, which merge south of the settlement before continuing north eastwards to join the River Eden near Tebay.
Orton Water Network Village Waterways
A network of narrow water channels threads its way through the centre of Orton, giving the historic village much of its distinctive charm and character. Fed principally by Chapel Beck and Eskew Beck, the carefully managed streams pass beneath numerous small bridges and beside traditional cottages, greens and lanes before merging south of the settlement. Beyond the village, the combined waters continue north eastwards towards the River Eden near Tebay, linking Orton’s ancient market streets with the wider landscape of the upper Eden Valley.
Pedestrian Bridge Orton Water Channels
The ornate pedestrian bridges spanning Orton’s narrow water channels contribute greatly to the distinctive charm of the village centre. Carefully designed and positioned throughout the settlement, the bridges enhance the beauty of the circulating beck system while providing access between cottages, pathways and greens. Together with the landscaped waterways, they demonstrate the thoughtful management and preservation of one of the most attractive village environments along the Coast to Coast route through Westmorland.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.
