Water Cut

Having started searching out these Eden benchmarks, I knew that I just had to visit this one. We first came upon it a number of years ago when walking with friends in the area and we were very impressed with it then. So I couldn't miss it out and as it was a lovely day we left all the things we could have been doing at home and set off through Kirkby Stephen to Mallerstang.

This whole area is rather special and this sculpture is rather special too, or at least I think so. It stands high on the hill, close to the source of the River Eden, in the glacial valley of Mallerstang. There is a ancient and glorious* grassy track called Lady Anne Clifford's Way, with Mallerstang Edge to the east and Wild Boar Fell to the west.

Walk along this track and Water Cut eventually comes into view. It is made from huge blocks of limestone, carved to symbolise the river's power to cut though the rocky landscape. It can be seen from miles around and walkers inevitably use it as a window  onto the real river far below and as a majestic throne on which to rest and admire the magnificent view down the valley. Although it is weathering over the years, this benchmark will not soon be overgrown and lost, but will remain as a proud monument well into the future.


*What a pity this beautiful grassy track has become terribly rutted, as vehicles, allowed on as it is designated a bridleway, tear up the turf and turn it into muddy crevasses.  Six such vehicles passed us in a procession and we watched as the awful damage happened in front of our eyes. Can this be right?


This piece was made by Artist Mary Bourne. She is based in Scotland and does some lovely work. This is the link to her website, which includes more views of Water Cut.