A well and a station

Whoever (!) it was who suggested that the middle of June was good time to be searching out Holy Wells, did not take into account the fact that they are likely at that time of year to be virtually invisible because of vegetation. 

Today we went out exploring - I was looking for a well, Gordon was looking for a railway line. We went to Kirkandrews-upon-Eden, a small village just four miles from Carlisle and 500m from the River Eden. I have often thought of looking for the Holy Well of St Andrew, but never quite got round to it.

The Church of St Andrew, which gave the village the name, disappeared a long time ago and all that is left is the graveyard . . . and the well. A narrow path by the side of the graveyard, and leading down to the river, takes you to the well and, at this time of year, it is heard far more clearly than seen. Clear water gushes out from a channel and into a stream that runs down to the river. It was very hard to take the photo, even after Gordon pulled away a few of the branches, and only by focusing very carefully on the water could I get some idea of it. (SpotsOfTime was here a few years ago and her photo taken in March is clearer as she was not contending with the vegetation.

It is strange and slightly unnerving to find a graveyard and no church. It has become a 'Conservation Area' - I think that just means it is left to its own devices. (see extra)


And yes, Gordon found the railway line. He has been following the Carlisle to Silloth line, which he remembers very well when he was younger and living in Silloth. He remembers Kirkandrews as being the last stop before Carlisle. We found what used to be the station, a railway  bridge and the line of the track. The railway was closed in 1964. There are vague plans to reinstate it - apparently.