Burneside brings together the Dales Way, the River Kent, which flows through the village centre, and a long papermaking tradition. Walking, the river, and industrial and architectural history offer distinct themes for a trip. The contrast is clear: a long-distance walking route passes through Burneside, while the hall, church, and paper mill reveal different aspects of the village’s history. You can explore the village both through its riverside setting and its longstanding connection with paper production.
The Dales Way and riverside paths
The Dales Way runs for a total of 78 miles from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria, passing through Burneside. The 78 miles describe the entire route between its endpoints, not a local walk. On the Burneside route, after crossing a wooden bridge, you follow the Dales Way alongside the River Kent. This distinguishes the full long-distance trail from the riverside section described here, each at its own scale.
Walk 3 runs from Burneside railway station to Potter Tarn and the River Kent. The route is mainly over hilly terrain, and Ghyll Pool lies along the way. Unlike the description of the Dales Way, which gives its two endpoints, this route names a railway station and two destinations. Before setting out, it is advisable to check local path and route information.
The River Kent and nature
The River Kent flows through the centre of Burneside and forms the natural boundary between Strickland Ketel and Strickland Roger. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 2000 because it supports important populations of white-clawed crayfish. The river therefore shapes both the village’s geography and its recognised natural significance.
Architectural history and papermaking
Burneside Hall dates mainly from the 14th century and has undergone later alterations. The northern solar block is now a tower-shaped ruin. Southwest of the hall stands the gatehouse, with the adjoining curtain wall; it is listed at Grade II. The hall therefore offers distinct architectural points of interest: the main building, altered over time; a ruined tower block; and a listed gatehouse. If you are interested in architectural history, you can consider these details by date, structural changes, and listing status rather than seeing them as a single building phase.
St Oswald’s Church also reflects a different building sequence: the church was rebuilt mainly in the 1880s. George Webster designed the earlier church on the present site. Compared with Burneside Hall, the focus here is on a rebuilding in the late 19th century, while the hall is notable for its 14th-century date and later alterations. This allows you to distinguish the different periods of Burneside’s architectural history.
Another focus is papermaking. James Cropper PLC’s paper mill in Burneside has been producing and selling paper since 1845. Unlike the hall and church, the focus here is not a single building but an industrial activity that has continued since 1845. Papermaking thus adds a distinct aspect of the village to its river and architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Ireby, Gamblesby, Crook, Crosby Ravensworth, Cotehill, Eskdale, Stainburn, Grayrigg
For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.
