Cleator combines the history of early iron smelting with that of its churches and walking routes. The first blast furnace in Cumbria was built here in 1694; iron was smelted on the River Ehen from the late 17th century. The Coast to Coast Walk passes through the village, while Longlands Lake offers a further glimpse into the effects of mining. When planning a trip, the village’s history, churches and trails can be considered as distinct points of interest.
Iron-smelting history and brand origins
Iron was smelted on the River Ehen from the late 17th century. The construction of Cumbria’s first blast furnace in Cleator in 1694 falls within the same early period, but refers to a different aspect from the smelting on the river. A drawing of the ironworks shows six conical furnaces in operation in 1794. These details can be placed in chronological order: the early iron smelting and dated construction of the blast furnace are followed by an illustration of several furnaces in operation. Kangol was also officially founded in Cleator, Cumbria, in the United Kingdom. The brand’s origins add a different focus to local history from that of the ironworks, pointing to the history of fashion.
Churches and their different historical contexts
St Leonard’s is an old rural church on the Coast to Coast Walk. Its first recorded mention dates to the reign of King Henry I (1100–1135). St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cleator opened in 1872. A grotto was built at St Mary’s in 1927 as a shrine in honour of Our Lady. It was made from stone from the local mine’s spoil heaps and designed as a replica of the grotto at Lourdes in France.
The dates refer to different things: a first mention, the opening of a church and the construction of a shrine. This makes it possible to consider references from different centuries side by side without treating them as equivalent construction dates.
Trails and scenery around Longlands Lake
The Coast to Coast Walk passes through Cleator towards Ennerdale and beyond; St Leonard’s is on the route. A separate trail from Longlands Lake leads to the remains of the old forge and then continues to Dent Fell. The two trails therefore differ in their locations and destinations: the long-distance trail passes through Cleator, while the lakeside trail leads to the forge remains and then on to Dent Fell. Local conditions can vary; take this into account when planning this walk.
Longlands Lake is on the site of the former Longlands iron ore mine. Subsidence caused by mining flooded the area in 1939, creating the lake as it is today. The landscape around the lake therefore has its own mining history. Today, through careful management, Longlands is a refuge for all kinds of wildlife.
There is a car park close to Longlands Lake, as well as picnic areas and a path around the lake. The trails around Longlands Lake are accessible to everyone, and the seating areas have also been improved. It is advisable to check local conditions before visiting. This will help you distinguish when planning between the path around the lake and the separate trail to the forge remains and Dent Fell.
Discover more destinations: Brough, Cockermouth, Cotehill, Watermillock, Coniston, Longtown, Barbon, Ireby
For the main travel overview: Cumbria.
