Garrigill lies on the River South Tyne, not far from its source. The Pennine Way passes through the village, which is within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The village also has a history shaped over centuries by the coexistence of farming and mining. These connections bring together a specific route, a geographical setting and the history of a settlement. When deciding where to travel, it may be helpful to consider Garrigill not just as a point along the trail, but also as a place with its own history.

Location on the River South Tyne

Its status within the AONB places Garrigill in the North Pennines; the river reference describes its location on the River South Tyne and its proximity to the source. This gives you two distinct points of reference when choosing a destination: the village’s location within the designated area and its specific position on the river. Together, they add a geographical perspective to its connection with the Pennine Way. If you are considering a stay in Garrigill, you can take this location into account alongside the village’s historical themes.

Church and village history

The Anglican church of St John’s in Garrigill was built in 1790 on the site of a chapel thought to be medieval. The chapel site is believed to be medieval; the year 1790 dates the construction of the church. In 1890, St John’s was restored with financial support from the London Lead Company. These two dates establish a timeline for the building’s history: the church building was erected, then restored a century later. St John the Evangelist also houses the village war memorials for both World Wars. The church’s architectural history and remembrance of both World Wars are therefore among Garrigill’s historical connections.

Farming, mining and built heritage

Garrigill’s history has been shaped by the coexistence of farming and mining over many centuries. These two themes help provide a broader understanding of the village’s history, rather than reducing it to a single building or activity. Its built heritage can also be considered beyond the church: the 2020 Conservation Appraisal lists eight listed buildings and structures within Garrigill’s designated Conservation Area. This draws attention not only to the history of one church building, but also to the built heritage of the designated area.

The Pennine Way and choosing a destination

The Pennine Way passes through Garrigill, giving it a direct connection to the route. If you include this trail in your plans, you can consider the village as part of your travel decision. Its location on the River South Tyne, the church and its history of farming and mining also offer further points of interest. This brings together two perspectives: the route through Garrigill and the history of the village itself. Which matters most to you will depend on whether you want to shape your stay more around the route or the village’s history.

Search for hotels in Garrigill

If you choose Garrigill as your destination, search specifically for hotels in Garrigill and compare the options with your own requirements. Choosing the village and searching for suitable accommodation are two separate steps in planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Workington, Drigg, Chapel Stile, Millom, Levens, Waterhead, Kirkoswald, Pooley Bridge

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.