Burneside on the River Kent

Burneside lies on the River Kent. Two themes are central to planning a visit: paths through the riverside landscape and a history that combines papermaking with older buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Burneside, you can consider whether to focus your stay more on a route or on the town’s industrial and architectural traces. The River Kent is a geographical landmark in its own right.

The River Kent and paths through Burneside

The River Kent flows through the centre of Burneside and forms the natural boundary between Strickland Ketel and Strickland Roger. Since 2000, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it supports important populations of white-clawed crayfish. For Burneside, the river is therefore both a geographical reference point and a habitat with designated protected status.

The Dales Way passes through Burneside and extends for 78 miles from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria. The 78 miles refers to the entire route between its endpoints, not just the section through Burneside. Walk 3 covers a different scale: it leads from Burneside railway station to Potter Tarn and the River Kent, mainly through hilly terrain. Ghyll Pool is on this route. The two paths can be distinguished by different features: for the Dales Way, these are its total length and endpoints; for Walk 3, its destinations and hilly terrain. On the Burneside route, after crossing a wooden bridge, the Dales Way follows the River Kent. Check local path and route information before setting out.

The river links the town’s landmarks and routes: it runs through the centre of Burneside, is a destination on Walk 3 and lies alongside the section of the Dales Way described here.

Papermaking and architectural history

James Cropper PLC’s paper mill in Burneside has been making and selling paper since 1845. This means that, alongside the older historic buildings, the town’s industrial history is another distinct aspect of a visit.

Burneside Hall dates mainly from the 14th century and has undergone later alterations. The Hall’s northern solar block is now a ruined tower. The “Gatehouse to South West of Burneside Hall and Adjoining Curtain Wall” is a Grade II listed building. At Burneside Hall, the focus is on its origins and later alterations, while Grade II listing applies to the named gatehouse and curtain wall.

The church and other historical details

St Oswald’s Church in Burneside was largely rebuilt in the 1880s. An earlier church on the current site was designed by George Webster.

Burneside is also noted for a pre-Reformation bell bearing the inscription “St. Gregory”. The dates range from the 14th century to papermaking, which has been carried on since 1845, and the rebuilding of St Oswald’s in the 1880s. They place the town’s architecture, industry and church-building history in different periods.

Discover more destinations: Brough, Embleton, Cockermouth, Maryport, Alston, Great Asby, Mungrisdale, Grange Over Sands

For the broader travel guide: Cumbria.