River Caldew

The River Caldew rises high on Skiddaw’s northern slopes in the Northern Fells of the Lake District. It flows north through quiet valleys and farmland until it meets the River Eden just north of Carlisle. The Cumbria Way walking route follows much of the river’s course, linking upland forests with market towns. The river’s name probably means ‘cold river’ from Old English words for cold and water. Its early flow is fed by wetland areas such as Candleseaves Bog, where rushes were once cut for rushlights. At Hutton Roof the river turns north, passing villages like Hesket Newmarket and Sebergham before reaching Carlisle. Visitors walking the Cumbria Way see upland streams, wooded gills and open fells along the upper river. Lower down the valley widens into farmland dotted with stone bridges and old mill weirs. In Carlisle the river passes under the city walls and beside the castle before joining the Eden.