River Greta

The River Greta is a modest river in northern England. It begins where the River Twiss and the River Doe meet at Ingleton. From there it flows west through villages like Burton-in-Lonsdale and Cantsfield. The Greta passes Thurland Castle, a medieval fortress on its banks. After winding through Wrayton it joins the River Lune. The whole course lies between Lancashire and North Yorkshire. The Greta is worth a short detour because it links two historic rivers at Ingleton. It also passes near Thurland Castle, a building first mentioned in the 14th century. The route offers quiet lanes and riverside footpaths for short walks. Visitors can see the point where the Greta leaves Yorkshire and enters Lancashire. The gentle valley scenery contrasts with the wilder fells a few miles away. A walk along the Greta shows its clear water and small weirs. Near Ingleton the river is lined with stone cottages and old mills. Further on, the Greta flows under narrow packhorse bridges. The castle at Thurland stands on a low mound beside the water. From the riverside it is easy to watch the Greta merge with the Lune downstream.