LIMESTONE COUNTRY - A Northern Coast to Coast Walk: From St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay - page 58

and stile on the left give access to a field. Strike across the field to another
gate and stile, giving onto Knott Lane, a long-established bridleway lead-
ing north onto Orton Scar.
Cross Knott Lane to a stile (and gate) opposite.
The track down into Orton
ORTON
Granted a market charter during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307), Orton lies in a
beautiful spot at the foot of Orton Scar, and is overlooked by its 13th-century Church of
All Saints, which stands on a knoll by the northerly approach to the village. It is one of
the most charming of Westmorland villages. A farmers' market is still held here on the
second Saturday in each month (see www.ortonfarmers.co.uk ) . In 1658, Oliver Crom-
well granted a charter for a weekly market and an annual Whitsun fair. Other fairs were
later permitted, and sheep and cattle traded.
Walkers who are intentionally pottering their way coast to coast will find Orton a most
endearing and attractive overnight halt, though it arrives rather too soon for the speed
merchants of long-distance walking. Surrounded by trees and built around a village
green between two streams, the village has a reputation for longevity, a considerable
number of inhabitants having reached 100 years of age. It is as if the village goes so
quietly about its business in so beautiful a setting that its people are reluctant to depart
for the life hereafter, preferring, for the moment, the comforts of Orton's embrace.