LIMESTONE COUNTRY - A Northern Coast to Coast Walk: From St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay - page 66

path crosses Limekiln Hill, deriving its name from the proximity of two
kilns, just off the main line, but one at least worthy of a short detour.
Turn right on reaching the road to a junction 150m away, and then left,
slightly downhill, for another 150m, leaving the road by a through-stile on
the right (signposted 'Coast-to-Coast: Public Footpath to Kirkby Stephen').
Diagonally, cross the meadow that follows on a green path, past a barn
and on to a railway underpass ahead.
THE SETTLE-CARLISLE RAILWAY
The railway is the Settle-Carlisle line, a route much loved by railway enthusiasts, and
a stark reminder of the Midland Railway's determination to construct its own route to
Scotland. It was built at enormous cost, both in terms of finance and human life. During
the 1980s, affected by the ravages of time and the sheer inhospitability of the climate,
the future of the railway was called into question, as the old spectre of financial viab-
ility once more reared its ugly head. A vigorous campaign to keep the line open was
finally vindicated in April 1989, when the government announced that the line was in-
deed to remain open. Its numerous viaducts and tunnels, notably further south, near
Ribblehead, and the regular steam locomotive excursions organised by enthusiasts for
enthusiasts, will long remain as a proud testament to Victorian endeavour and achieve-
ment.
Go through the underpass and across the next field to a stile (waymark),
continuing on a grassy path through a slight depression. Just after the under-
pass there is yet more evidence of early settlements, among a scattering of hawthorns,
on the right.
Follow the on-going path to a gate and narrow lane, leading between the
obsolete abutments of a dismantled railway, to turn right into the farm-
yard at Greenriggs. A waymarked route shows the way out onto the farm
access, leading to a back lane into Kirkby Stephen.
CROGLIN CASTLE
Just after leaving Greenriggs Farm, the remains of Croglin Castle, no more than a ram-
part and a ditch, stand in the field on the right, accessible, if you have the energy and
the inclination, by a stile. The site is thought to have been one of many hill forts con-
structed by the Brigantes before the coming of the Romans.
The back lane, improving marginally as Kirkby Stephen is approached,
may be followed all the way into town, keeping very much away from the