Lacy's Caves

Lacy's Caves are a set of five chambers cut into the red sandstone cliff above the River Eden, close to Glassonby and just north of Little Salkeld in Cumbria. They are man-made, date from the eighteenth century, and make a quiet, atmospheric stop in the Eden Valley.

What are Lacy's Caves?

Nothing about them is natural. Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Lacy, who lived at Salkeld Hall, had the rock carved into rooms and passages directly over the river. No surviving records fix the exact date. Lacy lived from 1766 to 1847 and bought nearby Salkeld Lodge in 1789.

The caves were built as a romantic folly: a place to bring guests, set within ornamental planting. Some accounts add that they might have doubled as a wine store, though that is only one explanation on offer.

What will you see?

Inside are linked, hand-hewn chambers that open toward the water. The sandstone is soft, so walls carry signs of weathering and generations of visitors' marks. The setting is the real draw: steep wooded banks, the sound of the Eden below, and very few other people.

How do you get to Lacy's Caves?

Most walkers start in Little Salkeld. Park along the village road, then follow the track past Town End Farm. Fork right just beyond the farm and keep the river on your left.

A popular circular route combines the caves with the Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle. Walkers' guides put it at roughly 5.3 miles, 2 to 3 hours, graded moderate. Check current path conditions with Visit Eden before you set out. Local listings have stated that the footpath from Little Salkeld was closed until further notice, and some walkers report broken walkways and slippery stretches in wet weather.

When should you go?

Dry days from spring to autumn work best, when the riverbank is firm and daylight is long. After heavy rain the Eden path turns muddy, so wear proper walking boots. In autumn the red rock contrasts well with the changing leaves.

What else is nearby?

• Long Meg and Her Daughters – a prehistoric stone circle, among the largest in England, within easy walking distance.
• Little Salkeld – a village with a historic watermill and a convenient place to start.
• The Eden Valley – quiet villages and paths on the edge of the North Pennines.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Lacy's Caves? Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Lacy, in the eighteenth century, as a feature of his estate beside the Eden.

Is there an entry fee? No charge is listed. The caves sit on an open stretch of riverbank, but access depends on the state of the path.

How long is the walk from Little Salkeld? The direct walk is short. The full loop with Long Meg takes 2 to 3 hours.

Can you drive up to the caves? No. Park in Little Salkeld and continue on foot.