Red Gill, Cautley Spout washfold

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Historical Environment Record No:
MYD36565
Parish:
Sedbergh
OS Grid Reference:
SD676971
Dale:
Cumbria
Related to:

Timeline

Themes

Description

Red Gill, Cautley Spout washfold MYD36565 (c) YDNPA, 2023

Red Gill, Cautley Spout washfold MYD36565 (c) YDNPA, 2023

Since 1996, the artist Andy Goldsworthy has been creating a series of environmental sculptures in Cumbria on the theme of sheepfolds. The overall aim of the project was to challenge perceptions of the Cumbrian landscape as simply picturesque and romantic. By drawing attention to these working structures, Andy Goldsworthy is trying to restore our view of the area as a used landscape, ever changing, vulnerable and diverse. He worked on the Red Gill washfold in 2002. It was intended partly as a memorial to the devastating effects of Foot and Mouth Disease. The artist rebuilt a derelict fold and then created a stone cairn sculpture in one corner.

Source:

Goldsworthy, Andy (1999) Sheepfolds. London: Michael Hue-Williams Fine Art

www.sheepfolds.org/ – website about the whole project

Location

Take A683 east from Sedbergh for about 4 miles to Cross Keys Hotel, Cautley. Just beyond hotel, take public bridleway on left hand side of road signed to 'Cautley Spout'. Cross over footbridge and turn left on well-made path alongside river. Continue on a public footpath past turning to another footbridge until reach an interpretation panel. Continue toward Cautley Spout on path and start ascent up right side of falls. At top (about 1 1/4 miles from road), cross stream and head south alongside Red Gill Beck. Site lies beside beck about 600 metres from top of falls.

Public Transport Details

Nearest town/village: Cross Keys Temperance Hotel, Cautley. Call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 to plan your journey. After the welcome message key in 874 for Cumbria information.

Accessibility

Steep steps from roadside then rough going about 3/4 mile from road plus extremely steep uphill climb past waterfall.