River Gelt

The River Gelt

The River Gelt is a river in Cumberland, and a tributary of the River Irthing.

The source of the Gelt is close to Cumberland's border with Northumberland, where it rises (as the New Water) at Butt Hill. The stream runs down Geltsdale Middle in the direction of Cumrew Fell, before turning northwards.

After a short while, New Water is joined by the Old Water in the King's Forest of Geltsdale. Old Water runs from Crookburn Pike. After the two streams combine, the river continues flowing to the northwest, passing between Talkin Fell and Castle Carrock Fell, then the villages of the same names.

Having flowed through Greenwell and under the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, the Gelt continues through Gelt Woods, overlooked by a Roman inscription dating from AD 207 and known as "the written rock of Gelt".

The Gelt joins the River Irthing at Edmond Castle, about ten miles east of Carlisle.

History and legend

A number of stories and legends are associated with Abraham's Cave.

In 1570, the Battle of Gelt Bridge was fought by the river; the rebel Leonard Dacre and his forces, taking part in the Northern Rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I, were defeated by Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, a cousin of the Queen.

References

• Location map: 54°55’35"N, 2°47’37"W