...in which we rewind the centuries to the Neolithic Age on a journey in search of Lakeland's earliest settlers and their highly-valued stone axes. In the company of archaeologist Steve Dickinson, we set out from Brotherilkeld – the great medieval farmstead with Norse roots. Leaving the valley walls behind, we enter wild country, once a place of forest groves and wood pasture stalked by deer and lynx, wolves and bears. As we trace the river upstream, we imagine the 6000-year-old endeavours of our earliest ancestors, as they left their coastal settlements in search of a rare band of volcanic cutting stone. Arriving atop Scar Lathing – a maiden ascent for Mark and Dave – we seek out two extraordinary archaeological finds that paint a picture of a lost civilisation: of Cumbria's first extractive industry; of ritual burials; and of a deep communion with high places that was etched into immaculately crafted artefacts.
Steve is on Twitter at @SteveDickinson2
123: Barrow-in-Furness – A tale of iron and ships, hair and shops
#122: Limestone of the Westmorland Dales
121: A history of paper-making on the River Kent
120: A history of boating on Windermere
119: The birth of Quakerism in Cumbria
118: James Forrest - Record-breaking round of the 214
Countrystride #116: Review of 2023
Countrystride #115: A Cumbrian Christmas feast - With Helen Rebanks and Ivan Day
Countrystride #114: Fell Foodie - A feast on Silver How
Countrystride #113: Why we Run - Fell and trail running in the Lake District
Countrystride #112: Melvyn Bragg - Back in the Day
Countrystride #111: The Herdwick, with Will Rawling
Countrystride #110: Eliza Lynn Linton and The Lake Country
Countrystride #109: Aira Force - Lakeland pleasure ground
Countrystride #108: To the Lakes! The early days of tourism
Countrystride #107: Tales from Little Langdale
Countrystride #106: The lichens of Borrowdale
Countrystride #105: The Old Man and the slate
Countrystride #104: Eskdale - Living the Fisherground dream
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