...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
Countrystride #105: The Old Man and the slate
Countrystride #104: Eskdale - Living the Fisherground dream
Countrystride #103: Ambleside - A town through time
Countrystride #102: A Coast to Coast love affair, with Debbie North
Countrystride #101: The Yellow Earl and Lowther Castle
Countrystride #100: Why we love the Lakes
Countrystride #99: PEAT, POWER & THE PUBLIC – Caring for Watendlath
Countrystride #98: Askham – A vernacular celebration
Countrystride #97: Townend – A Troutbeck farming dynasty
Countrystride #96: Eric Robson – Wasdale, Wainwright, and a champion of Cumbria
Countrystride #95: Catbells & Hugh Walpole
Countrystride #94: Review of 2022
Countrystride #93: A Grasmere Gingerbread Christmas
Countrystride #92: Dentdale and The Dales High Way
Countrystride #91: Geology of the Lake District
Countrystride #90: The VIKINGS in Cumbria
Countrystride #89: Steve Birkinshaw – Smashing the 214
Countrystride #88: Forty Farms – Food and nature at Low Sizergh Farm
Countrystride #87: Trees in the age of the Romantics
Countrystride #86: Beatrix Potter
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