...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 #25: Smugglers, bombs and Plague Dogs - A walk on Wetherlam
Countrystride #24: Review of 2019 & AW's lost broadcast
Countrystride #23: West Coast Christmas - Voices from the past
Countrystride #22: Lost Words - Past and future in the woods of Wreay
Countrystride #21: Great Gable - Remembrance Sunday
Countrystride #20: Upper Eden - The fight to roam, with Kate Ashbrook
Countrystride #19: Pike O’Stickle - 50 years on the fells
Countrystride #18: The Pennine Way - Creation of a long, green trail
Countrystride #17: Beda Fell - with environmental campaigner Amy Bray
Countrystride #16: The Dales Way at 50 - A walk down Dentdale
Countrystride #15: John Ruskin - The Coniston visionary
Countrystride #14: A Pennine Journey - Life-changing walks
Countrystride #13: The Solway Coast - Wetlands, birdsong and lost lines
Countrystride #12: Great Langdale - A heritage landscape
Countrystride #11: High Stile – and the Buttermere skyline
Countrystride #10: Mardale Head - A walk on the wild side
Countrystride #9: Derwent Water: Creation of a landscape
Countrystride #8: Terry Abraham: Life on the mountains - A stroll on Helvellyn
Countrystride #7: A Grasmere Christmas - The Wordsworths and the coffin route
Countrystride #6: Langstrath - and the trees of Borrowdale
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