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The Dent FaultAlong this north–south line of weakness (formed 290 million years ago), the ancient Silurian rocks of the Howgills were uplifted over the younger limestones of the Pennines, producing a marked contrast between the steep-sided domed Howgills and the gentler flat topped fells of Garsdale and Dentdale. The Sedgwick Geological Trail along the Clough River crosses over the fault and explains the rock formations on either side- Kendal Rough FellKendal Rough Fell sheep were bred by local farmers to provide coarse, durable wool suitable for carpets and mattresses. They are generally only found in the Kendal–Sedbergh–Howgill area and are easily recognised by their horns, long white fleeces and distinctive speckled faces and legs. The sheep are grazed on the open fellsides, and are born with a ‘hefting’ instinct that ensures they do not stray far from their ‘home’ patch.
- The RailwayThe railway came to Sedbergh in 1861 when the Ingleton Branch of the North Western Railway opened. It ran from Clapham past Sedbergh to join the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway (now part of the West Coast main line) at Lowgill (south of Tebay). The branch line ceased carrying passengers in 1954 and closed in 1967. At the upper end of Dentdale is the Settle to Carlisle Railway, a great feat of Victorian engineering that forges a level route through the Pennine hills over high arching viaducts and through deep tunnels.
- Book TownIn 2006, Sedbergh became England’s official Book Town, one of only three in the United Kingdom (the others being Hay-on-Wye in Wales and Wigtown in Scotland). The venture has attracted many secondhand book dealers and generated two major festivals and other events in the town.
- Cross Keys InnThe Cross Keys Inn near Cautley Spout was willed to the National Trust in the 1940s, on condition that it never served alcohol (though you can bring your own), having been Temperance since the early 1900s. Its traditional ambience of stone-flagged floors, comfy armchairs, antique furnishings and good home cooking more than compensates for the absence of liquor!
- Bonnie Prince CharlieThe former chemist shop on Main Street is housed in a medieval building that was featured in the BBC production of ‘The House Detectives’. Bonnie Prince Charlie reputedly hid in a chimney here during his retreat north in 1745.
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