Crackpot Hall

Crackpot Hall is an 18th century ruinous farm with wonderful views over the Swale Valley. The farm is situated around 2km southeast of Keld.

On a walk to Rogan's Seat, we passed the intriguingly named 'Crackpot Hall'.

While researching from where the name is derived, I came across two theories. Firstly, from 'Crack' which is another name for a crow, and 'pot' a cave or deep hole. The other suggests that it refers to cracking open a pot of lead, as the farm was probably supplemented by lead mining.

Very little is known about the farm, except that the current ruinous buildings date from the 18th century, and the farm was abandoned in 1953 due to subsidence as a result of the neighbouring Beldi Lead Mine Works.

Apart from the ruined house and outbuildings, there are sheep and cow pens. Crackpot Hall is currently a part of the Gunnerside Estate, which has obtained grants through the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to preserve the site, which is good news.

There is a local myth that dates back to the 1930s of a child named Alice Harker who was said to have wandered the farm speaking a dialect that nobody could understand.

However, this myth was resolved by researcher for the 2015 BBC documentary 'Between the Ears'. It became apparent that Alice lived at the farm with her parents and siblings and was not a feral child at all. Never mind, everyone likes a good myth.

It's a fantastic spot and well worth taking a picnic up there to enjoy the views and imagine farming the land in this marvellous place.

To reach Crackpot Hall, leave the car park at Keld campsite, then turn left following the path southeast away from the village.

Turn left down a path that crosses a footbridge.

It is well worth taking a small detour to visit East Gill Force waterfalls.

Once across the bridge, head up hill and turn right when the path branches.

Stay on this path as it contours the side of the hill, passing an abandoned building on the right.

Turn left when you reach the old tractor.

The path takes you all the way to Crackpot Hall.

It's just under 2km with 120m ascent to get to Crackpot Hall, but totally worth it.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.