Kirkcarrion

If you're in the Middleton-in-Teesdale area then cast your eyes up to the hilltop on the outskirts and you will see a circular copse of trees surrounded by a stone wall. You have just found Kirkcarrion.

The hill is actually an ancient burial mound, otherwise known as a barrow or tumulus, for a Bronze Age chieftain called Prince Caryn.

We were staying in Middleton-in-Teesdale to explore some fabulous places nearby and we had an hour or so before tea to get more steps in, so thought we'd head up and have a look.

The route is pretty simple and follows permissive paths all the way up and took around 25 minutes from the town centre to the top.

It is thought that the origin of the name Kirkcarrion is from Carreg Caryn, which translates to "Caryn's burial mound". Additionally, Kirkcarrion is occasionally known as Castle of Caryn.

Unfortunately Storm Arwen had taken its toll on the trees.

During an excavation at the beginning of the 19th century some charred bones and a funery urn were found and the landowner, Lord Strathmore, took them to be exhibited at Streatlam Castle near Barnard Castle. The trees and stone wall were planted to mark the discovery and also as a mark of respect.

According to legend, it claims that no wind belows within the circle of trees regardless of the weather. It was blowing a hoolie that poor Red5 could only get a few snaps off before having to head home.

Also managed to snap a picture from the other side of Lunedale Ridge.

We actually headed up the day before, but the mist descended just as we headed off. Best picture we could do!