Hutton Roof Crags would once have been wooded and the current mosaic is a result of past clearance and grazing. Walls were built to create enclosures in the 19th century. At this time Hutton Roof Crags would probably have been more open than today. Reduced grazing pressure since the early 20th century has allowed trees and scrub to become established once more. Only Park Wood and Pickles Wood have had continuous woodland cover since the medieval period.
In many of the stories of King Arthur there are points in the quest where the Knights come to a dividing of paths and have to decide which way to go to continue their quest or adventure. One of the most famous of these is found in Sir Thomas Mallory’s ’Morte de Arthur’, where Sir Gawain, Sir Tor and Sir Marhault come to a clearing in the forest with many different paths and meet the three questing ladies. Each knight must choose a lady to accompany him on his quest and agree to return in three months to tell the others of their adventures. The clearing with the three questing ladies is only found by brave and valiant knights on a quest so good luck if you find them!
Directions: From the throne, head south around some bushes, and then go SW down across some really impressive limestone pavement, with numerous erosion features and really deep grykes! Aim for the gate waypoint. Take care in the wet, the pavement can be slippery.
At the gate a lot of thinning and charcoal making is going on. Go W and follow the small path as it loops round the bottom of the wood. A very different habitat to higher up the hill. Then head for the cache, just off the path by the junction.
An alternative from the throne is to head north to the wall, and follow the track down to the cache.
Lancelot! Time to meet the man himself! Continue north towards the bridleway and GC2N8A9. On the right is a huge blocky boulder, all done up in roots, looking like it's about to be lifted up. 30m beyond and you will discover Lancelot on the right, happily riding his rhino! What do you think?
Join the bridleway, turn right and return to the starting point. We hope you enjoy your visit to this wonderful Reserve. Thanks to Andrew Walter the Reserve Manager for permission for this series in this special place. Cumbria WIldlife Trust care for many very special places across Cumbria and would welcome your support.
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