Hartley Castle, Hartley, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.
CA17 4JJ
Hartley Castle is a 220ha working sheep farm extending
from the River Eden in Kirkby Stephen to Nine Standards Rigg (a line of
Cairns of unknown origin).
Recently the Northern Viaducts trust opened a walk
along the old railway line from Stenkrith Park to Hartley passing over
Podgill and Merrygill Viaducts with beautiful views across our farm.
Podgill Viaduct
View of Merrygill Viaduct
from the rear garden of Hartley Castle barn.
Hartley Castle was built on the site of an 11th century castle,
which was demolished in 1735 it was originally the home of Sir Andrew de
Harcla, the sheriff of Cumberland, who led many battles with the Scots
culminating in the English defeat at Bannockburn in 1314. He was executed
for treason after negotiations with Robert the Bruce in 1325. The estate
was then sold to the Musgrave family.