Hartley once had a castle that stood guard over Kirkby Stephen. Originating with the Harcla family, Michael is known in the 13th century and then Andreas a younger son. See the legend of Andreas de Harcla. There are also two fiction books centred on this character by Adrian Rogan, The Northern Warrior and 1314 A succession of Musgrave Knights improved the castle until finally abandoning it and moving to Eden Hall. Unfortunately, there is nothing left to see of this castle which is now a farm.
Hartley Castle Farm
Leading up towards the quarry and Hartley Fell there is a pretty village along the beck which flows down to Hartley Mill next to the River Eden just before Low Mill and Hartley Road into Kirkby Stephen.
- Footpath to Hartley
There are several footpaths to and from Hartley including the Northern Viaduct Trust walk along the disused Stainmore Railway to Stenkrith Park. A leaflet is available at the Visitor Centre.
Viaduct Walk
Photo by Linda Robinson