Friends of the Lake District's annual dry stone walling competition takes place at Nags Head Farm, Hoff, near Appleby on Saturday 25th May.

Competition organiser Ruth Kirk at Friends of the Lake District said: "Dry stone walling is a heritage skill and an iconic part of Cumbria's cultural identity. Our annual walling competition is a terrific opportunity for anyone, from a novice to a skilled professional to try their hand. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an amateur there’s a class to suit you, plus there are cash prizes, trophies and a delicious free lunch.

“It's always fascinating and very satisfying to see how a pile of stones at the start of the day can be so skilfully built into a beautiful structure which will last another generation and more."

Anyone with some experience of dry stone walling can enter the competition and there are cash prizes for first, second and third positions in each of four classes. For more information or for a competition booklet and entry form contact [email protected] or  download the forms here.

The competition runs from 9am - 4pm.

Entry: FREE for spectators and wallers alike.

Classes:

CLASS 1 - PROFESSIONAL

Anyone whose main income is from walling or who has previously won first prize in a competition in Class 2 or equivalent. 

CLASS 2 - AMATEUR / OPEN

Open to those with some experience who have not won first prize in a competition in this class or equivalent.

CLASS 3 - NOVICE / JUNIORS

Open to those who have never competed before or anyone who has won less than two first prizes in previous competitions in this class.

CLASS 4 - VETERAN CLASS

Open to those aged 60 and above

To enter, download the competition booklet here, fill in the entry form here or download it here.