Sit back, close your eyes, slow down and experience a sound tour of the Westmorland Dales through a mosaic of sounds recorded at various locations by sound artist, Dan Fox. A mysterious and evocative medley of traditional music, local voices and sounds of the countryside. 

The recording was commissioned by the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the aim of revealing the hidden heritage of the Westmorland Dales. 

The work forms part of a project employing a variety of media to engage local people and visitors in understanding and appreciating what makes the area so special. 

Amanda Walters, Interpretation Officer with the Westmorland Dales scheme, 

“I hope this mosaic of sounds will increase peoples’ understanding of typical Westmorland Dales characteristics, and tempt them to find out more about the Westmorland Dales for themselves. By employing the talents of local artists like Dan Fox, we hope to provide people with different ways of accessing and immersing themselves in the Westmorland Dales and its rich natural and cultural heritage. 

“Listening to this blend of sounds is quite a mindful experience, encouraging you to slow down and picture places and people in your mind. By connecting with the global aporee sound map, international audiences can explore sounds from across our local area and really get a sense of place.” 

From the sonorous tones of the St Lawrence Church organ in Crosby Ravensworth, to bird calls on the windy upland commons, nostalgic snatches of local poetry read by local farmers, performances from local music groups and the sound of steam trains dashing through the area, the sound tour provides listeners with a fascinating insight into the Westmorland Dales. 

Step into a Westmorland Dales farm and imagine what it would be like to make a living from working the land. Swoop beneath bridges under the M6 where river and farmlife meet below the boom of passing motor traffic. Experience the eerie sounds of wind in the railings on Smardale Gill viaduct, lively streams and the buzzing of busy pollinators - but watch out for a low-flying jet coming through!

Press play to journey through the Westmorland Dales...

Full length sound recordings from specific locations have also been added to the ‘Aporee Global Sound’ map, a global collection of unedited field recordings, from actual sites and situations, enabling you to take a location-led tour of the Westmorland Dales. Listen at this link> 

Amanda Walters said, 

“The sound tour was made possible because of the generosity of many local contributors, who all helped enable the amazing diversity of sounds captured. Also Dan Fox, of Sound Intervention, for supplying the technical and creative skills needed (and long days in the field!).”