Little Asby Common

Our Land>

Friends of the Lake District is working with the commoners to enhance the character of this limestone landscape. The area is Open Access Land, so you are free to explore the site. Why not come and see some of the work we are doing? Come and explore this remarkable landscape.

Reasons to visit:

Investigate some of the 196 archaeology sites on the common
Enjoy a 360 degree view of the Lake District, Northern Howgills and Pennines
Enjoy the upland limestone pavement, a contrast to the Lake District area
Enjoy the regenerating heather (summer/autumn)
Enjoy the feelings of remoteness, wildness and tranquillity
Best time to visit: summer/autumn

Virtual Tour

Pay a virtual visit to Little Asby Common with an aerial 360 degree panorama which you can move around the property. Deep dive into key elements, find out about what we have done on the common and what secrets are hidden amidst this spectacular limestone landscape.

Directions

There is Open Access on the common at all times. it is situated about five miles east of Orton. It can be reached via the the C3070 from Raisebeck to Little Asby , or the C3074 from Newbiggin-on-Lune. The grid ref of the joining of these two roads is 090686 (OL19 Explorer map Howgill Fells). There are no direct bus services across the Common, but buses from Appleby and Kirkby Stephen may pass nearby.

Property Leaflet

Little Asby Common - A rare limestone landscape (pdf)

Latest

Volunteers thanked at Friends of Lake District Awards

Hard working volunteers for the landscape charity Friends of the Lake District were recognised and rewarded at a special awards event at the Windermere Jetty Museum on Thursday 25 April.
23 April 2024: The Helm, paths to summer adventures

We were joined by a big group of volunteers with clippers, loppers and saws this week for bramble, bracken, and gorse management, to keep paths clear and create fire breaks.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Westmorland Dales: its natural and cultural heritage

The Westmorland Dales has been described as one of the best preserved prehistoric archaeological landscapes north of Salisbury Plain. The landscape has been hugely influenced by the way people have exploited and managed it for thousands of years. The walk will explore this, attempting to decipher the layers in the landscape.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Understanding Tranquillity

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.

Land Management

We own and manage land across Cumbria and the Lake District. This work is coordinated by our property manager Jan Darrall. Read more about our work in her Land Manager's Diary detailing the amazing work carried out by our volunteers and providing updates on site visits, events and our plans for the future.
Location Map

Our land includes valleys, native woodlands, moorlands, uplands and commons. We encourage you to get out and visit some of these hidden Cumbrian treasures!
Mazonwath

Mazonwath is a small site totalling 13ha, lying adjacent to Little Asby Common. It enjoys common rights and our purchase of the property in 2009 has allowed us to help protect the common and help the commoners with stock management to manage the common in a more environmentally friendly way.
Dry Stone Wall Survey - Asby Parish

No landscape feature should be examined in isolation as none exists or functions in isolation – it is important to view landscape elements in their wider context. The approach of this survey was to combine both field survey with documentary research
Little Asby Through the Keyhole – Season Two

We have recently completed the second season of excavation on Little Asby Common. Previously, surveys have been carried out across this upland landscape, along with our first season of excavation last year.
10th August 2022: Mazonwath Meadows and Memories

We were delighted to see the progress of our upland hay meadow restoration carried out as part of our Westmorland Dales project and in reminiscent mood as we near the end of several years of work rebuilding Mazonwath's drystone walls
Little Asby Through the Keyhole Season One Results

The results are in for the first season of excavations on Little Asby Common held in 2021, consisted of 16 keyhole trenches. These evaluation trenches enabled us to investigate the heritage of a wide area of the common and unearth a fascinating history
A Sound Tour of the Westmorland Dales

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.
Wednesday 6th July: Getting Mazonwath Buzzing

Working with our Westmorland Dales Scheme team and partner Cumbria Wildlife Trust, we are delighted to have the opportunity to increase biodiveristy on our Mazonwath land and excited to announce that we will be restoring an area of the site to upland hay meadow over the next few weeks.
Friday 1st July: Can We Achieve A Win-Win?

There are some really hard decisions to be made by all of us. Can we help nature and yet also retain the traditional characteristics of common land?

Volunteering

Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
Why become a member?

Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR