Discover Cleator Moor and Ennerdale.
Nestled at the foot the fells with gorgeous panoramic backdrops you will find a small town that has views to die for, and that place is Cleator Moor, known affectionately as little Ireland.
Cleator Moor is the overspill of the wee village of Cleator and established itself during the 19th Century. Migrants from various parts of Europe such as Ireland and Italy descended upon the town to work in the mining industry. The Irish greatly outnumbered the other migrants due to the Potato famine that was wreaking havoc on the population at the time, and so great were the numbers that came to work in the area they inevitably left their mark on the small town. Even today the legacy of the immigration can be seen in the excellent football club Cleator Moor Celtic which was founded by Irish immigrants employed in the local iron ore mines in 1908-1909. The Club, which is situated on Birks Road Ground, is celebrating its centenary (100 years of Football), and they are appealing to the general public for help in tracking down Cleator Moor Celtic Football Club Memorabilia: if you have any old photographs or programmes, shirts or anything else that you think may be relevant from 1908 - it could be from the 20's, 40's, 70's, before or afterwards - then please contact the club on 01946 817 223.The Club, which has produced a long line of Professional footballers including the brilliant young current England Goal Keeper Scott Carson, is aiming to carry on nurturing and producing more footballers of tomorrow, The Celtic Club is a fantastic venue which is for hire for any special occasion: again, simply contact the club for more details...
The town's architectural gems are from the Victorian period with such Gems as the old Co-Op Buildings opposite the square, also the parade on the High Street. With the renovation work being carried out on the buildings around the square and on the High Street, it gives you a brief insight to what Cleator Moor would have looked like a hundred years ago, and it is plain for all to see that the town was once a thriving busy place with buildings of grandeur reflecting the growth and wealth of Cleator Moor.
Cleator Moor has interesting famous links with the likes of L.S.Lowry who often stayed in Cleator Moor. He painted several pictures of buildings, including the Cowles fish and chip shop, the former Westminster Bank, and the Wath Brow Church. Also, Conrad Atkinson, who was born in the town, is an artist of international standing who has left Cleator Moor with three magnificent sculptures.
Cleator Moor is undergoing extensive regeneration work at the moment to capture the former glory and the difference is highly visible for all to see. Having worked in Cleator Moor for the last five years, the difference I have seen is fantastic: seeing new companies setting up and establishing themselves here is an indication of the work going on to make Cleator Moor a better place to live and work, and long may it continue.
The Town is on the up with tourism coming through via the C2C Route: local businesses are taking advantage of this, such as the Angling and Outdoor Company (Post Office) on Ennerdale Road in Cleator Moor which offers a variety of outdoor clothing and fishing tackle to meet the demand of the passing tourists. Tourists have always visited the area mainly because of the Kangol Factory shop that is still operating today; coach parties still stop off at the Kangol Shop .
Also, as Cleator Moor is the nearest town to Ennerdale it has always caught the passing trade going through to Ennerdale as well.
Ennerdale, as I mentioned, is just a few miles away.
It is a brilliant walk around the lake for youngsters and older people alike. For the more adventurous views of Wasdale and Buttermere can be had from the higher vantage points.
For Cycle enthusiasts there are around 20 miles of forest roads set in fantastic scenery. Ennerdale Valley is a beautiful place no doubt and man has worked the land there for thousands of years.
Ennerdale has evidence of Bronze Age Man living and working in the valley from as long as 4000 years ago.
As I mentioned in the last Guide, Ennerdale played an important part in the history of Whitehaven as it was the main route for the pack horses that would come from the docks in Whitehaven on their way to the east of the county.
Ennerdale valley sees visitors coming all year round to discover for themselves what we have on our doorstep.
The first time I came to Ennerdale was in the summer of 95, and wow! what a beauty that was, a red hot summer in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
The village itself is very small with a couple of nice pubs/restaurants that serve a constant stream of customers. The Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale has new owners (Becky & Simon) who took over earlier in the year and they are creating a fantastic reputation for themselves with locals and visitors alike.
Ennerdale is also home to The Whitehaven Brewery that has recently opened up in nearby Croasdale. They are open for Taster sessions: simply call them on 01946 861 755 to get your taste buds on their newest ale called ‘Ennerdale' - it is a Light Bitter with a strength of 3.9%. The new Ale is being launched in the Vagabond on the 4th December. It will also be available from The Fox and Hounds in Ennerdale and The Parkside near Cleator Moor as well as other outlets.
