Countrystride #32: LADY ANNE CLIFFORD – First lady of Westmorland

...in which we explore Lady Anne's Way, the long distance trail celebrating its 25th birthday this year, with its founder, Sheila Gordon. As we stride along the airy High Way – an ancient route linking Wensleydale and Mallerstang – Sheila recounts the remarkable tale of the indomitable first lady of Westmorland, Lady Anne Clifford, and her 38-year battle to recover her lands and castles – before encountering crumbling packhorse inns, dashing highwaymen and a church that time forgot, all in the melodic company of lapwing, curlew and oyster catchers.

• For more information about Lady Anne's Way see www.ladyannesway.co.uk

High Hall - once a farm, and likely once a coaching inn.

Sheila Gordon on the High Way, Mallerstang Edge behind.

Walling repairs on the High Way.

Hell Gill Bridge - the border between Yorkshire and Cumbria - the old Westmorland.

Sheila at Lunds Church.

Lunds Church - east window.

Our production team for the day: Dave, and - on work experience - Max, aged 9.

One of Lady Anne's: Pendragon Castle, in the jaws of Mallerstang.

Our route for the day.