River Petterill (Part 1)

This is the start of a new River Journey. I am planning on following the River Petterill as it flows, from near Greystoke, north to Carlisle. It is not a well-known river, nor is it very long, but it follows an interesting route with many things to explore along the way. So, if you want to journey with me . . . here we go.
 
I have had this in mind for a while now, but other things got in the way and there was an issue over trying to find a source for the river. It is obvious that there are many streams flowing into the river, especially at the beginning, and it is hard to pinpoint exactly where starts. So, I decided to ignore sources for the moment and begin the journey where it gets the name River Petterill on the OS map, which is between the villages of Motherby and Penruddock.
 
Then I thought - what about the first bridge, that would be a good start. And that’s where it got interesting, as the first bridge is called Station Bridge, but there is no station anywhere near. However, I soon discovered that there was once a station close by – Penruddock Station on what was the Cockermouth/Keswick/Penrith Railway Line.
 
This line was part of the network that linked Workington in the West to Durham in the East. So, an industrial line, which opened to freight in 1864. The next year it was opened to passengers and became very popular with tourists. The line closed in 1972, but there are ambitious plans for its return – look on line here for details if you’re interested. Penruddock was just one of several stations along the route. Until fairly recently the station building was still standing, although derelict. Then the whole area was cleared and a development of houses appeared.
 
Well, we found the Station Bridge and here it is. Not very impressive is it. It just takes the Motherby road over what is only a tiny stream. You can see it snaking its way through the field – the River Petterill in the making. The Lake District hills are in the background - I have marked the spot on the location map.
 
We were curious about the railway and spent some time following footpaths between Penruddock and Motherby, and found some evidence of the line, although it has long been dismantled and is well covered with vegetation. We eventually found our way down to the stream further on and to a tiny footbridge over it. We found the remains of a stone bridge that took the railway over the footpath. Returning to the houses, where we had parked, we found what we thought must be the edge of the platform.
 
Then we drove further on in search of Penruddock Viaduct. We walked down a narrow lane and along a footpath and there the viaduct was, amongst the old cottages. It is still impressive, despite being long disused.
 
As we set off walking down the lane, we found the stream again and another bridge. It was then possible to see it making its way through the fields towards Greystoke. 

So, the start of the journey along the River Petterill.
 
   
I have put a photo of the viaduct in extras. (And I couldn’t resist the Meadow Sweet that is gloriously filling the hedgerows at the moment.) Pictures of everything else are on flickr if anyone is interested.