DELIVERED BY: Solway Connections Guided Tours partnered with Drumburgh Castle Farming and Amy’s Farmhouse Bakes
Fort To Farm – a guided walking tour followed by homemade refreshments at Drumburgh Castle Farm, an iconic site close to the western end of Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria, north west England.
From the time of the Romans through to a contemporary life immersed in 21st Century agriculture, the Fort To Farm guided walk gives visitors a unique insight into the holistic approach of a farming family who care for the natural environment, the varied surrounding wildlife, and the animals who reside on their farm; whilst also protecting the important history of the farm in which they live and work.
Situated on a coastal raise looking out across the line of an ancient Solway Firth crossing, it is easy to appreciate the strategic significance of Drumburgh Castle Farm site. Home to a Roman fort on Hadrian’s wall, in Tudor times, a fortified farmhouse known as Drumburgh Castle was built on the site to form part of the line of defence against attacks by raiders and Border Reivers, who would ride across the Solway sands from the coastline of Scotland.
Still standing today Drumburgh Castle is an iconic building of the region, as well as being a focal point of the working farm. The family who own and manage the land in this historically significant area recognise not only the importance of the history of their farm, but also the gravity of their natural environment; seeing themselves as custodians of the land they cultivate. Always working in a sustainable, wildlife and nature-friendly way, the farm rears grass-fed cattle and sheep – producing milk, beef, and salt marsh lamb, as part of a busy year-round cycle. The land managed by this farming family includes rare coastal salt marsh, as well as extensive meadow grazing. Through their farming methods, and the value placed on having a rich biodiversity, the farm is home to a wide range of animals and plants. Their fields also directly border the Drumburgh Moss Nature Reserve – a lowland raised mire similarly teeming with wildlife.
The Fort to Farm guided walking tour takes visitors through Drumburgh Castle Farm’s layers of history to the present day, highlighting farming practices that preserve the built and natural heritage of the remarkable Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hot drinks and snacks freshly baked by farmer’s wife, Amy, are provided as part of the Fort To Farm guided walking tour. With a professional training and career working as a catering manager, Amy recently set up her own farm-based catering business called Amy’s Farmhouse Bakes providing delicious homemade food. Experienced local Tour Guide Fiona Stoddart of Solwayconnections Guided Tours will lead your Fort To Farm guided walking tour.
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