The Stream Invites Us to Follow
A Book about the River Eden
An autobiographical account of my journey along the River Eden
“For many years, as the curlews returned to greet the arrival of spring with their plaintive, bubbling cry, I have visited the source of the River Eden ; a personal annual pilgrimage after the long , cold paralysis of winter to celebrate both the awakening of the new year and the embryonic rise of the river.”
Following my retirement in 2008 I embarked on a journey over several years, mainly on foot, keeping company with the River Eden and some of its tributaries from source to sea. As I did so I kept a journal consisting of copious scribbled notes describing the routes I followed and my observations and thoughts along the way. Slowly the scribbled notes turned into a book.
The Eden Benchmarks sculptures provide a collective thread to the text, which is interwoven with passages relating to local history such as the life of Lady Ann Clifford, Viking mythology and the Border Reivers, along with detailed descriptions of wildlife I encountered.
Other topics include The Poetry Path, my management of the Sheepfolds Project with Andy Goldsworthy, where I attempt some critical analysis of his artistic practise, my personal views regarding the cultural and natural landscape, public access legislation and my global ecological concerns.
I also allude to my involvement with Discover Eden, the millennium project ECCP delivered in partnership with the Eden Rivers Trust, including the restoration of the Nine Standards cairns, improvement and waymarking of a series of circular walk routes and their accompanying set of walk guide booklets.
I address a wide range of issues such as the illegal persecution of hawks on grouse moors, the urgent need for moderate rewilding of hill country, poorly managed Public Rights of Way, the over intensification of farming and the destruction and pollution it causes. I also talk, quite a lot, about my personal experiences living in the Eden Valley.
I am indebted to three local photographers, Val Corbett, Barry Stacey and John Stock, for kindly allowing me to include a selection of their superb photographs.
Dick Capel
Dick Capel. Author. The Stream Invites Us to Follow. A book about the River Eden
Publisher
Publisher: Saraband
Publication date: 2nd April 2020
ISBN: 9781912235841
Pages: 288
Cover: Paperback 198mm x 129mm
Where to buy the book
Reviews
What a pleasure to read - knowledgeable and beautifully written, exploring the River Eden, from its source at the awesome He’ll Gill to the Solway Firth. The author, explores history, both natural and human, and creativity in the local environment, through knowledge gained from an obviously intimate association with the area, and in a style which shows commitment to conveying effectively this knowledge to the general reader. The author enhances his subject by reflections revealing his personality and ideas about living.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I found it the perfect antidote to Covid -19 anxieties. The author takes us on a journey from the source of the Eden in remote Mallerstang to the Solway mudflats.His intimate knowledge of the area and his involvement over the years in many inspirational projects- from the Poetry Path,to the Andy Goldsworthy sheepfolds,to the Eden Benchmarks-bring fascinating insights into the artists and the practical obstacles overcome. He combines a deep love of the natural world with a knowledge of local history and geography.The author also shares some of his thoughts on climate change, sustainability and farming methods which adds another layer of interest to this delightful book.
Extracts from 'The Stream Invites Us to Follow', a book about the River Eden
Chapter 1: Mallerstang
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time."
Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
In the south-eastern corner of Cumbria, two springs of crystal-clear water called Red Gill and Slate Gutter ooze out of Black Fell Moss, a remote bog high up on the eastern side of the spectacular Mallerstang valley. Liberated from the saturated, clinging peat, they scamper over the brow of the hill and converge to formHell Gill Beck, the boisterous adolescent stream that runs south-west down into the valley bottom and swings abruptly north to become the River Eden.
Chapter 2: Eden Benchmarks
My pace quickened with the imminent prospect of reaching the vantage point ahead where, on a clear day, the upper Eden Valley comes into view. It is also the place where the sculpture Water Cut is sited, and it would be false modesty to deny that my exhileration was partly because it was me that put it there.
Chapter 3: The Road to Pendragon Castle
From Water Cut, the panoramic vista of the Pennines stretches across the horizon with only a partial view of the Eden Valley plateau through a narrow gap at the northern end of the dale. The flat summit of Cross Fell, 893 metres high, and Great Dun Fell with its 'giant golf ball' radar station dominate the scene over to the left. Ranging across to the right is the expanse of fell owned by the Ministry of Defence, one of the biggest army training areas in the UK.
In his book, Dick Capel’s enthusiasm, deep knowledge of and long-term sheer commitment – both personal and professional - to the Eden area leads us on a splendidly evocative journey. Enticing the reader to perhaps hanker after a first-hand experience of discovery: to visit the many places, marvel at the natural features, appreciate/draw from/respond to the subtly sympathetic artistic installations, etc. to be found. But, if not, then I believe Dick has so well described the various constituent elements of his wide-ranging subject that the flow of words contained within these pages easily carries us anyway, away on a rewarding, pleasurable, informative excursion. Here there are many tributaries: history, nature, folk lore, beauty, sincerely held views, thoughts and opinions on conservation, stories of creative ventures; all concisely written with a palpable sense of modesty and deep connection with the place.