The Scarthwaite Country House Hotel at Crook O’Lune near Caton in Lancashire is a house of historical significance. It was built in 1858 by Adam Hodgson, a merchant, banker and abolitionist. It was then the home of several notable people over the next century before being converted to a hotel. It still serves as a hotel which provides accommodation, restaurant facilities and caters for special events.
Scarthwaite Country House Hotel
Adam Hodgson
Rental notice for Scarthwaite 1877
Emily, Margaret and Mary Paley
The Crook o' Lune or Crook of Lune, about 3 mi (4.8 km) north-east of Lancaster, Lancashire, is a horseshoe bend of the River Lune, which here meanders through meadows and low hills into a wooded gorge. It has long been noted for its views eastward up the Lune valley to Hornby Castle and, in the far distance, Ingleborough and other Pennine fells. It was painted by J. M. W. Turner and its scenic attractions were celebrated by such writers as Thomas Gray and William Wordsworth. In recent years the Sunday Times has claimed that it "rivals the beauty of the Lake District". It lies within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Lune Millennium Park. The river is crossed here by two former railway viaducts and one road bridge, all being Grade II listed buildings.
The Crook o' Lune, with the eastern viaduct in the middle distance and the road bridge in the far distance
The road bridge, and behind it the eastern viaduct
An otter sculpture by the riverside
The view eastward at sunset, with Ingleborough in the far distance