Natalie Finnigan

Lower Carhullan, a renovated stone barn conversion near Askham, Brampton and Shap in Cumbria, is on the market for £800,000 through Fine & Country Cumbria. The property includes three en-suite bedrooms, a detached one-bedroom annex, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a courtyard, a hot tub, outdoor cooking facilities and a three-acre paddock. It combines traditional features with modern amenities and has access to Penrith, the M6 and the West Coast Main Line.

The Lake District contains two of the UK's five hardest hiking trails, according to a ranking by PureGym trainer Phil Carpenter: the Pillar Rock High Level Route ranked fourth and the Wasdale Horseshoe fifth. The region also has the UK's easiest route, the flat seven-kilometre Buttermere Lake Circuit. Carpenter advises hikers to build endurance and strength gradually, research conditions, use appropriate equipment, hydrate and fuel properly, take regular breaks, and turn back if conditions or ability make continuing unsafe. The Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye was ranked the UK's hardest hike overall.

A previously undocumented population of the endangered dark bordered beauty moth has been discovered at the National Trust’s Wallington Estate in Northumberland, where the species had not been seen since 1952. The discovery creates a second known English population alongside the rapidly declining colony at Strensall Common in North Yorkshire. Conservationists credit reduced grazing, peatland restoration and other nature-friendly land management with improving Wallington’s habitat. Butterfly Conservation plans to expand suitable habitat, support management at Strensall Common and trial captive breeding, while the new site has prompted researchers to reconsider where additional colonies may exist.

West House, a renovated Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse in Thursby, Cumbria, is on the market through Fine & Country Cumbria for £900,000. The five-bedroom property includes a self-contained one-bedroom annex, landscaped gardens, a courtyard, garage, workshop and outbuildings. Extensive refurbishment since 2015 has retained period features while adding contemporary amenities, including a Poggenpohl kitchen with Miele appliances. The house is six miles from Carlisle and near the Solway Coast and Lake District National Park, and is offered with no onward chain.

Three people were taken to Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment after a four-vehicle collision on the westbound A69 near Haydon Bridge, just west of Hexham. North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulance crews and a clinical team leader, while Northumbria Police closed the road as emergency services dealt with the incident.

The Boatside Inn in Warden, near Hexham and the A69, is identified through Tripadvisor reviews as one of the best places for a pub lunch between Hexham and Carlisle. Customers praise its riverside setting, cosy atmosphere, seasonal food, friendly and attentive staff, dog-friendly facilities and value, with favourites including Sunday roasts, fish and chips and desserts. The pub also offers a beer garden and guest accommodation near Hadrian’s Wall.

Callum Riddell, 34, of Haltwhistle, pleaded guilty at Carlisle Magistrates' Court to drug driving on the A69 Brampton bypass in Cumbria on April 15. He was found driving an Audi with THC levels of 2.7 micrograms per litre of blood and received a 16-month driving ban, a £1,024 fine, £85 in prosecution costs and a £410 victim surcharge.

Gilsland Show at Triermain Farm drew families, farmers and visitors from across the Northumberland–Cumbria border for livestock and horse classes, baking, handicrafts and children’s competitions. The event received strong praise for its weather, exhibits, livestock and attendance, with Team Gorman’s Clydesdale named Overall Champion and the organizers thanking volunteers, judges, sponsors, exhibitors and visitors.