Rising in the heart of Northumberland National Park, the River Irthing begins its journey among the conifer plantations and blanket bogs of Butterburn and Spadeadam Forest. From here, it flows southwest, eventually joining the River Eden just north of Warwick Bridge.
The Irthing’s catchment is rich in ecological and hydrological features. Bolton Fell and Walton Moss, a partially restored lowland raised bog drain into the Irthing near Brampton.
The King Water and River Gelt are key tributaries, with the Upper Gelt, Old Water, and New Water feeding the Castle Carrock Reservoir, a crucial source of drinking water for the area.
Land Use and Livelihoods
The uplands surrounding the Irthing are managed for sheep, cattle, and grouse, while the lowlands support intensive beef, dairy, sheep, and arable farming.
Recreation and Heritage
Nestled within the catchment is Talkin Tarn, a picturesque lake for boating, walking, and wildlife watching. The area is also steeped in history: the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site crosses the catchment, passing through Brampton and Gilsland, and includes the impressive Birdoswald Roman Fort—a reminder of the area’s ancient strategic importance.
Find out more about work we're doing in this area as part of a major partnership landscape recovery project, led by Forestry England.
Find out more about work we're doing in this area as part of a major partnership landscape recovery project, led by Forestry England.
