River Bela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Bela |
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The Bela between Beetham and Milnthorpe
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 Location within Cumbria
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Part | England |
| County | Cumbria |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Confluence with River Kent 54°13′37″N 2°47′14″W / 54.22707°N 2.78725°W |
The River Bela is a small river in the county of Cumbria, England. It is about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) long. This river flows through an old area known as Westmorland.
Contents
Journey of the River Bela
The River Bela starts when two smaller streams meet. These streams are called Peasey Beck and Stainton Beck. They join together at a place called Overthwaite.
Flowing Through Towns and Mills
- The river flows through a village named Beetham.
- In Beetham, the river still helps power the Heron Corn Mill. This mill uses the river's water to grind grain.
- Long ago, the river also powered a paper mill in the same area.
- After Beetham, the River Bela goes through the deer park of Dallam Tower. This is a large estate with deer living freely.
- The river then flows around the southern edge of the village of Milnthorpe.
Joining the River Kent
Finally, the River Bela joins the River Kent estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the water becomes a mix of fresh and salt water. This meeting point is between Sandside and Milnthorpe.
Old Railway Bridge
Near where the River Bela meets the River Kent, there used to be a railway bridge. It was called the Sandside Viaduct. This bridge was part of a railway line that ran from Arnside to Hincaster. The railway line closed to passengers in 1942. The bridge was taken down in 1966.
From Camp to School
During World War II, a camp was built next to the River Bela. This camp held prisoners of war. After the war ended, the camp changed. It became an open prison, which is a type of prison with fewer restrictions. Today, a residential school is located on that same site.
