River Caldew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caldew |
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Caldew near to Welton
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 Location within Cumbria
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Part | England |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | high up on Skiddaw, between its summit and Sale How |
| River mouth | confluence with River Eden 54°54′10″N 2°56′37″W / 54.9028°N 2.9436°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Caldew is a river that flows through Cumbria in England. It is an important part of the local landscape. In the past, the area it flowed through was known as Cumberland.
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Journey of the River Caldew
The River Caldew begins its journey high up on Skiddaw, a large mountain in the Lake District. Its source is found between the mountain's highest point, known as the summit, and a place called Sale How. From there, the river flows east through a valley. This valley is located between two fells (hills), Bowscale Fell and Carrock Fell.
From Hills to Towns
As the Caldew continues its path, it reaches Hutton Roof. Here, the river leaves the valley and makes a sharp turn to the north. This new direction takes it through several towns and villages. These include Hesket Newmarket, Sebergham, Buckabank, and Dalston.
At Buckabank, the river flows over a special structure called a weir. This weir helps to direct some of the water into a mill stream. This stream once powered a cotton mill. There is also a salmon ladder here, which helps fish swim upstream.
The river then passes under Hawksdale Bridge at Bridge End. It also flows under two other bridges in Dalston: Jubilee Bridge and the White Bridge. After Dalston, the Caldew moves towards Cummersdale. There used to be another weir here, above a textile mill that has since been updated.
Flooding and Bridges
Rivers can sometimes flood, especially after heavy rain. In 2016, the River Caldew swelled with floodwaters. These strong waters sadly washed away the Bell Bridge at Sebergham. This bridge was very old, built in the eighteenth century.
Reaching Carlisle
The Caldew eventually reaches the edge of Carlisle, a major city. It flows into the city north of Cummersdale. Here, it goes over another weir in Denton Holme, where a large Victorian mill once stood.
The river then flows through the city itself. It passes beneath the old west walls and skirts around the historic Carlisle Castle. Finally, the River Caldew empties into the larger River Eden. This meeting point is directly opposite a place called Stanwix.
What's in a Name?
The name "Caldew" likely means "the cold river." This comes from old words like "cald" (meaning cold) from Old English and "éa" (meaning river) from Old English. It might also have been influenced by the Old French word "ewe," which means water.
However, some people think the name could come from an even older language, the British language. In this language, it might have meant "swift river," similar to the name "Calder."
