St Ninian's Church Ninekirks
A remarkably preserved medieval church, known as Ninekirks, steeped in local legend and offering a peaceful, atmospheric visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for easier walking
St Ninian's Church Ninekirks
Best Time
Best for easier walking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkably preserved medieval church, known as Ninekirks, steeped in local legend and offering a peaceful, atmospheric visit.
"A treasure trove of English history, this atmospheric place is a gem worth the walk."
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
The track to the church can be very muddy. If driving, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Expect long grass and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Well-Preserved Church
Main church building
A remarkably intact historical church, offering a tangible connection to centuries past. Explore its interior for fascinating historical details.
Atmospheric Graveyard
Church grounds
A poignant and atmospheric graveyard, rich with history and ancestral stories. A place for reflection and discovery.
Scenic Walk to the Church
Path from A66 Whinfell car park
Enjoy a beautiful walk through long grass and countryside to reach the church, adding to the sense of discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing St. Ninian's
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
The track to the church can be very muddy. If driving, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Expect long grass and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential.
📜 Explore the Informative Interior
Take time to read the information boards inside the church; they offer great historical context.
🗺️ Check OS Maps for Routes
The track is marked as a byway on OS maps, useful for planning your approach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
The track to the church can be very muddy. If driving, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Expect long grass and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. Good footwear is essential.
📜 Explore the Informative Interior
Take time to read the information boards inside the church; they offer great historical context.
🗺️ Check OS Maps for Routes
The track is marked as a byway on OS maps, useful for planning your approach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Ninian's Church Ninekirks as a hidden gem, highlighting its well-preserved state and atmospheric historical significance. The scenic walk and the intriguing local legends add to its charm, though the challenging access track is a common point of caution. It's a place that rewards those who make the effort to visit.
"Found this place while looking at the map. There is a car park just off the A66 at whinfell but the track is marked as a byway on os maps so we drove down to the church. The church is in really great condition and well looked after. Loads of info inside about its past. As mentioned above we drove down to the church I would not recommend this without four wheel drive!"
Adrian Burton (Bertie)
"Wonderful, atmospheric place with a graveyard chock full of my Hutchinson ( of Hornby Hall ) forebears. We always called it Ninekirks on account of the giant who lived in the cave in the sandstone cliff across the river. 8 times they built a church and each time the giant forded the river and smashed down the Kirk......until on the ninth try they had the Bishop of Carlisle bless it. Then, when the giant tried crossing to do his wicked worst he was drowned in a mighty flood....oh do go. It's a truly beautiful spot. 6 stars, definitely."
Hew Wright
"One of the best gems in Cumbria. A fair walk through long grass and muddy tracks, but a treasure trove of English history. I love the place."
Mars Denique Victor Est
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located off the A66 at Whinfell. There's a car park near the A66, from which you can walk. The track leading directly to the church is often muddy and best suited for 4WD vehicles.
Yes, there is a car park just off the A66 at Whinfell. From there, you can either drive down the byway (if you have a suitable vehicle) or enjoy a walk to the church.
The walk from the A66 car park is described as lovely, often through long grass and potentially muddy tracks. It's a rewarding approach to the historic site.
While the track is marked as a byway, its condition can be challenging due to mud and grass. Cycling might be possible but could be difficult depending on recent weather.
Public transport options are limited for reaching this specific rural location. It's generally best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a scenic drive through Cumbria.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St. Ninian's Church Ninekirks is generally accessible without an entrance fee. It's a historical site that visitors can explore freely.
As an ancient church and historical site, there are no strict opening hours. Visitors can typically access the grounds and church exterior at any reasonable time. The interior may be accessible during daylight hours.
The graveyard surrounding St. Ninian's Church is part of the historical site and is freely accessible to visitors.
While the church itself is a stone structure, access to the grounds and the track can be more challenging in winter due to weather conditions and potential snow or ice.
There isn't a formal visitor center. Information about the church's history is provided within the church building itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a well-preserved historical church with information boards detailing its past. It's a place of quiet reflection and historical discovery.
Absolutely! The graveyard is described as atmospheric and chock-full of history, with many visitors finding ancestral connections.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours, allowing time for the walk, exploring the church interior, and wandering through the graveyard.
There are no public facilities such as restrooms directly at the church. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or in a nearby town.
Yes, the church and its surroundings offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the atmospheric graveyard and rural setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The church exterior against the landscape, the atmospheric graveyard with its old headstones, and the scenic walk leading to the church are all excellent photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating a more dramatic and atmospheric feel, especially during autumn.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local guidelines and be respectful of the historical and peaceful nature of the site before flying a drone.
Generally, photography inside historical churches is permitted for personal use, but it's polite to be discreet and avoid flash photography that could disturb the atmosphere or damage any artifacts.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the church and its setting. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the graveyard. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be prepared for the terrain by ensuring children wear sturdy shoes and are supervised, especially near the graveyard. The lack of facilities means packing snacks and drinks is advisable. The legend of the giant associated with Ninekirks can also be a captivating element to share with younger visitors, making the history come alive.
🚶 History Buffs & Genealogists
Researchers might find it beneficial to consult local historical records or family trees before their visit to maximize their time spent at the church. The atmospheric setting enhances the experience of connecting with past generations, making it a deeply rewarding destination for anyone interested in uncovering local heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Ninekirks
This legend, passed down through generations, contributes to the unique charm of Ninekirks. It's a story that resonates with visitors, making the visit more than just a historical exploration but an encounter with local mythology. The dramatic narrative of the giant and the flood is a memorable aspect of the site's heritage.
Navigating the Terrain
For those who choose to drive directly to the church, a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is highly recommended. The track can be treacherous, and attempting it in a standard car, especially after rain, could lead to getting stuck. Visitors emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate footwear, such as sturdy walking boots, to navigate the terrain comfortably and safely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit