Place Name

Shap Summit, Cumbria, England

Where the Sheep Count You Instead of the Other Way Round!

Introduction:

Welcome to Shap Summit, a name that sounds like it was plucked straight from a particularly whimsical British novel. You might think, “Ah, a summit! That sounds important!” But dear reader, let’s not get too carried away.

This isn’t the summit of some grand mountain range, but rather a delightful little bump in the landscape that sits between the A6 and the Queen's Monument in the Shap Wells Hotel. One can only wonder if the name was a result of a local’s overzealous enthusiasm for hilltops or if it was a clever marketing ploy to attract tourists who might be looking for a ‘summit’ experience - only to find themselves on a glorified hillock instead.

Perhaps it was named after a particularly ambitious sheep who fancied itself a mountaineer. The absurdity of the name is part of its charm, and it’s a reminder that not all places need to be grandiose to be worthy of a visit.

So, grab your walking boots, and let’s delve into the delightful world of Shap Summit!

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Shap – This first word is derived from the Old Norse “skop,” meaning a “slope” or “hill.” So, it seems that our little summit is quite literally named after the very thing it is - a slope! Talk about on-the-nose naming conventions! It’s as if the locals were trying to make sure no one would confuse it with a flat plain.

Summit – Now, this word adds a delightful layer of irony. While it suggests a peak worthy of climbers and adventurers, we’ve already established that it’s more of a gentle rise than a towering mountain. It’s like calling your garden shed a “palace” - it’s all about perspective, really.

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud. “Shap Summit” sounds grand, but once you’re there, you might find yourself chuckling at the cheeky naming convention.

Historical Context:

The earliest known usage of the name Shap dates back to the 12th century, but the exact origins of “Shap Summit” are shrouded in mystery. Some locals claim it was named after an ancient sheep herder who, after a particularly heavy night of ale, declared this the ‘highest point’ in the land, despite the fact that it was more of a gentle incline.

Others suggest it was simply a case of wishful thinking, as the locals wanted to attract tourists to the area, hoping they’d mistake it for something more significant.

Regardless, Shap Summit ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved. So, if you find yourself pondering the origins of the name, you’re in good company - everyone else is doing the same!

Points of Interest:

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out:

• Shap Abbey – A fascinating historical site, this former Cistercian monastery dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into the region's monastic past. Just imagine the monks trying to climb up to the 'summit' for a better view!

• Shap Wells Hotel – This charming hotel is a perfect place to rest after a day of exploring. It’s known for its stunning views and an excellent spot for a hearty meal. Plus, you might just bump into a sheep who thinks it’s a mountain goat!

• The River Lowther – A picturesque river that flows through the valley, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Just be wary of the ducks; they might try to challenge you to a race!

• Orton Scar – A natural limestone escarpment nearby, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s the perfect spot for those Instagram shots where you can pretend, you’re on top of the world!

• Old Shap Village – A quaint village that’s worth a visit for its charming architecture and friendly locals. Don’t forget to ask about the legend of the ‘Shap Sheep’—it’s a tale that will have you in stitches!

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Shap or Cumbria include:

• William Wordsworth – The famous poet was born in Cockermouth, not far from Shap. His love for the Lake District is well-known, and you can almost hear him whispering sweet nothings to the hills from Shap Summit.

• John Ruskin – The renowned art critic and social thinker spent much of his life in the Lake District. He was known for his passionate advocacy for the beauty of nature, which you can certainly appreciate from Shap Summit.

• Beatrix Potter – The beloved author of children’s books was inspired by the landscapes of Cumbria. It’s said that if you listen closely at Shap Summit, you might hear Peter Rabbit hopping about, planning his next adventure!

• Sir Chris Bonington – The legendary mountaineer hails from Hampstead but has spent a considerable amount of time in the Lake District. He’s probably climbed more peaks than the average sheep has counted!

• James Clark Ross – A polar explorer born in 1800, Ross made significant contributions to the exploration of the Antarctic. One can only imagine what he’d think of Shap Summit—“A summit, you say? I’ve seen bigger icebergs!”

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Shap Summit, take a moment to admire how geography refuses to follow common sense. It’s a charming little spot that reminds us that not all adventures need to be grand; sometimes, the absurdity of a name is just as delightful as the view.

For more hilariously perplexing names that make you scratch your head and laugh, visit www.strangeplacenames.com – because the UK & Ireland have a profuse amount of places that sound like they were named by a committee of confused village idiots!

And remember, if you ever feel lost, just follow the sheep - they know where the best summits are!

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