Gilsland to West of Carlisle (Including Brampton and Carlisle)

Along the Wall

For part of this ride you’ll actually be cycling on the line of Hadrian’s Wall and following Hadrian’s Cycleway to reach Birdoswald Roman Fort. For the rest you’ll be mainly on quiet roads through lovely countryside with the North Pennine and Lakeland fells in the distance. One steep, but short, climb up to Banks

Geltsdale and Eden Valley

A delightful ride through the small villages, rolling green countryside and wooded valleys around the rivers Gelt and Eden, with the option to visit Talkin Tarn Country Park. Mostly on quiet roads with a section of Hadrian’s Cycleway and some more gentle gradients.

Irthing Valley Round

A ride on both sides of the River Irthing between Gilsland village and Lanercost Priory partly following Hadrian’s Cycleway along the line of Hadrian’s Wall itself. Birdoswald Roman Fort is on the route high above the winding river. All on quiet roads with a couple of steep, but short, uphill gradients to contend with. Super views and vistas.

Rickerby Park and River Eden

This is an ‘out and back’ route following the River Eden through peaceful Rickerby Park to small pretty villages from Carlisle’s 900 year old ‘border fortress’ castle. On shared-use, traffic-free paths and quiet roads over fairly flat terrain, which forms part of Hadrian’s Cycleway.

Romans and Reivers

A superb and varied ride that really takes you away from it all through woodland, farmland and moorland to remote Bewcastle. Part of it follows the Reivers Cycle Route - named after the lawless and violently feuding families from the area both sides of the border known as the Debatable Lands’ for several centuries. All on mostly very quiet roads over undulating terrain with some steep climbs. Make sure you’re well equipped before setting off.