Six Walks to do from Carlisle…

Carlisle is sat between two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; meaning stunning countryside surrounds it, providing endless opportunities for beautiful walks. You can choose to explore walks in and around the city, or venture out into the surrounding countryside…

  • Birdoswald Roman Trail 

Distance: 48km Time: 10-12 hours Difficulty: Challenging

Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers on the Birdoswald Roman Trail, picturesquely set by the River Irthing. This challenging hike is perfect for a full day out exploring the areas turbulent Roman history.  The trail is the longest continuous stretch of the wall and includes the best preserved milestone castle. The entire trail follows 30 miles of the walls western section from the River Irthing crossing at Harrow’s Scar to Bowness-on-Solway. The trail passed Lanercost Priory; which is one the best-preserved Cumbrian monasteries and is made from stones taken from the wall. Next, you will pass Hare Hill which is home to one the tallest sections of the wall, standing at 2.7 metres high. Other remains and features along the way include Banks East Turret, Pike Hill Signal Tower, Leahill and Piper Sike Turrets, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Harrow’s Scar Milecastle and Wall and ends at Willford Wall, Turrets and Bridge. We understand the whole 30 miles is a challenge, so you can continue on to any of these features as little or as far as you like.

  • Carlisle City Walk 

Distance: 8.7km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

This circular route through the beautiful city of Carlisle offers a mix of urban and green walking. You’ll head across beautiful parks, along riverside paths and through the city, passing some impressive buildings. You’re even treated to a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. The walk initially follows the Hadrian’s Wall path through Rickerby Park on the banks of the River Eden before crossing the Memorial Bridge and the five-arched Eden Bridge. The route then heads through the city center passing the Old Town Hall to reach Carlisle Cathedral. After marveling at the historic buildings the town as to offer, head past Carlisle Castle and back through Bitts Park to the start.

  • Rickerby Park and River Eden Circular 

Distance: 4.3km Time: 1 hours Difficulty: Easy

Rickerby Park is traditional, Victorian parkland located on the banks of the River Eden. Starting in Rickerby Park, the trail takes in a winding route along the River Eden passing Swifts Golf Course and back through the park, crossing the Memorial Bridge. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the river banks including birds alongside grazing cattle and sheep. Take care along the road sections of this trail as well as being aware of golfers along the golf course

  • Bitts Park Loop 

Distance: 2.25km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

This short but lovely loop takes in a mix of sights including a woodland path and close proximity to the River Eden. The park is a peaceful haven close to the City Centre with the loop exploring the Victoria Park, a garden filled with floral displays and a large statue of Queen Victoria, The Hollow, a sunken area beside the Eden Bridge with beautiful rhododendron displays and golden weeping willow trees and the Riverside Trail which is a tranquil area of mature trees filled with wildlife.

  • Chances Park Walk 

Distance: 1.2km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

This circular walk explores the impressive grounds of Chance Park which is home to an old manor house, Morton Manor. The surrounding gardens are landscaped with beautiful and unusual trees such as the walnut, weeping beech, red oak, tulip trees and turkey oak. The route exploring the grounds can start at the grounds car park and follows tree lined gravel paths around the edge of the park.

  • River Gelt and Brampton Quarry 

Distance: 5.5km Time: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Medium

Less than 20 minutes away from Carlisle, take this winding trail along the River Gelt, making your way through the woodlands and past Brampton Quarry. This quarry dates to the Roman Period, 1800 years ago, and was a means to build or repair the nearby Hadrian's Wall. As you make your way along, you will be able to make out the myriad of chisel marks left by the Roman workers. This trail also explores the RSPB conservation area where there is varied bird life.