The best road cycling routes around Hethersgill

At this small sacred monument, there are several reasons why cyclists should not pass by carelessly, but should linger for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and the 'Bewcastle Cross' standing on the grounds, form a very harmonious unit. Secondly, when contemplating this cross, one looks far back into history, as its creation is dated to the 7th or 8th century. Thirdly, however – and mainly (!) – the artistic design of the obelisk, which rises to about the lower eaves of the church roof, tapering slightly upwards, is extremely noteworthy ('Amy' and 'Joe' have already described this in their contributions). My personal conclusion: Although the actual cross, which once crowned the obelisk, has long been missing, it is still a noteworthy small sacred monument!

Stamp point for your passport. Inside the Sands Centre.

This is a great snack shed, and the local owners were incredibly friendly. The lady of the house made us soup, which was served with a bread roll. This was very welcome on a wet, windy day, and we had a very nice conversation with her too. The place has some seats, overhead cover, and a shed full of snacks, microwave meals, and drinks, all neatly boxed and priced.

Built in 1724 by four local masons, this bridge replaced earlier wooden structures that had been destroyed by flooding. The bridge consists of two segmental arches: one over the river and one over the old Abbey Mill stream. The red sandstone, the triangular cutwaters, and the gently curving shape give it an authentic character.

The Moot Hall is the historic heart of Brampton. This octagonal jewel in downtown Brampton is not only a feast for the eyes, it's also steeped in history. Built in 1817 by the 5th Earl of Carlisle, it replaced a 1648 building used by Cromwell's troops to hold prisoners. Today, it houses a tourist information center and serves as a meeting place for the local council. Don't miss the iron blocks attached to the pavement next to the hall – a rare and evocative reminder of Brampton's past.

The war memorial in Rickerby Park, Carlisle, is an impressive tribute to the fallen of the First World War, later expanded to include commemorations for the Second World War and subsequent conflicts. Officially opened on May 25, 1922, by the Earl of Lonsdale, it commemorates the men and women from Cumberland and Westmorland who gave their lives in the Great War. Formal gardens and a monumental entrance were added in 1932–33 by landscape architect Edward Prentice Mawson and city engineer Percy Dalton.

Carlisle Castle, built in 1092 by William II, is an imposing medieval fortress on the edge of Carlisle city center, near Hadrian's Wall. The castle played a key role in the Anglo-Scottish conflict, withstanding at least seven sieges between 1174 and 1461. In 1568, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here, and during the Jacobite Rising of 1745, it was the last English fortress to be besieged. Visitors can explore the 12th-century gatehouse, the Tudor gun platform, and the keep with its 15th-century carvings. Also within its walls is Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, which chronicles 300 years of military history.

Askerton Castle is a rare example of a fortified medieval manor house, situated in remote north Cumbria, about three miles north of Hadrian's Wall. The original building was constructed around 1290 as an unfortified hall, but in the late 15th century, two battlemented towers—the Dacre Tower and the Dovecot Tower—were added by Thomas, Lord Dacre, as part of a border defense against the notorious Border Reivers. In the 16th century, the complex was expanded with a stable block and additional wings for troop accommodation. A third tower on the northwest corner is believed to have been lost, possibly to fire, but traces of its stonework and staircases are still visible in the walls. The structure contains impressive oak beams, dated between 1494 and 1510, and shows clear stages of architectural evolution—from a simple hall to a military stronghold. Although the castle is not open to the public, it is now part of the Askerton Castle Estate, an organic farm that produces beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. The building is a Grade I listed building, indicating its exceptional historical value.