The best road cycling routes around Greenhead

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.

Kielder Castle is a charming 18th-century hunting lodge in Northumberland, built in 1775 for the Duke of Northumberland. Today, it serves as a vibrant visitor center and the starting point for numerous walking and cycling routes, including the famous Lakeside Way. Although the castle is currently undergoing renovations, the information center remains open and the surrounding facilities are accessible. It's an ideal base for exploring England's largest forest. It houses the Kielder Visitor Center and the Cafe at the Castle.

Here you have a (distant) view of Vindolanda Fort, the most fascinating Roman archaeological site in Britain.

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is a modern visitor center. It is designed to inspire and connect people of all ages with the landscape, heritage, and nature of Northern England. It features interactive exhibitions on nature, climate, and culture, a panoramic roof terrace with views of the landscape, a café with local products, and a shop featuring regional crafts. Since July 2025, it has also been home to an impressive art installation around the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which was felled in 2023. The remaining trunk now serves as a memorial and meeting place.

worth a visit if your passing. nice little cafe too

From here you get a view of the magnificent Fort Vindolanda, a Roman auxilliary fort that offers a wonderful insight into daily life in Roman Britain during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.

The Blue Bridge is an iron bridge for pedestrians and cyclists across the River South Tyne. It has three arches and wooden decking. It forms part of NCN 68, the Pennine Cycleway and was was closed to road traffic in 1972.

As of September 27th 2023 we are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall has been felled overnight in what appears to be a wanton act of vandalism. We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited. It has been an iconic and important feature of the Northumberland landscape for nearly 300 years. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66947040