The best gravel rides around Upper Denton

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!

Well, we got here nearly at the end of our Hadrian's Wall hike for the day and had a bit of bad luck. Fancy turning up at one of the best Roman forts on Hadrian's Wall to be told it was closed because the wind was too strong and it might blow us off the wall. A place to come back to.

St Cuthbert Bewcastle Church stands on the foundations of a Roman fort and has roots dating back to the 13th century. Although the current building largely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, parts of the east chancel are still medieval. The church exudes simplicity and tranquility, with a rectangular plan and a wooden gallery on the west side. Within the church, traces of the Border Reivers' turbulent history can be found, including gravestones bearing names like Armstrong and Routledge.

On a strategic rise above the River Irthing lies Birdoswald Roman Fort (Banna), one of the best-preserved forts along Hadrian's Wall. Built around 122 AD, it housed troops from countries including Dacia (modern-day Romania) and played a key role in defending the northwestern border of the Roman Empire. The fort lies on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian's Wall still visible. Within the ruins, you'll find the remains of barracks, granaries, gates, and even a unique Roman drill hall. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits and original artifacts, including altars and inscriptions. Birdoswald is an ideal rest stop for cyclists following the Hadrian's Cycleway. The tearoom and the view make it a pleasant stop with historical depth.

Hadrian's Wall was a 117 km long defensive wall built from 122 AD under Emperor Hadrian as the northwestern border of the Roman Empire. The wall ran from the Tyne to the Solway Firth, its central section following the natural ridge of the Whin Sill, a hard dolerite geological formation. This location offered Roman troops a tactical advantage: high ground with wide visibility and natural defenses. The wall served to control movement, delay incursions, and demonstrate Roman power. Here, next to Birdoswald Fort, you'll find the longest remaining section of the historic wall.

The Bewcastle Cross. This 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cross is one of the oldest and most exquisite in Europe. It still stands in its original location in the church garden and is richly decorated with runes, wickerwork, and Christian iconography. On the west side, you see Christ, John the Baptist with the Lamb of God, and a falconer who may represent John the Evangelist. On the east side, a vine winds upward, populated by mythical and real animals—a symbol of the connection between creation and faith.

The ruins of Bewcastle Castle lie mysteriously tucked away in the northeastern corner of an old Roman fort in Cumbria. The original castle was built around 1092 on the foundations of the Fanum Cocidii fort and served as a border defense against Scottish incursions. Destroyed in 1173, it was rebuilt in the 14th century by John de Strivelyn, a general of King Edward III. The castle had a square plan of 27 meters, surrounded by a dry moat that partially utilized Roman ditches. Within the walls were buildings surrounding a small courtyard, with a gatehouse added later. The walls are up to 9 meters high, with visible windows and fireplaces on the second floor. Bewcastle Castle was strategically located on the Maiden Way, a Roman road leading to Hadrian's Wall, and played a role in conflicts with the notorious Border Reivers. Today the ruins are unstable and partly inaccessible, but they remain a powerful symbol of border defense and medieval architecture.

You won't be able to avoid getting your feet wet!!