Bewcastle Church and Cross – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington
Bewcastle Church and Cross – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington
13
riders
Bewcastle Church and Cross – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington
02:05
44.7km
510m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 17, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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22.7 km
Ruins of Bewcastle Castle
Highlight • Castle
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.
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22.8 km
Fanum Cocidi Roman Signpost, Bewcastle
Highlight • Historical Site
The fort's Latin name (The Shrine of Cocidius) indicates that it enclosed an existing local shrine. The Romans equated the deity Cocidius with Mars, and the fort was possibly built there to control tribal gatherings.
In the second century, the Cohors I Dacorum mil. eq. (a mixed cohort with infantry and cavalry in dual garrisons, with auxiliaries from Dacia) was stationed there. A dual garrison cohort was also likely stationed there in the third century. By 400, before Hadrian's Wall was abandoned, Bewcastle Fort had already been abandoned.
Around 1092, Bewcastle Castle was built in a corner of the former fortress, using Roman stone. The church of St. Cuthbert is also located within the old fortress walls.
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22.9 km
Bewcastle Church and Cross
Highlight • Monument
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23.6 km
View of Bewcastle Castle
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28.4 km
Moorland View
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29.4 km
Askerton Castle
Highlight • Castle
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.
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30.1 km
Fellhill Plantation
Forest
36.5 km
Lanercost Priory
Highlight • Religious Site
The church ruins still stand tall, with a dramatic triple-arched structure.
Built partly with stones from Hadrian's Wall, they include Roman inscriptions.
Inside, you'll find the Lanercost Cross (1214) and the Lanercost Dossal, a work of art designed by William Morris.
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36.9 km
Lanercost Bridge
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44.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
41.4 km
3.22 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
40.0 km
4.63 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (200 m)
Lowest point (30 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 8 July
26°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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