The best road cycling routes around Brampton

What goes up must come down. As the top is a dead end there is only one way down. Just watch out for the sheep crossing the road

What a climb. Englands highest continuous climb. It’s difficult to set back off a the gate half way up but rest your back wheel on it for a push off

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.

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.

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.

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.