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Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Carlisle

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Carlisle

Hard

4.8

(21)

riders

Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Carlisle

04:06

66.2km

530m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 86 m for 6 m

After 66.2 km for 6 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.34 km

Carlisle Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Founded in 1092 by William II, Carlisle Castle was the main fortress on England’s northwestern border with Scotland until the crowns of both countries were united in 1603. According to English Heritage, the castle has endured more sieges than any other place in the British Isles.

Tip by

1.80 km

Carlisle Cathedral

Highlight • Religious Site

Carlisle Cathedral, founded in 1122 as an Augustinian priory and elevated to cathedral status in 1133, is one of England's oldest and smallest cathedrals. The building combines Norman and Gothic architecture, with its striking east window—the largest example of Flowing Decorated Gothic in the country. Inside, you'll find medieval choir stalls with misericords, a 14th-century star-studded ceiling, and a chapel for the Border Regiment.

Built in red sandstone, the cathedral also houses a phratry (refectory) dating from around 1500, a Prior's Tower with a painted ceiling, and a gatehouse dating from 1527. Despite damage during the English Civil War and restorations in the 19th century, Carlisle Cathedral remains a spiritual and cultural center.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

23.6 km

Lanercost Tea Room

Highlight • Cafe

Indeed, a lovely place to relax. Very hospitable and helpful staff. I can only recommend this place.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

26.1 km

Banks Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

excellent camping spot, only 5 pound a night, very peaceful and the owners are brilliant.

Tip by

27.8 km

Leahill Turret

Highlight • Monument

Along Lanercost Road near Banks in Cumbria, you'll find the well-preserved remains of Leahill Turret (51B), a Roman watchtower built around 122 AD as part of Hadrian's Wall. The tower was fully excavated and consolidated in 1958 and is still visible today to a height of approximately one meter.
Leahill Turret served as a staging post between Milecastles 51 and 52, providing Roman soldiers with a strategic vantage point over the northern border region. Inside, traces of a raised platform against the north wall and a later shelter structure against the south wall are visible, suggesting reuse in the 4th century.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

31.2 km

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Highlight • Historical Site

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the site of the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall. Managed by English Heritage, there's plenty to discover with exhibitions and lovely walking trails in the surroundings too. After a ramble, you can put your feet up in the rustic cafe and enjoy a slice of cake with a hot drink.

Tip by

31.3 km

Hadrian's Wall

Highlight • Historical Site

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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

38.3 km

Lanercost Priory

Highlight • Religious Site

This impressive Augustinian priory, founded around 1169, is just a stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall. Its ruins tell stories of kings, wars, and pilgrims. King Edward I stayed here in 1306 during his final campaign against the Scots, and Robert the Bruce later attacked the monastery.
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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

66.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

51.0 km

7.15 km

4.83 km

2.28 km

490 m

480 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

47.6 km

16.5 km

791 m

780 m

480 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (160 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

24°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Carlisle

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Cathedral

Lanercost Tea Room

Banks Campsite

Leahill Turret

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hadrian's Wall

Lanercost Priory

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