Distance 5.4 miles/8.7km
Typical duration 2 hours
Start and finish Sands car park, Carlisle
Start postcode CA1 1JE
Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/carlislecity

In a nutshell

This circular route through the beautiful city of Carlisle offers a mix of urban and green walking. You’ll head across beautiful parks, along riverside paths and through the city, passing some impressive buildings. You’re even treated to a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, the famous Roman frontier.

Why it’s special

This walk initially follows the mighty Hadrian’s Wall path through Rickerby Park, on the banks of the river Eden – a tranquil spot dotted with mature woodland. Look carefully and you may spot magnificent kingfishers, or even inquisitive otters playing in the river.

You’ll cross the beautiful Memorial Bridge, opened in 1922, and then after a short stretch reach the striking five-arched Eden Bridge, which dates from 1815. Look out for the recently renovated cenotaph war memorial.

The next section of the walk heads through the city centre, passing the Old Town Hall, now the tourist information centre, to reach Carlisle Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the smallest in England, but don’t let its stature fool you, it’s full of delights and the grounds are particularly worth exploring.

After looking around the cathedral you’ll head past the impressive ruins of Carlisle Castle before heading through Bitts Park back to the start.

Reward yourself

Stop off at the Tavern Bar in the Crown & Mitre Hotel, a beautiful Edwardian building with original features, for lunch or a light bite.

Get there

Carlisle is well served by public transport, with regular bus and rail services from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne (travelinenortheast.info).