Guide Notes
Panel 2
Silloth to Haltwhistle
64 miles - 5 miles off road.



From Silloth the route follows quiet minor roads as much as possible until the outskirts of Carlisle where it joins a riverside track into the centre of Carlisle.

WARNING

Cycling is NOT PERMITTED on parts of the riverside track.
The section between the steps and under the disused rail viaduct to the small footbridge is very narrow and part of the Hadrian's Wall Walking Trail.
see guide note mile 85.7

There is an almost complete absence of gradients on this section. Following the coast the route barely rises above 10 mtrs until Burgh by Sands, when it gradually climbs towards Carlisle. The lowest point is along the Solway Firth between Drumburgh and Dykesfield, where it is almost at sea level.

Warning
Sections of the road along the Solway Firth can flood at very high tides
Click here for information on tide times & height.
(This links the Hadrian's Wall National Walking Trail web site)

Except for the few miles through Carlisle and a short section near the Brampton Bypass the entire route to Gilsland is on-road.

The off-road route from Gilsland and the turning to Haltwhistle is not yet fully completed and subject to change.
If in doubt follow the directions signs which may not correspond with the map.
The first phase up Greenhead Bank is in use.
The second phase from Longbyre to Greenhead is now open - Nov. 2006.
The final phase between Gilsland and Longbyre awaits approval.
This last section between Gilsland and Longbyre has been signed on-road.

This section becomes more hilly in nature as it passes over the Pennine watershed but this is not the highest point of Hadrian's Cycleway. This cames later !!

The climbs generally are not strenuous but there are a couple of short steep climbs up to Hadrian's Wall at Banks, before Gilsland and a longer one out of Greenhead, followed by a long descent to Haltwhistle.

From Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle, Hadrian's Cycleway follows the line of Hadrian's Wall but no visible remains can now be seen. Several Roman well preserved sites on Hadrian's Wall are passed between Banks and Greenhead.

At a later date there will be braided NCN 72 between Brampton and Haltwhistle via Lambley Viaduct, offering a less hilly route but missing the best Roman remains.

These notes are to offer advice and highlight any problem areas along the route.
Click the highlighted place names for more information.
Highlighted Towns link to Visit Cumbria website.

Mile
Notes / Comments / Warnings
53.0 Leave Silloth on the B5302 road - 30 mph limit.
54.0

End of speed limit

54.4

At sharp left hand bend in B5302 - continue straight ahead. Take care at this point.

56.3 Cross B5302 with care
58.7

Abbeytown
Rejoin B5302 for a short distance before joining the quieter B5307 road passing the Abbey.


St. Mary's Church and Abbey Remains in Abbey Town.
Sadly this was severly damaged by an arson attack in June 2006
60.0

Route via Salt Coates can flood occasionally at high spring tides - alternate route via B5307
62.5
65.0

Road subject to occasional tidal flooding at high spring tides.


Sign just before Whitrigg Bridge warning of tidal flooding.
65.4 Choice of route - main signed route around coast or short cuts as shown on map.
Short cuts are useful if there is a strong westerly wind blowing up the Solway Firth.
74.4

Bowness on Solway
End of Hadrian's Wall and National Walking Trail.
78.0
to
81.0

The next few miles are subject to tidal flooding at high spring tides if a strong westerly wind is blowing into the Solway Firth - observe the warning signs. Tide tables are posted at each end of this section.
Click here for information on tide times & height.
(This links the Hadrian's Wall National Walking Trail web site)
There is no alterative route if the road is under water - you will have to wait for the tide to drop !!


Road between Drumburgh and Dykesfield
Sign indicates water can reach two feet deep !!!

82.0

There are two signs at this point - one for the direct route to Carlisle - the other signed as HCW Loop via the King Edward 1st Monument which is 3 miles extra.


King Edward Ist monument, commemorates his death and is sited on the marshes just to the north of
Burgh-by-Sands at the place where he died, on his way to yet another battle against the Scottish.
He was also known as Edward Longshanks and the 'Hammer of the Scots.

85.5 Marconi Road - Two awkward access control barries to negotiate.
85.7
to
86.7

Carlisle (see insert map)
The section along the riverside is NOT signed from Marconi Road to Sands Centre.
The short 150m section from the steps - under the disused rail bridge and over the footbridge is part of the Hadrian's Wall National Walking Trail.


Cycling is not permitted here and you MUST Dismount and WALK.
Please Give way to any walkers you encounter on this narrow section.

A new route bypassing this section is under development.

86.7
to
87.3

The riverside path is grassy and can be muddy and slippery.
The section throught the car park at Sheepmount is badly pot holed.


Passing under the West Coast Main line at
Carlisle along the bank of the River Eden.
88.0 Do NOT use the riverside path - Out of Bounds - Carlisle Golf Course
88.5 The section between Strand Road & Rickerby park is CLOSED due to work improving the flood defences for Carlisle.
Follow diversion via Victoria Place and St. Aidens Road.
88.7 Awkward "Kissing Gate" into Rickerby Park just after crossing the Memorial Bridge over R. Eden.
92.3

The Stag Inn at Low Crosby Bridge is recommended for a refresment and food stop.
94.8 Narrow hump back bridge controlled by traffic lights - Observe the lights as there is a blind summit and you will not spot any vehicles coming the other way until it is too late.
95.4
95.6 Short cut possible via Toppin Castle - as shown on map.
There are no signs at this junction at present.
99.8 The first real climb !!
102.6

Brampton
The signed route may differ from the map - both will take you to the Market Place.


Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place.
105.0 Lanercost Old Bridge and Lanercost Priory
106.4 Steep climb up to Banks - for easier climb take the left hand fork then right to Banks.

107.0
to
110.0

There are several substantial remains of Hadrian's Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort along this section.
see Cumbria - Hadrian's Wall

Click here to see a 360 deg. panoramic view from Banks Turret over the River Irthing valley and along Hadrian's Cycleway. (note:- this will take a while to download)

111.6
111.8

Pass under narrow rail bridge and continue on-road to Longbyre.
112.9

Longbyre - turn left into village - next left - over railway level crossing and turn right to join new off-road path - crossing Hadrian's Wall and new bridge over the Tipalt Burn to Greenhead. Thirlwall Castle is close by and can be reached from Longbyer.
113.6 Greenhead Village - turn left onto B6318 and uphill crossing bridge over Tipalt Burn
Old Forge Tea Rooms on right just before main road.
113.7
to
114.6

New off road path up Greenhead Bank now in use.
This is a 1:6 climb and the steepest Sustrans has ever constructed.
Click here for photos which shows this section before it was finally completed.
Please ensure all gates are closed behind you at the road crossing for
Carvoran Roman Army Museum
114.6

At end of the off-road track - take care at crossing over B6318 Military Road - look both ways for fast traffic !!
Then a fast downhill descent into Haltwhistle.

116.9

Follow NCN 72 into centre of Haltwhistle NOT to the railway station.
(signed Bardon Mill / Hexham / Bellingham)


3-way sign post Haltwhistle
117.2

Panel 3- Haltwhistle to South Shields (Arbeia) or Tynemouth