Section 5:
Kirklinton to Longlands

Related pages: | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4 | Section 6 |

The route takes you onto the flatlands of the Solway Plain and the route becomes flatter than at any time in the route. The views over the wide and attractive River Eden will impress you before guiding you towards the historic and fine city of Carlisle. From there, the River Caldew will take you through predominantly flat countryside through Dalston then onto the lovely settlements of Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket, nestling under the Caldbeck Fells.

Carlisle Castle

The sting in the tail will hit you some two-thirds into the section as you ascend the northern fringes of the Lake District to Longlands. There is some serious climbing indeed which will tire even the fittest.

Although tarmac is the order of the day on this section, there are some opportunities for off-road excursions. If you have the energy then take the off-road alternatives as, although hard work, the scenery is quite special.

Route Details

Solway scenes
From Kirklinton, some four miles of tarmac will take you to Westlinton where there is a cafe. A further five, generally level, miles will bring you to the charming village of Rockcliffe. This well-named village sits above the River Eden on red stone cliffs and affords excellent views of this wide river. Being very close to the Solway Firth, the river is tidal at this point revealing the large mud flats. Rockcliffe, in days gone by had a thriving shipbuilding industry. Drinks and meals are available from the Crown and Thistle pub. The Solway Estuary is internationally important for its coastal habitat and is a magnet for birdwatchers.

Along the River Eden
Following the general line of the River Eden, you will arrive at the historic city of Carlisle. As the largest population centre on the route, a few hours in Carlisle is time well spent with its facilities and historic sights. Worth seeking out are Carlisle Castle, the Tullie House Museum, and Carlisle Cathedral.

From Carlisle you will need to pick up the scenic Carlisle to Dalston Cycle Path down route NCN 7. This follows the path of River Caldew all the way into Dalston.

Industrial heritage
Dalston is an attractive village. Set in a leafy location it is based around the village green. With a church, shop, cafe and inn, it makes a good stopping-off point. The village is historically significant: a Pele Tower with turret stands adjacent to the former Dalston Hall. Dalston had an important textiles business during the Industrial Revolution with its cotton and flax mills.

From Dalston, the country roads proceed on a meandering, yet level course following roughly the route of the River Caldew. There are no sizeable settlements of note until you reach the village of Hesket Newmarket in some ten miles. It is at this point that you will encounter the first real climb of the day - it will be a pusher for many but is blessedly quite short.

Local brews
Hesket Newmarket is a lovely village. Based around a long, large village green, the village boasts a shop, post office and plenty of accommodation. There is also the excellent Old Crown Inn. With its own micro-brewery round the back, the landlord serves an incredibly large number of real ales all of which are named after the local fells. The pub also does excellent food - an advance booking is recommended.

The Charms of Caldbeck
Another couple of miles will take you very close to the picture postcard village of Caldbeck. Although not technically on the route, the half-mile or so of link route will take you into this gem of a village. The village has a rich industrial heritage and the remains of a former bobbin mill are still very much intact. The Priest's Mill is a restored former mill now housing a craft centre and a superb vegetarian restaurant. John Peel, the Cumbrian huntsman immortalised in song, is buried in the local churchyard. The Oddfellows Arms is worth a visit for its good selection of ales and meals.

The now derelict Bobbin Mill in Caldbeck

Out of Caldbeck, there is some serious on-road climbing to do on the way to the small hamlets of Fell Side and Branthwaite. You will then briefly join the B5299 before turning off onto the quiet road that takes you into Longlands. The section ends with a steep uphill climb. An alternative off-road section exists between Greenhead and Longlands which cuts about two miles off the route.

Facts & Figures

Places en route

The table below summarises the main locations along this section of route. Hyperlinked place names link to pages containing additional information about the location including accommodation.

Route Options

Dalston off-road excursion
At the centre of Dalston village you can take the off-road option which extends for three miles or so before bringing you out just before Raughtonhead. The terrain varies from tarmac to earth track and proceeds through a series of gates. It is well worth the detour as it brings lovely views of the River Caldew.

Raughtonhead off-road option
Half a mile out of Raughtonhead brings another opportunity for scenic off-road action. Turning onto the track at Breconhill will take you down some steep, rutted terrain changing quickly to rocky track. You then have a mile of tarmac to ride before turning onto a bridleway after just crossing the River Caldew. You will rejoin the road in less than a mile.

Greenhead - Longlands "Shortcut"
Reaching the farm at Greenhead you will see an inviting track stretching uphill to the left. For off-road enthusiasts, this option is an absolute must.

The option cuts some two miles off the on-road alternative, however, it is not really any quicker as you have a seriously hard climb for a mile or so. Once elevated though, you will come across an exhilarating downhill section towards Longlands that is steep, fast and very long.

See what speed you can reach but be very careful as grip is very limited on the way down and you may have some scary moments en route if the ground is moist.

Carlisle Cathedral