|
|
Banks / Walton - Carlisle
|
This section of the Way is 11 or 14.3 miles (18 or 23 Km) to Carlisle
starting from either Walton or Banks respectively. There is a gradual
decline over the section of 60 metres from a starting height of 75
metres.
Starting from Banks which overlooking the Irthing Valley and the
Lanercost priory below.
A short distance west of the village brings the way to a T-junction.
Turn right and at the next junction cross onto a track leading to Hare
Hill.
On this section there are few signs of Hadrian's Wall remains so enjoy
the last significant portion maintained by English Heritage at Hare
Hill. A farm is soon reached and beyond it the path starts to slowly
descent from Craggle Hill to Garthside.
There are interesting views over the Irthing Valley as the walk heads
to Walton.
This is easy walking along the edge of fields and beside some old
established hardwood trees.
Many of the fields will have livestock and walkers are advised
that all dogs must be kept on the lead.
On approaching Walton the way drops into the valley below crossing King
Water at the road bridge. A short section of road takes the walk into
the village of Walton.
Walton is a small village with an interesting church in the
centre beside the village green.
For some this will be the starting point for the section to Carlisle,
whether this is the case or not remember that until the walker reaches
Crosby on Eden there are no refreshment facilities.
From Walton the Way heads through woodland at Swainsteads then drops
down to cross a small burn and then a further valley before rising to
reach Heads Wood. From here on the Vallum there are views south over
the Irthing Valley in the distance are the Tindale Fells. From here
the quickly reaches the road at Newtown.
The walking route is in a general WSW direction keeping close to the
line of the Vallum all the way to the Sandy Lane.
On this section beside the Wall and Vallum and to the north of the
airport, there are no visible wall remains. The walk is mainly on
farmland by the edge of fields. There is a slight change in terrain at
Bleatarn farm where in wetter weather there is a small pond or Tarn
between the wall line and the farm buildings.
Sandy Lane is a track heading south and taking the way away from the
line of Hadrian's Wall. This is the situation for the rest of the
walk into Calisle the route running in a parallel line to the old wall
but approx. 1 Km further south.
At the end of the lane the route crosses the A689 road via a cattle/
farmers bridge then across a field to reach the Stanecate Roman Road.
The Village of Crosby on Eden is in two parts joined by a road that
previously was the line of the Stanegate Roman Road. Crosby House and
hotel are at the point where the path exists the field. Turn right and
use the footpath to arrive at Lower Crosby with its charming village
with pub, bistro, school and church. Throough the villge on the left
is a road running down to the Eden River and from here the path starts
to follow the river downstream.
The quietness of the way is now broken by the noise and sight of modern
life as the path crosses over the busy M6 motorway.
As the noise starts to fade the walk travels beside a minor road into
the area of Rickerby. Although this is now close to the city the atmosphere
is one of a rural and recreational nature.
Mr George Head Head owned Rickerby House in the 19th Century and this
was a time when towers and turrets were in vogue. Examples of this are
passed in the form of a tower standing in the middle of a field and
more towers built into the Rickerby Gardens and Farm buildings.
By a cattle grid the footpath enters Rickerby Park which is an
attractive recreational park in the grounds of the Rickerby
House. To the right of the route is an impressive War memorial
that will be seen again later from the other bank of the river.
Although this is close to the city centre and the neaxt section of
urban walking is very attractive with wide open parkland on both sides.
The path now crosses the Memorial Bridge and follows the river
downstream. Soon the path and cycleway reverts to a grass path beside
the golf course.
On the other side of the river is open parks and riverside
walks with the War memorial again visible.
Keeping the golf course on the left the path curves round to the west
and approaches the bridge carrying the A7 road into the City Centre.
Passing underneath on of the arches this walk continues beside the
river and come next to the Castle. Alternative the walker many want to
break from the River at the bridge and enter the City centre, with its
interest and history.
Navigate to each section of the walk using this
link or the right hand section
buttons.
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - October 2003
|
|