This section of the Way is 11 or 14.3 miles (18 or 23 Km) to Walton or Banks respectively. There is a gradual incline over the section of 60 metres from a starting height of 15 metres.

It is our strong recommendation that the end point should be in Banks so as to balance out the next section to Steel Riggs to similar lengths.

This section of the walk is best started close to the Castle on the south bank of the Eden. Progressing east the riverside walk meanders first round the edge of a golf course then shortly after the next change in direction the way takes to the northern side.
On the other side of the river there is also open parks and riverside walks.

Although this is close to the city centre this section of urban walking is very attractive with wide open parkland.
As the path draws close to the bridge the surface changes from grass to a solid tarred pedestrian and cycle route.

Having crossed the Memorial Bridge the Way is now in Rickerby Park and this is an attractive recreational park in the grounds of the Rickerby House. To the left is an impressive War memorial that was seen earlier from the other bank of the river.

Mr George Head Head owned Rickerby House in the 19th Century and this was a time when towers and turrets were in vogue. An example of this is soon passed in the form of a tower standing in the middle of a field. More towers are soon visible at the Rickerby Gardens and Farm.

The Way has left the City very quickly but modern life with all its noise is soon a reality as the path crosses over the busy M6 motorway. As the noise starts to fade the walk again rejoins the Eden River on the banks between Broom and Crosby. This is farming countryside with a number of small village communities scattered in between.

The Village of Crosby on Eden is in two parts joined by a road that previously was the line of the Stanegate Roman Road. Lower Crosby runs up from the Eden and is a charming village with pub, bistro, school and church. Further along the Stanegate is Crosby House and hotel. At this point the Way tracks north by way of field, farm track and bridge over the A689 before reaching Sandy Lane.

Sandy Lane is a track heading north and taking the way back towards the line of Hadrian's Wall that has been running in a parallel line but approx. 1 Km further north, since leaving Carlisle's Centre.
Sandy Lane and the subsequent 3 kilometres takes the walker round the perimeter of Carlisle Airport, a very small regional airport, so the noise distraction in limited.

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.
The walking route is in a general NEE direction keeping close to the line of the Vallum all the way to the next small community at Newtown. Crossing the road it again heads off in the same direction to Heads Wood.

At Heads Wood there is a valley ahead before the countryside can be seen to rise ahead and across woodlands on the way to Walton. Looking to the right over the Irthing Valley in the distance are the Tindale Fells. This is now more varied countryside with small gradient changes bring attraction to the walk. A small burn has to be crossed by narrow bridge close to Swainsteads.

Following a change in direction at Swainsteads the Way arrives at Walton, this being a small village with an interesting church in the centre beside the village green. For some this may be the natural stopping point for this section of the walk, but it may be considered as only a point of brief rest before a further 3 Km to the village of Banks.

From Walton the way drops in to the valley at King Water before regaining elevation at Garthside. From here there is a steady climb and improving views over the Irthing Valley as the walk goes up Craggle Hill. From time to time there are small signs of Hadrian's Wall remains and a section maintained by English Heritage is directly on the route at Hare Hill.

A short descent then fresh ascent brings the way to a T-junction on two minor roads. Take the left fork and the walk quickly reaches the village of Banks, sitting at the highest point on this section overlooking the Irthing Valley and the Lanercost priory below.

Navigate to each section of the walk using this link or the right hand section buttons.

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