Welcome back to the channel, in this video I go explore by bike where I was brought up in the City of Carlisle (known as Luguvalium in Roman times). I start my journey on the outskirts of Carlisle in a place called Wetheral, then ride in to the city looking at some old buildings with a brief history of each. I later enjoy some of the best countryside roads and Hadrians wall. Finally I return to Wetheral to seen 14 Century man made caves in a beautiful little spot by the river eden.
There’s a lot to see in this 47.5 mile route:
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3403839579659394446
If you’ve not seen any of my other historical adventures then please check these out:
The Maldon Wyrm: https://youtu.be/2xmMf9JRZtU
The Essex Serpent: https://youtu.be/8AZp7ITEI2A
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00:00 Intro
02:07 Carlisle
03:10 Citadel
05:17 Cathedral
07:12 Dixons Chimney
08:00 Carlisle Castle
10:15 Stanwix Bridge & Roman Dig, Ornamental Gardens
12:55 Cenotaph & Memorial Bridge
14:52 Victorian Folly
19:16 Brampton
21:38 The Old Bridge & The Priory
23:07 Banks and Roman Road (Hadrians Wall)
25:52 Birdoswald
29:23 Walton
33:33 Over Wetheral Viaduct
34:55 Wetheral River Eden
37:22 St Constatines Caves
39:26 Wetheral Priory Gatehouse
You find me on a lovely fresh crisp August morning. I’m going for a little northern adventure. Currently in a place called Weberl. Going to go into Carlilele. Going to see the castle, the city cathedral and then go through somewhere called Rick Park. Going to go and look at some stuff there. And then moving out towards some Adrian’s wall pieces, a little bit of ancient history. Hopefully somewhere new for you to look at and maybe enjoy. Some quiet roads. And yes, it’s got a few hills in for good measure. So Carlile is situated to the north of England on the border of Scotland. It’s where the infamous Hadrien’s wall was built through Caral all the way to Newcastle area. So to the south is a lovely lake district. So ideally placed, very nice. Sometimes you get a little bit of sun and that’s today. This is coming into a place called Scoty. Just love the old building. So, the route itself is an elongated figure of eight. Just something I put together. Lots of things to do in this area. Whatever I put in the video, there’s always more to see. I’ll give you a snapshot. I won’t show you everything. What I want you to do is if it interests you, come to this area yourself and have a look. I do this for me and if it helps you, then we’ll both win. This is crossing the M6. We’re just moving into Carlilele now. And this place I’m coming into is place called Botche. I remember when I was a youth hanging around here. So, I’ve got a little bit of a builtup area through a park and then before I know it, I’m in the town center. So, I’m just going to go and cross the river petrol. Wouldn’t be a ride without any cobbles, would it? See all these old terrace houses? So, don’t think it’s always cuz it’s quiet. Just that way. 7:00 7:20 in the morning. I mean, look at this legend. Yeah, my man who goes running around with the Union flag in the morning. I’m not complaining. Not where I was born. So I’m just heading towards the citadel. Carl is known as a great border city. The center was known as Lucellium during the Roman occupation. Is here that an important fort, troops, and civilians were located. Since those early days, the city has expanded a fair bit. The city has some beautiful wellpreserved ancient buildings such as a cathedral, the castle, and the citadel. This magnificent medieval structure was part of the city walls. Its perimeter was approximately 1.4 mi, which was connected all the way to the castle. Constructed in the 1540s on the orders of King Henry VIII, this citadel was built to replace a medieval botch which was an earlier wooden fortress. The order was to significantly strengthen this area as a military stronghold fortress, part of a national defense and artillery platform to fight off invaders. The construction was completed in 1541, but as with most things, time moved on and the use had changed. By the 1600s, it was converted into a jail known for escaping prisoners, leading it to be relocated. Its use then shifted to becoming the county courts in the 1800s. The eastern Tower converted into civil courts, Western Tower as criminal courts. In most recent times, they’d become county council offices. When I was filming, there was a lot of construction being carried out, which is part of the plans to integrate these grade one listing buildings into a new university campus, giving them a new use. Lots of building work being done. So, just popping through the town center, heading towards cathedral now. You can see the still quite a few old buildings about. Carl Cathedral is a grade one listed Anglican cathedral created out of local red and calciferous squared sandstone block. This sacred ground originally started out as a Norman priary church which later became a cathedral in 1133. It is the second smallest of England’s ancient cathedrals, beautifully decorated with English Gothic styling throughout, including my favorite, gargoyless. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the monastic buildings were renewed. During the English Civil War of 1646, part of the nerve was demolished by the Scottish Presbyterian Army, which was used to reinforce the castle. Between 1853 and 1870, the cathedral was restored. How lovely grounds it is. Amazing. I got to fly the drone without being attacked by seagulls. But not as amazing as this building. It’s our first glimpse of the castle. So most recently, Carl has been like I would probably say an industrial city. So in front of us, we’ve got McBitty’s biscuit factory. Outskirts of town, you’ve got Pirelli tire factory. But in front of us, you can see the big chimney in there. That is 88 m of chimney. Used to be 93. It’s known as Dixon’s chimney. Was England’s largest cotton mill area called Shadengate. Heat. Heat. Heat. So, I’m just going under the road now. There different lollies named on the floor. One of the most besieged castles in England, Carlau Castle guarded the western end of the Anglo Scottish border for hundreds of years, playing a pivotal role in the wars between England and Scotland until these crowns were united in6003. First built during the reign of William II in 1092 as a wooden fortification, it was later rebuilt as a stone structure by Henry I in 1122, making it well over 900 years old, which is quite surprising having survived seven sieges between 1174 and 1461. It’s designed as a stonekeeper medieval fortress made out of gray sandstone which originates back to the 12th century and red sandstone which was used in later periods. Roman recycled stones from the likes of Hatron’s wall can be found within the complex. One of the most famous prisoners held was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was held in the Warden’s Tower in 1568. She was not your typical prisoner and was allowed walks on the grass in front of the castle, which is now known as Lady’s Walk. Unlike most medieval castles, it has been continuously occupied since its early beginnings. Today the castle is managed by the English heritage. That’s us leaving the castle heading towards Eden Bridge. There’s recently been a archaeological dig for a Roman site. This area is synonyominous with Romans and Roman period. I don’t know what I can see of it because I haven’t been following it. I know it’s there. This bit further north that we’re coming to now over the bridge is called Sanx. So that originally wasn’t part of Carlile until I believe 1912. This bridge was widened in 1931. to the right. You can just see over there is the ornamental gardens that used to be a terrace houses on there. We’ll just switch back cuz it was that steep. But I’m going to have a look both sides here where it’s all been filled in. That’s where the archaeological dig site. That’s where it was. Roman fortifications. Start of Hadrien’s wall. Edenbridge Gardens. For many years, these gardens have been known as Chinese gardens. However, there’s nothing Chinese about them in design. They are ornamental gardens situated for everyone to enjoy overlooking the river Eden. So the Eden Terrace was demolished to allow the widening of the bridge in 1932. The river was bridged in 1951 and a piece of the old priest back bridge was uncovered. You can see how steep this bit is on here. So, I’ve altered my route ever so slightly. I was going to go on the main road, which is just off to the left, maybe quarter of a mile, Ricky Park. It’s a nice space. Everyone’s walking their dogs and fishing and having runs. I’m going to go this way. Going to go to the Senate and the memorial bridge, also known as a suspension bridge. We’ll talk about them when we get there. For now, I’m going to enjoy this. First stop is going to be the Senate, which is this thing to the right. Believe it’s 12 m in height. And it was first dedicated 1922 for World War I. And later on it was added for the other conflicts. So going to have a look at it. So courts of Cumberland and West Mland in the old style. The memorial bridge or suspension bridge as is better known stands above the river’s petrol and Eden as they converge. It was constructed by local craftsmen in 1922 spanning an impressive 200 ft with approximately 100 tons of steel used in its design. The official opening was on the 25th of May 1922 and was dedicated at the same time as a senotap. Having stood proud for more than a century, it still offers pedestrians and cyclists a link to the east of the city and is not only an entry to this quaint but beautiful spot, but a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Hello, Mr. Nosy. Have a good day. How you too? So, I’m making my way out Ricky Park. Just got another little bit to do. There’s nice and a little tower I want to look at. I can’t remember the name of it, but it’s a basically a decorative tower. And it’s thought to it’s like Victorian. It’s thought to have housed pigeons, would you believe? Yeah. This is what the Victorians did. They just made random things that they liked. Treated with a little cycle. Good. Still having a good time. So I made myself a little root card. 10 miles in. So the next thing I’m looking at is Irvington St. Kennan Church. We got a little bit of a break, but there is some elevation in this route. So I’ll probably start getting some hills shortly. Nothing excessive, but I am enjoying these quiet country lanes. Swifty skies. Turning right. Yeah. Lord of the manor. I think this road is all mine. Might have to sing to myself or something, but I’ll serve you the pen. Love these houses. That’s the one busy road I’ve just crossed. I was only on there for 50 m give or take on and off back to country quiet lands in my element. So this is Kal airport. Looks a lot different from when I was here last. A little bit more money spent on it by the look of it. Something about riding under the trees I really love. It’s an old graveyard. This Little climb coming up. I don’t know how far it is. Next target is Bmpton. Got two things to see there. 20 mile point. Really just under halfway when we get to there. Carile took quite a bit of time up there because there’s quite a lot to see. Then we’re moving a lot quicker in the countryside. Very appealing. I’m enjoying this. What goes up must go down. Eden Bank. I made it to Bmpton. Just got myself some spare water. It’s a little bit warmer than I anticipated, so better to stock up now than before I run out. and this here is the Howard memorial shelter built in the 1930s to commemorate the ninth Earl of Carell George James Howard and his wife memorials dedicated to them and they both lived for sort of mid 1800s to the early 1900s 1921 I think his wife side up. There’s a monument on the M surrounded by trees and it’s really hidden from view. The statue is in memorial of George Howard the 7th Earl of Carab. It’s a grade two listed monument. It’s a nice little spot. According to sign back there, this is the start of the Hadrien’s Wall tourist section. I’m aiming for the line across which has got a bridge I want to see and then we’ll move a bit further along. I’m going to head towards Gizland place I’ve been before near RF Spade Hadam. I’m not going all quite as far as that shop stop short. I’m looking for the big long straight road. Must be a Roman road and on there’s bits of Adrian’s wall. There’ll be some things to see before that, but this is good. Absolutely stunning. This is a river Irving looking a bit murky dirty. This is the old bridge as in literally called the old bridge. It’s constructed in 1724 and by local masons. It replaced a sort of an earlier bridge. Today it’s unsuitable for motorized traffic. So that’s the road that people use now. This is the old one. still here for us to enjoy. It’s nice very mess. Lacrosse Priary is just in the distance over the trees over there. It was founded just close to 1169. It house the Augustian cannons. The exact date is not truly known. It’s one of Cumbria’s best preserved monasteries. Part of it 13th century church is still in use today. Got some evils coming. So the next mile 10 little elevation. It’s coming up here. I think this is a joke. this bloody 10% banks. This part of the route was a lancasta birdwald via bank section which is about 5 mi in length. Riding on a minor but scenic road that started off with a bit of a hill climb, but if you know me, I ain’t afraid of a climb. I could be sweating just a little bit, but I’m making it making it up. The road follows a section of Hadron’s wall, passing several Roman remains like turrets and mile castles. And it’s a place I never get bored of. I wouldn’t have wanted to be stationed and on that hill there. Getting up and down that every day. I was about half a mile to Piper Psych Turret next I believe. And thankfully it’s a little bit downhill. Temperatures just dropped because of that cloud there. And it is the Piper Pych, as I mentioned, a frontier watchtowwer. Very similar to the last one. It wasn’t just a small structure. It was quite wide and really tall. Just imagine the size of it and the effort to build it. I made I think it’ll get a bit a little busier. We’re going to Bird’s Wald and then not long after there’s like a fort I might go to, I might not, but I’m expecting more people there and some more of the wall appeared. See, not as wide on this point, but it would have been much wider in the time when it was built. First cleared for the building of Hadrien’s wall in 122 AD, Berdiswald was used to garrison over 800 infantry men in his heyday up until about 400 AD. It is one of 16 Roman fort locations that were positioned along the wall. The fort itself was reoccupied in the Middle Ages and was a target for raids by the border reavers in the 16th century. These remains are one of the best preserved that still exists today. Since 2004, English Heritage has been responsible for this fort. All right, I think that’s all the Roman Han’s wall finished with. back into a climb and then head towards back towards Carlile. A lot of tourists appearing this time of the morning that way. And this hill currently is 11% 12%. And I’m trying to talk to the camera there. I’ve made it. Tell you what, the roads have been absolutely brilliant. Hi It’s a paradise for cyclists this road. Absolutely beautiful with that speed. Finish with a little bit more uphill. It’s not too steep. Little ride. Suppose it gives me more time to think and enjoy. It’s not a race. There’s another hill finished. I’m on another long straight road going towards Walton. Yes, all good. Going to plan. Birds are going back and forward. Wonder what they’re up to at this time of day. Stopped for a snack somewhere quiet away from horse flies. Butterflies all the way along here. has got a little bit grayer, but the cooler temperatures that come with it is much more manageable. So, I ain’t complaining. Not at all. I’m just rolling towards Walton now. So, there should be a St. Mary’s Church. We got marked on the map. So this church was built in 1869 to 1870 and it’s actually on a site of a medieval church. So it wasn’t the first structure that was here. Again, we’ve got sort of old headstones and new headstones on this side. So, new into old new Celtic styles, early 1900s. They’re all different in design. What I’ve seen on these headstones, they’ve all lived to a good old age. So, I don’t know whether there’s some sort of like wellto-do families not coming here and I’ve lived longer or not. See that? There’s one there that died 45. So, I might be caught talking rubbish. So, it’s a really small village that not much else to see. And back out with some terrific views. So this point is closing the top of the figure eight loop that I’m doing off. So I’m just going to be joining the road I’ve already been on. So the long town to the right and then we’ve got Bmpton to the left. So, I didn’t film the bit of the road that I done earlier, but the only difference is it was a lot busier this time of day. So, it’s early afternoon now. But compared to a lot of roads I ride on, it wasn’t as busy as um but I noticed I’m out of breath cuz I went on the A69 just a short bit. It’s busy. It’s wide enough, but you never know. Nice little stream next to me. Short incline. Let’s make this count. Come on, hang in there. Get those cranks all cranked up. Funny guy. Surprise! Got a double kicker around the corner. I was like, “Ah, it continues.” At least there’s no cars on here. made it coming into heron. There’s some good farm smells here. As soon as you get out of car, you have a distinctive country feel to everything. Straight into farmers land, lots of cows and sheep. So I was on this road yesterday as I’m now familiar with it. It’s going to take us over to Weber by the vioduct. And this is Great KBY. Yeah. So, the route’s going to end on here, but I’m going to take a left, which goes over the Weber vioaduct. It’s passable. Pedestrians have right of way, and that’ll bring me back into Weber. I’ve got a few things to talk about there, and then that’ll be a wrap for today. So, we’re not finished yet. Stick with us, and we’ll get this done. The train line goes itself from Newcastle to Carile or Carile to Newcastle, whichever way you look at it. Weber Parish Church stands on the banks above the River Eden. It’s a place of historical significance that is tied to the Holy Trinity and St. Constantine. This beautiful sandstone church is one of only two churches in England dedicated to a man called Constantine. is much more common in Scotland. We all situated on the banks overlooking the river Eden. So we can see we’re surrounded by ancient woodland. Some of my earliest memories are actually coming down here. And this bit of river that’s in front of me ironically has a sign says bathing at this point is dangerous. I actually crossed that river. It went up to my neck and there was some undercurrent. So I wouldn’t advise going into it. Vioadox over there. And then along this track here we’ve got Constantine Caves. I’m just walking along this bit. There’s quite a few people walking here and it’s sandy. So, the safer option is to to walk. Got some sort of curves on that side there. Some steps to walk up. Right. I know the caves are down here somewhere. So, I’m riding along this bit. Doesn’t seem to be people just stopped where the water was. I haven’t seen anybody coming down here. So, I’m going to go on a little bit and have a look. And if not, I’m going to go and find a proprietary and then call it a wrap. So, this point is a woodland bit. And then I’m not going to ride through here. Shouldn’t be too far away for these cliffs now. Yeah, big roots. Oh, that helps. Let’s see all the natural sandstone. So, I said these caves were used to store grain. You can see by the position of none of them, they weren’t that easy to get to from the land, over by the water, unless you actually knew they were here. Yeah, we’re just about there now. So, after a bit of a trek, I made it to the cave. So, these steps were never here originally. It was just a wooden ladder. That’s how they used to get up and down to these caves. The caves had I think two or three windows. These are often referred to as St. Constantine cells. They were constructed into the banks above the river Eden. Not the best to walk in cycling shoes down here. Free chambered in design, these caves were used by the priaryy monks. The priest self we’ll visit shortly. We’ve got left of the cave. This is all dated to around the 14th century. And the primary use was to store grain and was a local safeguard place. You could t tell the temperature. Cheers. It was also known to have been used as a hiding place during the Scottish incursion. Cooler here. Yeah. And it just looks over the river. The caves are littered with wall inscriptions. Lots of inscriptions on the side. And up here, don’t know. Some of it will be old, some of it will be new. So, you just stamp this in 1833. I wonder whether that’s when they put the steps in cuz it would have been after the Middle Ages. See the different layers as well. Geology layers. You got some tree roots up there. That’s enough. I’ve got a long walk back and then a steep hill to get back up into Weber. So I managed to sneak out of a different route. So I come out not the way I came in. It’s brought me to the priaryy which is perfect. We priaryy gate house was a house of the benedicting order dedicated to the holy trinity and St. Constantine. It was founded in 1106. This would have been the main entrance to the monastic outer court. In its present form, this gate house is all that remains of the 15th century stone fortification which was dissolved in the middle ages around 1538. Later, this building became a fortified vicorage and a defense against the border raiders. It contains two stories of rooms with the outer building made of red sandstone which you’ve seen throughout this video is synonyominous with this area. So, I’m going to finish the video here. I’ve had a really good day out. Some different things to see. I’ve been to places I haven’t been for 30 something years. So, I’ve really enjoyed that. It’s about 7 hours. It’s taken all in today. But that’s a lot of messing about. A lot of getting the drone up and drone down. But it has been fun. I’ve enjoyed it. I hope you’ve enjoyed it, too. Until next time, go and find somebody else to watch.
1 Comment
Inspiring stuff! We normally bypass Carlisle on route to Scotland, but maybe next time we’ll stop by for a looksee 👍