Our Favourite Walks Near Carlisle
The northern city of Carlisle is historically intriguing and famous as the northernmost frontier for the ancient Romans. It is the only city in Cumbria and steeped in heritage. As a bustling metropolis just a short distance from the Lake District, Kielder Forest, the Solway Firth and the North Pennines, there are endless places to visit in and around the city. In terms of walks, Carlisle has city centre parks and riverside rambles, coastal pathways and routes that follow the ancient Hadrian’s Wall nearby. With nature reserves and mountains here, lakes and rivers close by too, Carlisle walks offer something for everyone.
Below we’ve listed some of our favourite walks in Carlisle as well as those walks around Carlisle that are easy to get to and appeal to everyone. The Cumbrian walks we’ve suggested below are all dog friendly, as our whole county generally welcomes your four legged friends, so there’s no need to leave anyone behind at home.
Walks in Carlisle
Bitts Park Carlisle
Right in the centre of the city, in the lee of Carlisle Castle is the vast open space that is Bitts Park. With a splash park and extensive playground, landscaped gardens and running routes, this park combines lawned areas with sports facilities, offers playing fields for ball sports and an outdoor gym too. The park boundary sits along the River Eden, and you can find walking trails that start here and venture out along the water. There is a car park right next to Bitts Park and whilst there are no eateries inside, the city centre and plenty of dining options are only a short walk away. For dog walks in Carlisle, this fully accessible park is a great space for pets.
Look out for seasonal events such as fireworks on Bonfire Night and open-air plays which occur at intervals throughout the year.
Rickerby Park Carlisle
Another of our top places to visit in Carlisle is Rickerby Park. Just along the river from Bitts Park and situated to the northwest of the city centre, Rickerby Park sits above a bend in the river and just outside of the area of Rickerby. Described as a traditional Victorian park, the grounds of Rickerby House sprawl along the water, offering River Eden walks that appeal to those looking for wide open green space and the option to walk along the river away from the city. There is a car park at Eden Bridge nearby and dogs are more than welcome here.
Kingmoor Nature Reserve
The wider Kingmoor Nature Reserve includes both Kingmoor North and Kingmoor South nature reserves, which are part of a large area of woodland once used for horse racing. North of the city centre and encircled by the River Eden where plant, animal and bird life now abound. You can enjoy a range of walking routes in and around the nature reserves and dogs in particular will love the sights, sounds and smells of the park.
The nearest carpark is Kingmoor Road Car Park and most of the walks here are flat and surfaced, however some of the trails may be unsurfaced or uneven so this area is not accessible for all mobility needs.
Near Carlisle
Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Hadrian’s Wall was once the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire and stretched across the narrow neck of England from east to west. Today much of the wall has been dismantled and the stone repurposed but there are forts, garrisons and castles dotted along the route that have been preserved or restored, offering glimpses into the past lives of the soldiers who were posted here. It is still possible to walk this route in its 73 mile entirety, or you can walk sections, depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.
One of our favourite walks near Carlisle is the Lanercost Priory Loop. Park near the Lanercost Tearooms, taking note of parking conditions there, and look out for the public path signposts that take you past the school and follow signs for the Hadrian’s Wall path to walk a short section of this iconic frontier. The loop will circle around the Priory and bring you back into the village, offering a 3-4 mile circuit with fantastic views across the north of Cumbria and the Scottish borders making this a popular Hadrian’s Wall walk.
Solway Coast National Landscape
Hadrian’s Wall begins at Bowness-on-Solway, and this marks the start of the collection of remains that form the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This National Landscape, formerly known as Solway Coast AONB or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, skirts along the Solway Firth and into the River Esk estuary, separating the south of Scotland from northern England. Park in Bowness and stroll along the sand, mud flats and marsh admiring the views and talking in the birdlife, of which there is plenty. This is a great open space, ideal for dogs, children and those who are happy meandering along the beach and one of our top Solway Coast walks.
It is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Carlilse city centre to the coast at Solway, across lush flat plains overlooked by the northern Lake District fells to the south.
Talkin Tarn
Talkin Tarn Country Park is managed by Cumberland Council and is a pretty tarn with a short circular 1.3 mile walk around it that is fully accessible. There is a café here where you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks and food, and a small gift shop too. You can rent boats here to take on the lake and there is a small playground for kids. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead around certain areas. The woods and reserve around the tarn are teeming with wildlife that includes otters, roe deer, foxes, badgers, red squirrels and different varieties of damselflies. There is a carpark on site with plenty of space, making this a great place to spend a few hours or a whole day.
Talkin Tarn is approximately 10 miles east of Carlisle city centre and can be combined with a visit to other local attractions such as Lanercost Priory and the Solway Aviation Museum which are both just a short drive away.
Watchtree Nature Reserve
A former airfield transformed into a thriving nature reserve, Watchtree Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to walk. The wide, flat paths roam the perimeter of the reserve, and you can venture into the interior on narrower paths to try track down the local resident animals. With a car park on site, a friendly café offering snacks, drinks and cakes, accessible toilets and picnic areas, Watchtree is a lovely place for people of all ages and abilities.
Watchtree Wheelers rent bikes of all shapes and sizes, from KMX bikes to four-person bikes, trikes and bikes that can accommodate those with different mobility requirements. The circular track is perfect for cycling and this fully accessible site is ideal for dogs too, though they must be kept on leads.
Approximately 8 miles west of the centre of Carlisle, and just 2 miles from Tranquil Otter, this is a particular favourite of ours.
Visiting Carlisle
As a historic city boasting lots to see and do, Carlisle is an exciting northern hub and super easy to get to being just off the M6. With the Lake District National Park a short drive south, there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites close by and activities for all persuasions just a hop away. The sheer number of Carlisle things to do offers endless possibilities but we’re especially fond of spending time outdoors and enjoy the wide choice of Cumbria walking options that are right on our doorstep.
The best way to enjoy a visit to Carlisle, in our opinion, is to stay just outside the city in a rural retreat such as ours, where you can relax and unwind, choosing to do as much or as little as you fancy. We’re surrounded by countryside and our lodges overlook Thurstonfield Lough with hot tubs perfectly placed to take in the wooded landscapes from the privacy of your own luxury self-catering accommodation. Get in touch today to book your stay with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
