Two long distance routes converge on Carlisle and we are situated a short distance from popular walking areas such as the Lake District and Eden Valley. The beautiful River Eden flows through our two city centre parks and nearby is the spectacular Talkin Tarn. The unspoilt mysterious of the Solway Coast AONB can be found to the west of Carlisle and the Pennines AONB to the East.
The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is a long distance footpath following the line of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site. It runs for 84 miles from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast, passing though the centre of Carlisle. A large part of the route follows the remains of Hadrian's Wall itself, crossing from coast to coast though north Cumbria and Northumberland. Significant sections of the trail lay within Northumberland National Park. Learn More (external link)
The Cumbrian Way is a linear long distance footpath in Cumbria. Running from Ulverston to Carlisle, it passes through the towns of Coniston and Keswick and through the Langdale and Borrowdale valleys. The route runs for 70 miles through the spectacular scenery of Cumbria and the majority of the route is inside the boundaries of the Lake District National Park, now a World Heritage Site. Learn More here (external link) and at www.thecumbriaway.co.uk
Talkin Tarn is a glacial lake and country park near Brampton, Cumbria. The lake is a kettle hole lake, formed 10,000 years ago by mass glacial action. The Tarn is said to be the home of a legendary pike, which supposedly lives in its waters, although few have witnessed it. The tarn has a 1.3miles circular path that is ideal for a gentle stroll which is hard-surfaced and accessible. The Tarn has also a Tearoom which offers delicious hot & cold food overlooking the Tarn.
The country park also offers a wide range of activities from rowing & sailing to archery. If you are interested in something more sedate, the Alex Boathouse regularly houses exhibitions by local artists and craftspeople Visit Website.
Why not try some of our Healthy City walking programmes: To watch a video about the scheme and get more information which you can print out and enjoy at your own pace. Visit the Carlisle Partnership Website (external link) Healthy City
Cycling in Carlisle offers a wealth of options for short do-in-a day rides or for those who want to explore the area further there are two major long distance routes that pass through the city.
Links Sunderland and Inverness and passes through the heart of Carlisle. It forms two-thirds of the famous Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route before heading north to Glasgow via Glen Trool Forest and the Ayrshire coast, before passing through two National Parks - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Cairngorms. The whole route is currently 601 miles long
Starts at Ravenglass, where the remains of a Roman Bath House can be seen, and makes its way around the Cumbrian coast to Silloth. It then crosses the country through Carlisle to Arbeia Roman Fort at South Shields on the East Coast. Much of the route is very close to the remains of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. The route boasts Dramatic Scenery and an abundance of unique historic sites which have helped make this one of the most popular and best long distance routes in the country. The whole route is 174miles longs travelling from one side of the country to the other and can be ridden in either direction. Cyclists generally spend between 4 and 6 days to complete the route leaving time to explore the amazing historic sites along the way.
Organised Rides - If you want to cycle more but are looking for adventure without the admin, HSBC UK Guided Rides are for you. All you have to do is take your bike and pedal. Their Ride Leaders do the rest. It's easy. It's free. And it's a fantastic day out for the whole family, with friends, or just on your own. You'll meet new people, improve your fitness, and get more confident on your bike.
Women-Only Bike Rides - It doesn’t matter if you’re keeping fit, young at heart, wise beyond your years, or baffled by gears. Every woman is welcome on an HSBC UK Breeze ride. You’ll discover new places to ride. Gain confidence as a group. Make new friends. Do things you never knew you could. And have a lot of fun. That’s the power of riding together. Their Breeze Champions will organise everything, lead the group, and make sure everyone stays safe. All you have to do is sign up.
Pop-up Cycle Spaces - Each pop-up provides a safe and friendly space to enjoy cycling, taking place in outdoor leisure facilities or pleasant parkland. There's something for everyone to enjoy. From coaching to improve your skills, through to activities for kids and links to local cycling opportunities. Simply find your nearest pop-up event and register for free.
Telling the stories of heritage Carlisle, using innovative mobile technology.
Our country park is a great destination for the whole family, learn more
Carlisle is the perfect base for Exploring the Wall
Some of the finest are situated in the Carlisle area
A city steeped in 2000 years of history
The northern frontier of a mighty empire that once covered the known world
Probably the most scenic and impressive railway in the UK , find out more here..
An amazing social engineering experiment right here in Carlisle
Find out about our amazing local and national trails and cycling routes
We offer world class fishing opportunities