Penrith to Carlisle
Take a trip through the beautiful North Pennines
Follow the route - Penrith to Carlisle
Penrith to Haltwhistle
> From Penrith follow the A686 through Langwathby towards Alston. Turn left on to the A689 then right, at Knarsdale, on to an unclassified road to Haltwhistle and then the A69 to Greenhead.
Visiting Haltwhistle
This small, grey market town is a good starting point for Hadrian’s Wall, built in the 2nd century to ward off Scottish tribes. Holy Cross Church, founded in 1178, is a fine example of Early English architecture. There is no tower, and the sanctuary preserves three carved coffin lids, thought to date from the 14th century. The South Tynedale Railway, England’s highest narrow-gauge railway, runs from Alston towards Haltwhistle. Further along the A69, at Greenhead, the Roman wall, turret, fort and museum recall life 2,000 years ago.
Places to stay in Haltwhistle
Haltwhistle to Carlisle
> From Greenhead take the B6318 and unclassified roads to Brampton. Take the A689 and B6264 to Carlisle.
Visiting Carlisle
There is plenty to see and do in Carlisle and if you are making an extended visit to Cumbria don’t miss its only city. Carlisle is the main shopping centre for the English border area and much of southern Scotland. The capital of Cumbria has been an important centre of population since before the Roman occupation. You can tell that it was an important town from the size of the castle and the cathedral and the extent of the city walls – built, some 1,000 years after Hadrian’s Wall, around the remains of the Roman town and fort.
Places to stay in Carlisle
University of Cumbria – Carlisle
