The best road cycling routes around Bewcastle

There are many bridges in Langholm, partly due to two river merging into one. The photo is the main Langholm Bridge

At this small sacred monument, there are several reasons why cyclists should not pass by carelessly, but should linger for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and the 'Bewcastle Cross' standing on the grounds, form a very harmonious unit. Secondly, when contemplating this cross, one looks far back into history, as its creation is dated to the 7th or 8th century. Thirdly, however – and mainly (!) – the artistic design of the obelisk, which rises to about the lower eaves of the church roof, tapering slightly upwards, is extremely noteworthy ('Amy' and 'Joe' have already described this in their contributions). My personal conclusion: Although the actual cross, which once crowned the obelisk, has long been missing, it is still a noteworthy small sacred monument!

St Cuthbert Bewcastle Church stands on the foundations of a Roman fort and has roots dating back to the 13th century. Although the current building largely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, parts of the east chancel are still medieval. The church exudes simplicity and tranquility, with a rectangular plan and a wooden gallery on the west side. Within the church, traces of the Border Reivers' turbulent history can be found, including gravestones bearing names like Armstrong and Routledge.

Bewcastle Fort (Latin: Fanum Cocidi) was a Roman fort in the English town of Bewcastle. The fort lay north of Hadrian's Wall and was connected by a road (Maiden Way) to the Banna (Birdoswald) fort on the wall. The fort's Latin name (The Shrine of Cocidius) indicates that it enclosed an existing local shrine. The Romans equated the deity Cocidius with Mars, and the fort was possibly built there to control tribal gatherings. In the second century, the Cohors I Dacorum mil. eq. (a mixed cohort with infantry and cavalry in dual garrisons, with auxiliaries from Dacia) was stationed there. A dual garrison cohort was also likely stationed there in the third century. By 400, before Hadrian's Wall was abandoned, Bewcastle Fort had already been abandoned. Around 1092, Bewcastle Castle was built in a corner of the former fortress, using Roman stone. The church of St. Cuthbert is also located within the old fortress walls.

Cattle grid, a bypass and an intersection

The Bewcastle Cross. This 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cross is one of the oldest and most exquisite in Europe. It still stands in its original location in the church garden and is richly decorated with runes, wickerwork, and Christian iconography. On the west side, you see Christ, John the Baptist with the Lamb of God, and a falconer who may represent John the Evangelist. On the east side, a vine winds upward, populated by mythical and real animals—a symbol of the connection between creation and faith.

The ruins of Bewcastle Castle lie mysteriously tucked away in the northeastern corner of an old Roman fort in Cumbria. The original castle was built around 1092 on the foundations of the Fanum Cocidii fort and served as a border defense against Scottish incursions. Destroyed in 1173, it was rebuilt in the 14th century by John de Strivelyn, a general of King Edward III. The castle had a square plan of 27 meters, surrounded by a dry moat that partially utilized Roman ditches. Within the walls were buildings surrounding a small courtyard, with a gatehouse added later. The walls are up to 9 meters high, with visible windows and fireplaces on the second floor. Bewcastle Castle was strategically located on the Maiden Way, a Roman road leading to Hadrian's Wall, and played a role in conflicts with the notorious Border Reivers. Today the ruins are unstable and partly inaccessible, but they remain a powerful symbol of border defense and medieval architecture.

Located just north of Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders, Old Castleton Cemetery bears witness to centuries of local history. Situated on a hill along the B6357, this cemetery offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It contains over 670 memorials, many of which have been photographed and recorded on Find a Grave. The site also contains three Commonwealth war graves from the Second World War, further enhancing its historical significance. The site is popular with genealogical researchers and walkers who want to explore Liddesdale's heritage.