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Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington

Moderate

4.0

(2)

riders

Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington

02:21

37.1km

400m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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10.9 km

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall

Highlight • Monument

Banks East Turret, also known as Turret 52A, is one of the best-preserved watchtowers along the western section of Hadrian's Wall. Built around 122 AD on the orders of Emperor Hadrian, this tower was part of an ingenious network: two turrets stood between each milecastle, manned by a handful of soldiers who guarded the boundary. The tower is built of stone, even though the wall here was originally turf—a rare example of early Roman engineering. You'll find an impressive section of wall reaching 1.75 meters high at the tower itself.
The site offers panoramic views of the southern landscape, while the northern terrain is higher—a strategic yet surprising choice.

Translated by Google •

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11.1 km

Pike Hill Signal Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

A short climb away lies the remains of the Pike Hill Signal Tower, a 2nd-century Roman watchtower strategically located along Stanegate—the military road that preceded the construction of Hadrian's Wall. The tower was part of a network of signaling posts that allowed Roman troops to quickly communicate between forts and watchtowers.
From this vantage point, you have a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The tower's position, diagonally positioned relative to the Wall, demonstrates the ingenious design of Roman engineers, focused on maximum visibility and military coordination. During the construction of Hadrian's Wall, the tower was integrated between two turrets: 51B and 52A, near the fort of Banna (Birdoswald).

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11.9 km

Leahill Turret

Highlight • Monument

Along Lanercost Road near Banks in Cumbria, you'll find the well-preserved remains of Leahill Turret (51B), a Roman watchtower built around 122 AD as part of Hadrian's Wall. The tower was fully excavated and consolidated in 1958 and is still visible today to a height of approximately one meter.
Leahill Turret served as a staging post between Milecastles 51 and 52, providing Roman soldiers with a strategic vantage point over the northern border region. Inside, traces of a raised platform against the north wall and a later shelter structure against the south wall are visible, suggesting reuse in the 4th century.

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15.2 km

Hadrian's Wall

Highlight • Historical Site

Hadrian's Wall was a 117 km long defensive wall built from 122 AD under Emperor Hadrian as the northwestern border of the Roman Empire. The wall ran from the Tyne to the Solway Firth, its central section following the natural ridge of the Whin Sill, a hard dolerite geological formation. This location offered Roman troops a tactical advantage: high ground with wide visibility and natural defenses. The wall served to control movement, delay incursions, and demonstrate Roman power.
Here, next to Birdoswald Fort, you'll find the longest remaining section of the historic wall.

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15.3 km

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Highlight • Historical Site

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the site of the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall. Managed by English Heritage, there's plenty to discover with exhibitions and lovely walking trails in the surroundings too. After a ramble, you can put your feet up in the rustic cafe and enjoy a slice of cake with a hot drink.

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16.4 km

Slack House Organic Farm Café and Organic Farm Shop

Highlight • Restaurant

Organic farm, café and accomodation.

Selling excellent organic cheese, milk and yoghurts - We found this the perfect little stop on our Hadrian's Cycleway mini-tour.

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28.9 km

Lanercost Tea Room

Highlight • Cafe

Indeed, a lovely place to relax. Very hospitable and helpful staff. I can only recommend this place.

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28.9 km

Lanercost Priory

Highlight • Religious Site

This impressive Augustinian priory, founded around 1169, is just a stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall. Its ruins tell stories of kings, wars, and pilgrims. King Edward I stayed here in 1306 during his final campaign against the Scots, and Robert the Bruce later attacked the monastery.
The church ruins still stand tall, with a dramatic triple-arched structure.
Built partly with stones from Hadrian's Wall, they include Roman inscriptions.
Inside, you'll find the Lanercost Cross (1214) and the Lanercost Dossal, a work of art designed by William Morris.

Translated by Google •

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37.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

33.9 km

3.01 km

210 m

Surfaces

21.8 km

15.2 km

210 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (160 m)

Lowest point (30 m)

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

26°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall

Pike Hill Signal Tower

Leahill Turret

Hadrian's Wall

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Slack House Organic Farm Café and Organic Farm Shop

Lanercost Tea Room

Lanercost Priory

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