Help! Cumbrian cycle routes?

[Deleted member 23692]

Whoops..... my faux pas using place names not on the map. Apologies

If you look on the satellite map, after the route crosses Thomas Lane you'll see an old railway bridge over the river Eden not shown on the normal (line) map, at the end of Engine Lonning - the steps are near there. They do have a wooden ramp running the full length that you can wheel your bike down whilst walking down the steps so it'a not as bad as it sounds. It may prove slightly problematic if there are children doing the route.

From Thomas lane to the edge of the first block of woodland is the worst bit as it's usually overgrown and untidy as no-one currently claims responsibility for it. Through the woodland to the bridge is OK, but well used by dog walkers. The short section (100m or so) past the unmarked railway bridge is best walked, then it's OK to the next railway bridge. After the railway bridge bridge is the Sheepmount (big curved field to the athletic track) - we resurfaced this track last year so is in good nick.

Once over the River Caldew you're in Bitts Park and very nice it is too

 

[eLight1]

What about when you get to Bitts Park, the cyclists could dismount and that be the end (before the obstacles) and then walk through the park to find refreshments/cafe ? (I'm sure there will be one in the park but I'll double check). Then from there it's a 12 min walk to Carlisle Train station.

 

[DefBref]

Forgot about the steps and the rough riverside path. Always tend to avoid that when I ride it. Unfortunately the way I ride it takes you onto the A595 past the castle which is one of the main roads in Carlisle. you may want to find an alternative. But Finishing in Bitts Park is probably a good end point. Its a nice place to finish.

 

[DefBref]

Also if people are intending to take the bikes on the Train, you may have to stagger the times as there's only 'official' room for two bikes on each train (Maryport to Carlisle Line). Although I've seen guards let a dozen on if its not busy.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

There's no easy way to avoid that bid, as the road alternative is coming down Port Road which I wouldn't recommend. The only positive is that it's a very near the hospital!

Cutting over to pick up the Dalston Cycleway would be worth doing as it's a great way into the city and with the new bit off Castle Way will take you into Bitts Park. The only downside to this is getting across the A595 and or A596

 

[eLight1]

@Ffoeg Ooh yes the steps with ramp is worth noting as you're right it could be problematic, thanks for clarifying where it is so I can mark it next to the cycle route. Do most cyclists not mind dismounting temporarily? Especially with it being nearer the end of the ride. I worry it may be off putting, or does it have to be done quite often on longer journeys?

 

[eLight1]

Also if people are intending to take the bikes on the Train, you may have to stagger the times as there's only 'official' room for two bikes on each train (Maryport to Carlisle Line). Although I've seen guards let a dozen on if its not busy.

Yeah that's a good idea. I did notice there is a bike hire shop 7mins walk from our starting point, which I thought was good until I realised you do have to return hire bikes!

 

[DefBref]

@Ffoeg Ooh yes the steps with ramp is worth noting as you're right it could be problematic, thanks for clarifying where it is so I can mark it next to the cycle route. Do most cyclists not mind dismounting temporarily? Especially with it being nearer the end of the ride. I worry it may be off putting, or does it have to be done quite often on longer journeys?

http://www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway/slides/slide50.html They won't have much choice!

 

[eLight1]

There's no easy way to avoid that bid, as the road alternative is coming down Port Road which I wouldn't recommend. The only positive is that it's a very near the hospital!

Cutting over to pick up the Dalston Cycleway would be worth doing as it's a great way into the city and with the new bit off Castle Way will take you into Bitts Park. The only downside to this is getting across the A595 and or A596

At what point would I leave the cycle route @DefBref composed for me to cross over to Dalston Cycleway? I think it makes it more appealling having easy access into town if people would like to make a day/weekend of it, however there is the inclusion of the roads.

Oh my gosh, what about a route where you end back up at Maryport, in case people want to hire a bike?? However, the route set out for me is ideal with it being so flat and accessible, and are people likely to hire a bike for £16 when they can bring their own?

Also, what do you think of rather staggering the times people set off for the journey, staggering the time they leave the park? As I'm sure some will want to look round the park anyway, esp if it's a nice day. Or is it beneficial to stagger starting times for the rider's enjoyment of the actual ride so it's less cramped?

 

[eLight1]

http://www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway/slides/slide50.html They won't have much choice!

I see! And as a cyclist would this put you off the route or would you be fine with it?

 

[eLight1]

Also I see it says a new route will be constructed to bypass this section. I am planning this for next year so is that something to take into account?

 

[DefBref]

I think they've been talking about that for years. its not happened yet.

Cyclists often have to dismount so don't worry about that its only a short way.

I think you maybe need to go back and check how many riders and what ability, then you can have an idea about transport options etc. Might want to do a loop rather than A to B if hiring.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I know of a couple of irons in the fire which would make a difference but I cant see them happening that quickly.

Cutting over to Dalston wouldn't be really practical if you're coming into Carlisle from the west... but it is the best way into the city centre if on a bike

 

[eLight1]

Yes I'll ask her tomorrow if she has an idea of what 'audience' we are going to be appealing to. I am really liking your one if we can figure out trains. I have printed off the cycle route you mapped out for me, at what point in the written steps does the area with the slide happen? Is it in between 'Stopover' and the one after?

 

[MikeW-71]

I do have a route of about 45 miles that would start from Carlisle station and take you out to the east on back roads. It loops around to Birdoswald Roman Fort and follows Hadrians Wall for a time, and you can stop at the cafe at Lanercost Priory at about halfway. There are some decent hills on it though, and there is one main road to cross (you'll be on it for 100 yards or so), but if it's of interest, I'll post it up.