Walking

Marked routes of around 4 miles each start from the church. One goes east onto the fell, passing a Pele tower, bronze age hut circles, the site of an 18th century farm, and returning through a wooded valley and along the river. Please take care, as the area is subject to new forestry.

The other goes west along the road and up to the Banks Limekiln, then past the old school to the old drove road, past ancient hazel coppicing, before returning down the hill with magnificent views of the castle.

Both these routes, which can be combined, are described in a leaflet called 'Bastles in the West March,'
60 pence from the East Cumbria Countryside Commission, or from local shops.

Conducted walks are occasionally organised by the East Cumbria Countryside Commission, and their leaflet of walks is available from the tourist information offices in Brampton and Carlisle.

For the ambitious walker, there is a route up to Christinbury Crags, from The Loan, near Flatt Farm. While it is normally signed, you are advised to take the two Ordnance Survey maps that cover the route, as it is easy to get lost! The route goes through dark, spooky forests, along (and through) the river, up through firebreaks and finishes on the lonely, windswept crags. If you are quiet, you might see deer, and there are dippers along the river banks. In fine weather, the view from the top is spectacular, looking down across Bewcastle to the south. and deep into Scotland to the north. Occasionally there are car rallies through the forest, but normally the silence is complete.