The name Southwaite is probably most likely associated by most people that motorway service station on the M6. It is in fact first and foremost a small village in the Eden Valley. And it was the destination of our cycle ride on our last day of stay in Carlisle. We had already enjoyed a walk around Silverdale on our way up to Carlisle for a short break away with our friend Andy S. The three of us then enjoyed a cycle ride to Brampton, but now our time in Carlisle was coming to an end. We had however just enough time for a morning bike ride before a long trip down to Bournemouth to help my brother move flat.

Setting off from Carlisle Central Travelodge we picked up NCN 7 which followed the River Caldew.

It was a fine start to a ride, for although you were cycling through a busy urban area you would not necessarily have been aware of it.

At Dalston we came off the riverside path and picked up the country lanes heading towards Braithwaite.

This route was following the Reivers Cycle Route the history behind which we had learnt at the Tullies Museum and Art Gallery the previous day.

We cycled through the village of Raughton Head.

Before leaving the Reivers Cycle Route and turning towards High Braithwaite and Ivegill.

There followed a fast drop into Southwaite under the motorway and up out the other side.

Time for a breather before setting off through the villages of Low Hesket and Aiketgate.

Then towards Cotehill and Cumwhinton.

Before returning to the edges of Carlisle again.

 

This had been a lovely undulating ride through the quiet lanes of Cumbria on the edges of Carlisle. It had proved to be excellent training for our upcoming JOGLE adventure.

 

You can view our route to Southwaite below:

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