Bewcastle: Roman Remains, Medieval Castles and Trails

Bewcastle combines Roman history, medieval buildings and paths through an impressive historic landscape. Particularly unusual is the Roman fort: it stands on a natural hexagonal plateau protected on all sides by naturally steep slopes. Those wishing to combine culture and activity on their trip will therefore find a variety of starting points for shared discoveries here.

Roman Fort and Medieval Buildings

Bew Castle, a medieval shell keep, stands at the north-eastern corner of the Roman fort. Despite collapse and stone robbing, it retains extensive standing medieval fabric.

Braes Pele also adds to the picture of the historic remains. The site includes earthworks and hidden remains of a medieval tower and barmkins, two shielings, an associated enclosure and a grain-drying kiln. Crew Castle bastle retains several original architectural features. According to tradition, Crew Castle bastle was the birthplace of Hobbie Noble, a Moss-Trooper or Border Reiver.

The medieval Loan bastle is a good example of this class of monument. It was later altered and used as a post-medieval dwelling. Despite the renovation, the medieval Loan bastle retains several original architectural details. For travellers interested in culture, this creates a selection of traces where not only castles but also smaller historic building types play a role.

Church, Museum and Bewcastle Cross

St Cuthbert's Church is a 13th-century church and retains a medieval font bowl. A small museum is also located in the churchyard of St Cuthbert's Church, presenting life in Bewcastle from prehistory to the present day. The museum thus offers a broad chronological view of the village and complements the individual architectural and artistic monuments with their history.

A particular highlight is Bewcastle Cross. It probably dates from the period after 675. The runic inscriptions have become worn and damaged over the years; their meaning is not clear today. The Bewcastle high-cross shaft is widely regarded as the finest surviving example of early medieval stone sculpture in England. Those interested in early stone carvings, inscriptions and the transitions between different historical periods will find an unusual destination here.

Hiking and Cycling for a Different Perspective

Bewcastle can be experienced through more than just its monuments. A circular walking route begins in Bewcastle; there is a shortcut for a shorter option. This allows you to adapt the length of your walking day to your own travel plans without giving up the historical focus of the trip. A section of the Maiden Way runs as a walking trail from Birdoswald to Bewcastle, thereby placing the village within the context of a longer historic route.

There is also a documented option for a cycling tour: a 16-mile cycle tour takes in the finest landscapes around Bewcastle and runs almost entirely along minor roads. The Reivers Cycle Route passes directly through Bewcastle and runs between Cockermouth on the west coast and North Shields via Kielder. Depending on your preferred daily rhythm, you can therefore focus on historic monuments, a shorter walk, a section of the Maiden Way or a cycling tour.

Bewcastle as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Bewcastle, the focus you want for your trip can influence your choice of accommodation and how you plan your stay.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

For additional ideas for places to visit, you can also look at Penrith, Portinscale, Hawkshead, Grayrigg, Westward, Preston Patrick, Farlam and Mungrisdale.

For the overarching travel overview: Cumbria.