Forts and Ports
Location
Port Carlisle, Bowness-on-Solway in Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Directions
- From Port Carlisle follow the National Trail along the edge of the marsh into Bowness-on-Solway. Visit the Trail’s start/finish point, signed the Banks Promenade.
- Turn left at the King’s Arms pub following the road south. Pass Bowness Hall and after a mile take the footpath left, for Brackenrigg.
- After about a mile the path meets the main road beside the Methodist chapel. Cross the road and go through a gate onto a footpath that brings you back onto the Trail and into Port Carlisle.
Highlights
- Bird watching on Bowness Marsh
- Estuary views into Scotland
- Extensive panoramic views
- Haafnetting, the traditional Solway fishing practice in Bowness and Port Carlisle
- Port Carlisle’s Historic Canal Basin
- RSPB Campfield Farm
Nearby attractions
- Carlisle Castle (English Heritage)
- Carlisle Cathedral
- Drumburgh Moss NNR
- Edward I Memorial
- Glasson Moss NNR
- Solway Coast Discovery Centre
- Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Route image:
[1]Route type:
Circular
Distance:
3 1/2 miles
Estimated walk time:
2 hours
Grade:
Moderate
Suggested start/finish:
Hope and Anchor Inn, Port Carlisle (Grid Ref: NY 240 621)
Tourist information:
Solway Coast Discovery Centre, Silloth Tel: 016973 31944
Public transport:
Bus Service 93 (Carlisle to Bowness)
Ordnance Survey Map:
OS Explorer Map (314) Solway Firth, Wigton and Silloth
Places to eat and drink:
Hope and Anchor Inn in Port Carlisle; King’s Arms Inn and the Old Chapel tea room in Bowness
Other walks in this area:
Solway Coastal Rambles (Bowness-on-Solway, Glasson, Drumburgh, Burgh by Sands, Beaumont). (Enquire at Tourist Information Centre)