Bewcastle (Roman name Fanum Cocidi) lies seven miles to the north of Hadrian's Wall. It is an unusual hexagonal fort.
A Roman road, known as "the Maiden way" connected it with Birdoswald.
The site covers some six acres and was probably built as a scouting fort.
The southern part of the site is now occupied by Bewcastle church with it's famous Bewcastle Cross.
Other places to visit whilst you are at Bewcastle:
1. This is Border Reiver country and there is a lot of history from these troubled times. Go find a Bastle house and see the lengths that the people went to keep safe.
2. Just across the
border is the Border Reiver trail.
3. Look at the Bewcastle cross from the 7th century. The sundial on it's surface is the oldest in Britain.
4. You are very close to RAF Spadeadam which was a rocket testing site back in the 1950's. Here you can visit Christianbury crags which must be one of the most isolated places in the area.
5. Visit Gilsland and find the "poppin stone" which is where Sir Walter Scott proposed to his future wife.
6.Hermitage castle, just across the border and into Scotland has to be one of the most frightening castles in Britain. Empty and deserted it still has a feeling of terror going back to the murders which took place back in medieval times.
7. If you are interested in the Bewcastle cross then there is a similar one at Lanercost Priory.
Image courtesy of Geograph.org
Cottages close to Bewcastle
Easby farm overlooks the valley of the River Irthing between Brampton and Lanercost.
Things to do around Lanercost:
1.There is a 12th century Priory which is managed by English heritage. Admission is relatively cheap and the ruins include a small display of altars from the time of the Roman occupation.
2. There are lovely walks along Hadrian's Wall as well as down to and beside the River Irthing.
3. The Roman museum and fort at Birdoswald is close by.
4. A little to the east and you come to Gilsland.This used to be a frontier town with a dangerous reputation.During the 19th century it developed as a spa town and was visited by Sir Walter Scott who proposed to his wife beside the "poppin stone".
5. To the south you can drive into the foothills of the Pennines. Visit Tindale tarn and explore the old mining landscape.It is now primarily a sanctuary for birds but you can still sense the industrial heritage here.
6. A little further on you can stop to look at Lambley viaduct. This is part of the old Haltwhistle to Alston branch line which closed in 1976. It has now been converted into the South Tyne trail and is a popular walking or cycling path.
7. To the south and west you come to the lovely Eden Valley with it's characteristic red Eden sandstone.
