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Lanercost Priory

3.9 miles (6.2 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk visits the historic Lanercost Priory in Cumbria. The Augustinian Priory dates back to the 12th century with substantial ruins still visible today. It sits in a great location for walking, close to Hadrian's Wall and the River Irthing which flows just to the south. The site is run by English Heritage and has a fascinating history, playing a role in the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 13th and 14th centuries.
This circular walk from the priory visits the nearby Hadrian's Wall at Hare Hill. You then head west along the wall to visit Burtholme Bridge where there are nice views of the Burtholme Beck. The final section takes you along the River Irthing to return to the priory, passing Lanercost Old Bridge on the way.
The walk can be started from the on site car park next to the church. Other facilities include a gift shop, tea room and information panels detailing the history of the priory which later became a manor house.

Postcode

CA8 2HQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Please click here for more information

Lanercost Priory OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lanercost Priory Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a tea room and farm shop where you can pick up a range of refreshments after your exercise.

Dog Walking

The area is a nice place for a dog walk and the tea room mentioned above is also very dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

You can easily extend the walk by continuing east along the wall to visit Birdoswald Fort. The fort is one of the highlights of the area and gives an interesting insight into the history of the area.
Just to the south there's Miltonrigg Woods where you can enjoy a series of peaceful woodland trails.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Lanercost Priory - geograph.org.uk - 1363901

Lanercost Priory 12th century buildings. The history of the priory includes visits from King Edward I and Robert Bruce 

Lanercost Priory - geograph.org.uk - 789897

Lanercost Priory

Hay bales, Lanercost - geograph.org.uk - 1939874

Hay bales, Lanercost

Hadrian's Wall Path - geograph.org.uk - 269406

Hadrian's Wall Path north of the priory.

Drystone wall descending Craggle Hill - geograph.org.uk - 269397

Drystone wall descending Craggle Hill. Although this wall is more recent it contains blocks of Roman masonry and is on the line of Hadrian's Wall.

Burtholme Beck - geograph.org.uk - 494080

Burtholme Beck. View from Burtholme Bridge.

River Irthing - geograph.org.uk - 2184800

River Irthing

Lanercost Old Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 957303

Lanercost Old Bridge

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lanercost Priory.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)