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Hand Cycling Routes - The Anthorn Loop

This is a 14.5 mile circular route on the coast of Cumbria to the North East of Silloth. The route can be done in either direction, but I think it is best anti-clockwise. There are three car parks marked on the route map and the directions given are from the car park nearest Glasson. The park is a small lay-by on the right hand side of the road. There is room for three or four cars here. The easiest way to get to the start is probably from Carlisle, via Kirkandrews-on-Eden, Burgh by Sands and Drumburgh.

Leave the car park and head for Port Carlisle, there is much to see as you follow the coast along. The next place is Bowness-on-Solway and one of the two steeper bits on the route. You are now heading for Anthorn where there was an airfield during the Second World War, before you get there you pass a Bird Sanctuary on your right . NOTE Between Bowness and Anthorn there is a gate across the road, sometimes it is closed, sometimes it is open, if you have difficulty getting out of your hand cycle you may need assistance here. Some miles before you reach Anthorn village, you will see the masts on the skyline in front of you. These are a part of a NATO listening post. The road runs round the edge of the old airfield, some of the old buildings are still to be seen. Pass through Anthorn and continue until you come to a left hand fork in the road. Take this and then take the second right heading for Glasson. After Glasson turn left at the T junction and your car will be a few hundred yards on your right. The route is quite level, the total height gained is approximately 390 feet and the maximum height is less than 50 feet. The route follows roads all the way and the surface is good. Visibility is good most of the way, although a 'cissy flag' is probably advisable, particularly if travelling alone.

Refreshments
There are three pubs on the route, in Port Carlisle, Bowness-on-Solway and Glasson and there is a small shop in Anthorn, but it is often closed at the weekend. The pub in Glasson, serves very good food, I haven't tried the others. None are very disabled accessible.