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.
