The Bewcastle Cross. This 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cross is one of the oldest and most exquisite in Europe. It still stands in its original location in the church garden and is richly decorated with runes, wickerwork, and Christian iconography. On the west side, you see Christ, John the Baptist with the Lamb of God, and a falconer who may represent John the Evangelist. On the east side, a vine winds upward, populated by mythical and real animals—a symbol of the connection between creation and faith.

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JakobusPilger

May 1, 2025

Cycling

There are several reasons why cyclists should not just pass by this small sacred monument, but rather pause for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and …

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Amy

February 8, 2020

Cycling

Dating back to around the 7th and 8th century, Bewcastle Cross is an impressive historical monument in St Cuthbert's Churchyard. Together with a similar cross in Ruthwell, the crosses were described as "the greatest achievement to their date in the whole of Europe" by scholar Nikolaus Pevsner.

Its four stone sides are carved with reliefs of animals, chequers, vine scrolls, and interlace knots, as well as a sundial, thought to be the earliest surviving sundial in England. There are also runic alphabet inscriptions.

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Best routes to Bewcastle Cross in St Cuthbert's Churchyard

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1. Ford Crossing – Ruins of Bewcastle Castle loop from Stapleton

57.3km

04:07

630m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8

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2. Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Brampton

91.3km

06:00

1,160m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Mile Castle 53

46.8km

02:55

500m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 150 m

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Today

Tuesday 10 February

7°C

5°C

79 %

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Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Location: Bewcastle, Carlisle, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Bewcastle Cross in St Cuthbert's Churchyard

1. Ford Crossing – Ruins of Bewcastle Castle loop from Stapleton

2. Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Brampton

3. Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Mile Castle 53

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