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.

Translated by

•

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 …

Translated by

•

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.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Bewcastle Cross in St Cuthbert's Churchyard

riders

#1.

Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Gilsland

54.4km

03:59

630m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

riders

#2.

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.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

riders

#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.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 150 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 29 March

10°C

2°C

65 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 37.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Hadrian's Wall

Bewcastle Church and Cross

Askerton Castle

Newcastleton Trails

Stagsike Trail Grassland Section

Thirlwall Castle Ruins

Slack House Organic Farm Café and Organic Farm Shop

Walltown Quarry Nature Reserve

Lambley Viaduct

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall

View from the Quarry

View Across Bewcastle

Bewcastle Cross in St Cuthbert's Churchyard

#1.

Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Gilsland

#2.

Ford Crossing – Ruins of Bewcastle Castle loop from Stapleton

#3.

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️