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Carlisle riverside: Bitts Park, Rickerby Park and the Eden

A flat city loop from the castle side of Bitts Park, over the Eden into Rickerby Park and back by the Memorial Bridge and riverside paths.

Distance
3.9 km
2.4 miles
Ascent
6 m
High point 21 m
Time
1 hour
Walking time, no stops
Grade
Easy
Circular

Take this walk with you

Directions to the car park in Google MapsDownload GPXDownload KML for Google My MapsGet there by bus or trainFollow the route in Google Maps (walking)

This route is on paths Google Maps knows, so the walking link follows it closely. The GPX is still the exact line. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.

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The River Eden and the Memorial Bridge at Rickerby Park, Carlisle
Photo: Mertbiol, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carlisle is easy to rush through, but the River Eden gives the city a green heart that most visitors never find. Bitts Park sits below the castle walls with the Hadrian's Wall National Trail running along its riverside edge, and across the water Rickerby Park opens out into a wide Victorian parkland of big trees, grazing animals and river views.

This loop crosses Eden Bridge, walks through Eden Bridge Gardens into Rickerby Park and past the cenotaph, then returns over the Memorial Bridge and along the riverbank by the Swifts. It is short and almost level, which makes it a good walk before or after a visit to the castle or cathedral.

Most of it is on tarmac, with some grass and riverside path that can be muddy after rain.

The route

  1. 1

    Bitts Park

    From Bitts Park car park, head east through the park towards Eden Bridge, with the river on your left.

  2. 2

    Over Eden Bridge

    Climb to the pavement and cross Eden Bridge, then drop into Eden Bridge Gardens and follow the path east, signed for Rickerby Park.

  3. 3

    Rickerby Park

    Join the road through the park briefly, then take the paths across the parkland to the cenotaph, the park's war memorial.

  4. 4

    Memorial Bridge

    Continue to the Memorial Bridge and cross the Eden back to the south bank.

  5. 5

    Riverside home

    Turn right on the riverside path around the edge of the former Swifts golf course, past the Sands Centre and back under Eden Bridge to Bitts Park.

Questions people ask

Can you walk from Carlisle city centre to Rickerby Park?

Yes. Cross Eden Bridge from the city side and follow the path through Eden Bridge Gardens into the park, or cross the Memorial Bridge from the Sands Centre side.

Is Rickerby Park suitable for pushchairs?

Carlisle City Council says most of its Rickerby Park walk is on tarmac or road, but there are steps at Eden Bridge Gardens and the grass sections are unsuitable in wet weather.

Does Hadrian's Wall Path go through Carlisle?

Yes. The National Trail runs along the riverside edge of Bitts Park, below the castle.