Cumbria Cycleway - Section 1 - Arnside to Grange

Route Details

The Cumbria Cycleway was set up in 1980 as the UK's first long distance cycle route. In 1997 it was relaunched and was ridden by many people. Sometime in the 21st century the council took down a lot of the signs or took the top surface off, though about 10 survive at various locations.
However the route itself is still there and is a superb ride.
In the orriginal guidebook (now out of print) it was divided into 18 sections. I have recreated these using maps to create a GPX route

This section starts at @poi[Arnside Pier](55592859). It sounds grand but it's smaller than expected being a 20 metre stone structure that juts into the estuary.  From the pier the ride sweeps@photo[ the bay](11400412) heading briefly inland before extensive views to the left of Morecambe Bay and the fells. Swinging north and inland, you pass through pretty agricultural land, which is very flat with only 2 small climbs. The lanes are narrowish and full of cyclists.

It gets a little busier around Levens Hall where you @slice[join the A6](d,9389.63,10275.4), however most traffic is on the A590 and there is a stretch of pavement to use. Through Levens and some cycling infrastructure kicks in. There is a @slice[cyclepath and bridge built for cyclists that parallels the A590](d,13679.48,14254.49) and a route under the A590 that is controlled by a traffic light specifically for cyclists. After this you have one more climb before arriving on the outskirts of Grange. The Cumbrian Cycleway and the newer Sustrans routes (70 and 700) enter Grange along the road. However it is highly recommended to enter via the promenade but you need to walk your bike for at least the initial part of this section. To do this look for the bridge over the railway on your left, walk your bike over the bridge and you can cycle the promenade next to the sea @photo[to Grange](11400417)

Changes to Cumbria Cycleway
There is one change to the original route where a farm track has been replaced by a cyclepath next to the A590, at 13.7 km. Rather than the cyclepath and bridge along the edge of the A590, the cycleway went right after the garages to take the first left along a farm track to pass the farm on the right to bear left under the escarpment. It’s now been replaced by a sustrans route

SUSTRANS
Routes 70 and 700 use part of this now

## Places to eat

* In Arnside there is the @poi[Old Bakehouse](55592855) by Morecambe Bay

* In Levens, why not visit @poi[the village shop](55592858), selling coffee and tray bakes

* In Witherslack there is a @poi[community shop](55592857)

* Grange has lots of cafe. For example Butterfingers on the main street.

# More resources

If you want to learn a little more about this section please refer to:
* <http://www.arnsidevillage.co.uk/history/>
* <http://www.grange-over-sands.com>

#
# Important Reminders

The route avoids major roads
If you want to cycle into Grange along the promenade, please walk across the bridge over the railway and be aware that this is shared with pedestrians

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11 mi 739 ft

Bradford on Avon, England, GB

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This is the 1st section of the Wilshire Cycleway, which has been written to provide great detail ... more

This is the 1st section of the Wilshire Cycleway, which has been written to provide great detail on this circular route. The other 15 sections are on RidewithGPS, but for an overview please visit bikexplore.co.uk/Articles-of-Interest/Wiltshire-Cycleway

You start by the Kennet and Avon on the edge of the town to climb briefly towards Westwood. Westwood is a pretty village and contains Westwood Manor which is managed by the National Trust and opens in the summer. Onto a narrow lane which descends steeply towards an A Road, but take the descent slowly as just after the lane descends a World War 2 bunker can be visited on the left. With a narrow entrance it gave views across the valley. Take care at the bottom of the hill as the next section is a little busier heading along the A366. However you will pass a castle of the right. Well I say castle, it is in fact afortified residence from the 14th century and it is possible to cycle through it, but you need to pay an admission to view the chapel. You are into open countryside now with a rolling lane that takes you to the outskirts of Rode, however take a moment to have a look at the pretty village of Tellisford and its church. Reaching Rode, there is a good pub at the Mill before you enter the village. The Wiltshire Cycleway passes through but it is worth heading left opposite the pub to explore the centre and visit the shop Leaving Rode you'll head left towards the crossing of the A361. Please take care here, it's a busy road, but there are good lines of sight. The Cycleway now follows lanes as it winds its way past small farms, many of which are grazing for horses. At Rudge there is an excellent pub before more flat lanes take you to Brokerswood. As you turn left don't miss the green galvanised church which still holds services. The final section takes you to Dilton Marsh where this section finishes at the mini roundabout to the east of the village. There is even a railway station should you wish to use the train for your journey home. (less)

Bradford on Avon, England, GB

This is the 1st section of the Wilshire Cycleway, which has been written to provide great detail on this circular route. The other 15 sections are on RidewithGPS, but for an overview please visit bikexplore....more

This is the 1st section of the Wilshire Cycleway, which has been written to provide great detail on this circular route. The other 15 sections are on RidewithGPS, but for an overview please visit bikexplore.co.uk/Articles-of-Interest/Wiltshire-Cycleway

You start by the Kennet and Avon on the edge of the town to climb briefly towards Westwood. Westwood is a pretty village and contains Westwood Manor which is managed by the National Trust and opens in the summer. Onto a narrow lane which descends steeply towards an A Road, but take the descent slowly as just after the lane descends a World War 2 bunker can be visited on the left. With a narrow entrance it gave views across the valley. Take care at the bottom of the hill as the next section is a little busier heading along the A366. However you will pass a castle of the right. Well I say castle, it is in fact afortified residence from the 14th century and it is possible to cycle through it, but you need to pay an admission to view the chapel. You are into open countryside now with a rolling lane that takes you to the outskirts of Rode, however take a moment to have a look at the pretty village of Tellisford and its church. Reaching Rode, there is a good pub at the Mill before you enter the village. The Wiltshire Cycleway passes through but it is worth heading left opposite the pub to explore the centre and visit the shop Leaving Rode you'll head left towards the crossing of the A361. Please take care here, it's a busy road, but there are good lines of sight. The Cycleway now follows lanes as it winds its way past small farms, many of which are grazing for horses. At Rudge there is an excellent pub before more flat lanes take you to Brokerswood. As you turn left don't miss the green galvanised church which still holds services. The final section takes you to Dilton Marsh where this section finishes at the mini roundabout to the east of the village. There is even a railway station should you wish to use the train for your journey home. (less)

Neil Wheadon

Touring routes throughout the UK

Neil Wheadon

Touring routes throughout the UK

Cumbria Cycleway - Section 1 - Arnside to Grange

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Wiltshire Cycleway - Section 1 -Bradford on Avon to Dilton Marsh

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