The C2C Guide - the definitive resource centre for the Sea to Sea cycle route

Kirkoswald

tourist information
centre
(Penrith) 01768 867466
Whitehaven to Langwathby 64 miles
Kirkoswald to Sunderland 78 miles

a potted history

The village of Kirkoswald derives its name from St. Oswald who was king of Northumberland from 634 to 642 and to whom the local church is dedicated. The church and bell tower are two separate buildings with the bell tower standing atop a conical hill above the church. Just outside the village is Kirkoswald Castle said once to have been 'one of the fairest fabrics that eyes looked upon, having a great hall, one hundred yards long, ornamented with pictures of all the kings of England' and although not much remains today it is still worth the short walk to visit it. Raven Beck which runs through the village once powered three corn mills, a paper mill, and a mill for carding and spinning wool and is now a picturesque stroll above the village.

cycle shops

There are no cycle shops in Kirkoswald so its back to Penrith I am afraid:
Arragons - Brunswick Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 890344
Halfords - Ullswater Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 892960

eating places
The Fetherston Arms - good choice of food and drink at this popular Eden Valley Inn - details below

route features

Although not directly on the C2C route, Kirkoswald sees a fair amount of cyclists from the route meandering slightly to see more of the Eden Valley. Leave the C2C at milemarker 61.5 and ride through Glassonby and the downhill ride into Kirkoswald. Make your way back to the route proper via Viol Moor and onto Four Lane Ends at milemarker 64.2.
Alternatively leave the route at milemarker 57 take the left turn and follow this quiet road through Gt. Salkeld, Lazonby and over the River Eden before reaching Kirkoswald.

accommodation
Please try to book accommodation in advance and give as much notice as possible if you have to cancel the booking so the room can be re-let otherwise your deposit may be forfeited. Also if you are going to be late arriving at your accommodation it is always a good idea to ring and let the proprietor know so they can keep your room open for you.

Remember to double check all details with the establishment as this guide cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions nor for any loss arising as a result.

When booking accommodation please mention the C2C Guide website.

The Fetherston Arms

Jennifer and Glen Mossop
The Square, Kirkoswald, nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1DF

Tel : 01768 898284

Email : info@thefetherstonarms.co.uk

Web : www.thefetherstonarms.co.uk

Rooms .... 1 deluxe double - 3 double - 1 single (all en-suite)

B & B .... £30 to £35

Evening meal .... from £7.00. Extensive menu

Packed lunch .... yes

Secure cycle parking .... Distance from route: new loop

Over the years the Fetherston Arms has offered a warm welcome, fine food and real ales to passing cyclists. It is a busy local pub and established guesthouse serving an extensive daily menu of traditional food and a choice of three local real ales. All rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard with en-suite, tea/coffee making facilities and Freeview TV. There are washing/drying facilities as well.

Edendale Bed and Breakfast

Mrs Jane Cottam
Edendale, Kirkoswald, nr Penrith,
Cumbria, CA10 1EN

tel : 01768 870127

e-mail : info@edendalebedandbreakfast.co.uk

website : www.edendalebedandbreakfast.co.uk

rooms .... 1 twin - 1 single - 1 double - 3 en suite

months open .... all year

B & B .... £25.30

packed lunch .... yes

secure cycle parking .... yes

non-smoking .... yes

distance from route .... 2 miles

pub .... choice of two within 200 yards

Comfortable en-suite rooms have stunning views, central heating, television and tea/coffee making facilities. The local shop and two pubs/restaurants are less than 5 minutes walk away. Large lounge/dining room with open fire - Happy Cycling.

Mains Farm Campsite

Robert & Julie Pickthall, Mains Farm, Kirkoswald, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1DH

Tel : 01768 898342

Rate .... Varies - please give them a call

Open .... All year

Tourist board listed .... Half a mile from the route

Pub: 1 mile (free transport provided) .... Secure cycle storage

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Small, quiet park just off the C2C route. Tourers, Tents, and Caravans welcome. Heated toilet & Shower block - unlimited free hot showers/drinking water. Bike washing and maintenance facilities available. Packed lunches and hot breakfast available on request. Ideal first night stop for those starting on the west coast, and great resting place before the Hartside climb to Alston. We have five spacious pitches spread over one acre, with 16 amp electrical hook-up and a brand new shower and toilet block sympathetically converted from a redundant stable.

Outstanding location and views. Riverside walks and woodland picnic area on the farm. Within easy walking distance of Kirkoswald, past winner on many occasions of Cumbria's best kept village award, offering a village shop, post office and pub.

The Crown Inn

Stella and Jeff Harling
Kirkoswald,
Penrith,
Cumbria
CA10 1DQ

Sadly the Crown announced to the Guide on July 9th that it was going into liquidation. But you can always book into the Fetherston Arms across the road.