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- bowness on solway walk back in time
Bowness on Solway - Walk back in Time
Route facts
Waterways:
Bassenthwaite Lake »
Distance: 3.98 miles / 6.4 km
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Circular route from: On the Shore West of Port Carlisle
Nestling on the shore within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies the little village of Bowness-on-Solway. It is an ancient farming settlement with still more ancient origins - here is the Western End of Hadrians Wall.
1. The Solway estuary is internationally important for wildlife. It is a wintering ground for ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. Seals and dolphins can also b seen offshore. The entire area is a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest'. Much of it is also a 'Special Protection Area' within the European Community.This point is a good spot to look out for Lapwings, Golden Plover, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover. The estuary also supports a wide variety of saltmarsh and dune plants such as the glasswort which can provide vital habitats for such species as the Natterjack Toad for whom Cumbria is a last strong hold.2. Bowness on Solway is built on the site of a Roman fort which is at the western end of Hadrians wall: a World Heritage site. During the Roman occupation forts were also built at nearby Kirkbridge, Beckfoot and Maryport. On the wall of the Kings Arms Inn in Bowness is a map showing details of the fort. There is little to be seen of Bowness fort today. Most of the stone was used to build the church and many of the houses in the village. As you walk through the village look for the signpost to the Banks.The name Solway may come from two Norse words: Sul, meaning pillar, and Vath, meaning ford. Bowness marks the end of the Bowness or Annan Wath; an ancient estuary crossing point at low water.You might also see the traditional Haaf nets leaning against the walls of the cottages which are still used for fishing in shallow waters. It is worthwhile exploring the church. In the porch are two ancient bells stolen from Scottish churches. This was in retaliation for the theft of the Bowness bells by raiders, and their loss in the Solway during the getaway.3. Back on the route, continue along the road passing Bowness Hall on the right, a classic example of a Cumbrian farmhouse.4. After crossing a small stream turn left along a track a few yards further on.5. Follow the track to the right towards Brackenrigg. The original farmhouse was of 'clay dabbin' and contained an Elizabethan fireplace in the adjoining barn. Sadly, only the more recent farm buildings remain.6. Leaving Brackenrigg, the track continues to the right giving views over the Solway and towards Glasson Moss, a National Nature Reserve.The areas of woodland are a reminder that the area was once an ancient forest. On the right is the site of two Roman temporary camps, perhaps used by the builders of Hadrians Wall.7. At the end of the track, to through the farm gate on the right and keep left walking around the edge of the field.8. In the corner of the field join another track beyond the farm gate which crosses the course of Roman defenses.9. A section of railway line operated along the course of a disused canal between Port Carlisle and the City of Carlisle. In its later days a horse drawn 'Dandy' carriage operated on the line.10. The edge of the old station platform can still be seen by the bowling club.11. The village, originally known as Fishers Cross, was developed as a port in 1819 to handle goods for Carlisle using the canal link built in 1823. The remains of the port and canal can be seen by the shore behind the Hope & Anchor Inn. There is a Roman alter built in above the doorway of the last building in the village.
Getting there
Parking: Car park at start.
