Kirkoswald & Lazonby
Directions
To divert to Eden; or not to divert to Eden. That is the question
Athough not on the official C2C route, Kirkoswald sees a fair amount of cycle traffic meandering from the set path to enjoy the Eden Val ey. When you exit Langwathby you wil be presented with choices about what route to take. If you want to go directly to Kirkoswald, bypassing Langwathby, however, you should go left at milemarker 57 and head through Great Salkeld, Lazonby and over the River Eden and into the village.
All the other options take you into Langwathby, from where you head north towards Little Salkeld and Glassonby. If you are taking this alternative detour to Kirkoswald, leave the main C2C route at milemarker 61.5, head through Glassonby and down the hill into Kirkoswald. Make your way back to the route proper via Viol Moor running parallel to the Raven Beck and onto Four Lane End at milemarker 64.2.
If you decide to forego the joys of Kirkoswald, just plough straight up the main route and you are soon at Four Lane End.
At Four Lane End you can turn right onto the cross-country route over Hartside, but if you do, be warned, you wil be pushing or carrying your bike for a lot of the stretch.
The alternative takes you to Renwick, a winding and steep ascent (I suspect I am not the only cyclist to have hopped out of the saddle for a rest a couple of times).
About the village
Tribute to a warrior, king and saint The village derives its name from St Oswald who was king of Northumberland from 634 to 642, re-establishing Christianity in the region, founding the monastery at Lindisfarne 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 vil age is Kirkoswald Castle, said once to have been "one of the fairest fabrics that eyes looked upon, having a great hal , one hundred yards long, ornamented with pictures of all the kings of England". Though not much remains today it is stil worth the short walk to visit it.
Raven Beck, which runs through the village and near much of the path back to the main route, once powered three corn mil s, a paper mil , and a mil for carding and spinning wool. It is now the centrepiece of a picturesque stroll above the village.
Accommodation
| Edendale Bed and Breakfast, Kirkoswald, nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1EN | |
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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. |
Run by: Mrs Jane Cottam 
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tel : 01768 870127 |
rooms : 1 twin - 1 single - 1 double (all en-suite) |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Briardale, Seathill, Lazonby, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1BD | |
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Comfortable family run house offering a twin room and one single, so ideal for a small group (Lynda will rig up a third bed in the twin if need arises). The village has a couple of pubs / eating places and is a lovely setting. Mrs Lowthion will do supper if given due notice and you are welcome to wash and dry clothing (and even check your emails). |
Run by: Lynda Lowthion 
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Telephone : 01768 897162 |
Rooms : 1T, 1S |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Mains Farm Campsite, Mains Farm, Kirkoswald, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 1DH | |
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Camping and B&B. 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 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. Happy to provide lift from station and run you to the start, providing accommodation and lifts throughout. Will do shopping for you and happy to take the logistical strain out of the whole holiday. Call for further details.
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Run by: Robert & Julie Pickthall 
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Tel : 01768 898342 |
Rate : Varies - please give them a call |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Crown Inn, Kirkoswald, Cumbria CA10 1DQ | |
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A warm, welcoming country pub serving lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Full range of real ales. Open fire and cosy. No accommodation. |
Run by: Carole and Peter Atkinson 
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Tel : 01768 870435 or 07846 769226 |
No accommodation |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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