NY3955 : The Caldew Cycleway, Viaduct Estate
taken 12 years ago, near to Carlisle, Cumbria, England

The flood defence wall was constructed after the 2009 floods to protect commercial premises on the Viaduct Estate, but cost cutting to the original design specification rendered the flood defences ineffective and the businesses on the Viaduct Estate were flooded again in 2015.
The Caldew Cycleway is the route of The Cumbria Way long distance path (next photograph NY3955 : The Cumbria Way, Viaduct Estate).
Devised by The Ramblers in the 1970s, The Cumbria Way is a long distance path from Ulverston to Carlisle passing through the heart of the English Lake District. An early example of a long distance path, it has become deservedly popular.
Usually quoted as being 70 miles in length, accurate measurement indicates the route is approximately 119km (74 miles) long, taking into account the various diversions since it was created.
The extremities of The Cumbria Way are conveniently placed for easy access by car or public transport and most walkers will be able to complete the route comfortably within a week. It is most frequently walked from south to north so the prevailing wind (and Cumbrian rain) is behind the walker. The Cumbria Way passes less than 2.5 kilometres from the wettest place in England so rain is often encountered.
The Caldew Cycleway is a 7.6km (4.7 mile) tarmacked mainly off road cycle route, starting from Carlisle Road in Dalston and following the River Caldew via Cummersdale Mills and Denton Holme to finish at the north end of the Viaduct Estate Road in Carlisle where it joins Castle Way.
The route forms part of National Cycle Network Routes 7 and 10, part of the cycleway is also the Caldew Riverside Trail in Carlisle, and much of the cycleway is followed by The Cumbria Way long distance footpath.
