Operated by Stagecoach Cumbria
If you are looking to trade the hustle of the city for sweeping salt marshes, ancient Roman history, and big open skies, look no further than Routes 93 and 93A. Connecting the historic city of Carlisle with the wild beauty of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this bus route is more than just a transport link—it’s a journey through one of England’s most tranquil and atmospheric landscapes.
Whether you are a walker aiming to complete the final mile of Hadrian’s Wall or a nature lover seeking rare birdlife, this route offers an accessible, affordable, and scenic day out.
What makes this route special
The 93 and 93A serve the Solway Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is often overlooked by tourists rushing to the Lake District. This means you get to experience a profound sense of peace and isolation, just miles from the city.
The route is steeped in history. It largely follows the path of Hadrian’s Wall, terminating at the wall’s western end in Bowness-on-Solway. Along the way, you pass through villages built with stones taken from the Roman wall itself, medieval fortified manors, and sites of royal history.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the route cuts through the heart of the Solway marshes, an internationally important habitat for wading birds, barnacle geese, and other wildlife.
Route breakdown: A loop of two halves
The 93 and 93A effectively form a loop (or a lasso) covering the peninsula west of Carlisle. While they serve the same ultimate destination area, they take very different paths to get there.
The Coastal Route (Service 93)
Leaving Carlisle, the 93 heads north-west toward the river Eden. It winds through charming villages like Grinsdale and Beaumont, eventually reaching the coast at Burgh by Sands. Here, the landscape opens up into vast, flat salt marshes.
The bus continues through Drumburgh (look out for the castle, a fortified manor house) and Glasson, before reaching Port Carlisle, once intended to be a major sea port. Finally, it arrives at Bowness on Solway, the famous end (or start) of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail.
The Inland Route (Service 93A)
The 93A takes a southern arc through the countryside. It travels via Moorhouse, Thurstonfield, and Kirkbampton. This route gives you access to the lush woodlands of Finglandrigg Wood before joining the coastal loop near Kirkbride and Anthorn.
Key stops and scenic highlights
Carlisle
Start your journey in the “Great Border City.” Before hopping on the bus, visit Carlisle Castle, which has watched over the borderlands for centuries.
Burgh by Sands
Famous as the place where King Edward I (“The Hammer of the Scots”) died in 1307. A monument to him stands on the marsh nearby. The village church is built with Roman stones and has a fortified tower, used for protection against border reivers.
Bowness-on-Solway
The star attraction. Take a photo at the “Banks Promenade” pavilion which marks the end of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit the shoreline to see the wading birds and look across the water to Scotland.
Anthorn
As you approach Anthorn, you cannot miss the towering radio masts of the NATO VLF transmitter. They are a surreal, sci-fi contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding marshland.
Finglandrigg Wood
Accessible via the 93A (stopping at Fingland), this National Nature Reserve is a mosaic of woodland, heath, and bog—one of the largest of its kind in Cumbria and perfect for a quiet walk.
Service frequency and practicalities
This is a rural service, so planning is essential.
- When it runs: The service operates primarily Monday to Saturday.
- Frequency: Buses run a few times a day. It is not a “turn up and go” frequency, so you must consult the timetable before travelling.
- Sundays: Historically, there is no service on Sundays, though seasonal variations can occur. Always check the Stagecoach Cumbria website for the latest updates.
Important Note on Routing:
Some buses run as a continuous loop, while others terminate at Bowness or Anthorn.
- To see the coast immediately, ensure you board a 93.
- To visit the inland villages first, board a 93A.
- The two routes meet at the Anthorn/Kirkbride end of the peninsula.
Value for money
The 93/93A is part of the Stagecoach network, meaning day tickets are available.
- £2 Fare Cap: As of late 2024, the single fare cap is still in operation across England, making a single journey to the coast incredibly cheap.
- DayRider Tickets: If you plan to hop on and off, or combine this trip with other travel around Carlisle, a “North West Explorer” or a local “Carlisle DayRider” ticket offers great value.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the right: If you are taking the number 93 from Carlisle towards Bowness, sit on the right-hand side of the bus for the best views across the Solway Firth towards Scotland.
- Bring binoculars: The Solway estuary is one of the best birdwatching spots in the UK. Even from the bus window, you might spot Oystercatchers, Curlews, or Pink-footed Geese.
- Check the tides: While the bus route is safe, the atmosphere of the Solway changes dramatically with the tide. At high tide, the water fills the estuary; at low tide, miles of shimmering sand are revealed.
- Pub lunch: Plan your break around Bowness-on-Solway or Burgh by Sands, both of which have welcoming local pubs perfect for a post-walk meal.
Planning a day out on this route
A perfect itinerary for a car-free day out:
09:00 – Depart Carlisle: Catch the morning 93 from Carlisle Bus Station. Enjoy the ride as the city gives way to green fields and eventually the salt marshes.
09:50 – Arrive in Bowness-on-Solway: Get off at the Kings Arms. Walk to the Banks Promenade to see the start/end of the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Spend an hour walking a section of the path or exploring the RSPB Campfield Marsh reserve nearby.
12:00 – Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local pub in Bowness or a picnic overlooking the estuary.
13:30 – The Return Loop: Catch the bus back. If the timetable allows, try to catch the 93A for the return journey. This will take you through the inland route via Kirkbride and Kirkbampton, giving you a completely different view of the Cumbrian countryside before arriving back in Carlisle.
Note: Timings are illustrative. Always check the official Stagecoach Cumbria timetable for the specific date of your travel.
