Terry Doran

Fan contributor Terry Doran presents an oldhamathletic.co.uk guide to Carlisle United ahead of the game against the Cumbrians at Brunton Park.

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Brunton Park, Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1LL

Away fans are accommodated in part of the Cumberland Building Society (CBS) East Stand on one side of the pitch. The facilities and the view of the playing area from the East Stand are good. Away supporters are only separated from home fans by a mesh section. It tends to create a lively atmosphere between the two sets of fans. An unusual aspect of the ground is that the central point of the East Stand, is located just off the half way line. This means that one side of the stand extends past the one goal line, whilst the other side falls short of this. This was due to the fact that the club were intending to re-build the whole ground and move the pitch a few yards further north, but ran out of the necessary finance.

The CBS Stand concourse is very spacious, with a bar, refreshments and betting facilities. It even has bar stools and tables for fans to enjoy a seat before the game and at half-time.

How to get there
By train:

Brunton Park is situated about a mile from Carlisle Citadel station, but is relatively easy to get to. Upon exiting the station's main entrance, walk straight ahead across the road and the short distance along The Crescent until reaching Warwick Road on the right, next to Bar Suede. You will be able to see the old Main Stand and the strangely-shaped roofs of the Warwick Road end after walking for about twenty minutes. There are directions to the away supporters' turnstiles above the Carlisle United club shop.

By taxi:

The nearest taxi rank is situated straight outside the station on a hill. If you wish to call a taxi during your stay, try City Taxis on tel. 01228 520000 or Radio Taxis on tel. 01228 527575.

By car:

After passing the Lake District, and driving for the best part of another hour, leave the M6 at junction 43 and take the A69 towards Carlisle. Keep going straight ahead along Warwick road (A69). After passing through the third set of traffic lights, you will notice the newly refurbished Blues store alongside the Hughie Mcllmoyle statue on the right-hand side. This is the main entrance to the ground, although car parking in this area is strictly limited to pass holders, visiting team directors (by prior arrangement) and the away team bus.

Where to park

For the main car park (for both home and away supporters), drive on past the ground and, making sure you are in the right-hand lane, turn right at the traffic lights into Victoria Place, and the right again, where the church is, onto St. Aidan's Road. After continuing for 100 yards, turn right again. At the end of this road keep to the right, go through the narrows and over the hump into the main car park and entry costs £2. There is also parking around the ground and on Warwick Road, although this is likely to be restricted once disc parking is introduced.

Away fans' coaches are usually parked behind the CBS Stand. Stewards will allow the coach down the road behind that Stand upon arrival at the ground. Coaches are charged at £10. For directions follow the directions as for cars, but before arrival at the third set of traffic lights, take a right into the East Stand road (with the big blue roof).

Where to drink

As you leave the M6 at Junction 43 and take the A69 towards Carlisle, you will pass a Toby pub/carvery, on the right not far from the ground.

Also the 'Lakeland Gate' on Walkmill Crescent off Warwick Road is a Brewers' Fayre family friendly pub.

The Carlisle Rugby Club next to Brunton Park on the Warwick Road, has a club bar (with Sky TV) which allows in away supporters and is family friendly.

At the back of the main car park there is the Stoneyholme Golf Club, which has a bar, serves food and welcomes fans on matchdays.

The pub nearest to the ground on the Warwick Road is the 'Beehive', reputed to be one of the friendliest and most popular pubs in Carlisle, but does not admit away fans wearing colours.

There are many pubs nearer the town centre in Bothchergate, which is immediate right from the railway station. However, away fans should beware as not all are welcome in some bars.

Food

In addition to the Toby and Brewer's Fayre premises already mentioned, the Beehive is also a pub/restaurant. Click here for a menu selection.

Thee is a fish and chip shop in The Crescent on the way from the station to the ground.

If fans are planning to head into the town centre, Little Frankies, just on the edge of the new part of the Lanes shopping centre, serves excellent food, but the prices can be high. McDonalds and KFC are both located within the Lanes shopping centre, with Burger King slightly further out of the town centre towards St Nicholas Gate.

Cashpoint

The closest cashpoint to Brunton Park is at Tesco's which is 5-10 minutes walk from the ground.

Map of the area:  Click here

If you feel adventurous and have spare time, it is less than ten miles to Gretna in Scotland with a new shopping centre.

Disabled facilities

Wheelchair users are allocated a space at the front of the main stand or at the front of the CBS Stand. Tickets for wheelchair users permit one free carer. Tickets can be bought on matchdays from the CBS Stand ticket office. There is parking for wheelchair users behind the main stand, and at the North end of the CBS stand. No stairs have to be climbed.

There are adapted toilets at either end of the stand and wheelchair accessible ordering points at catering outlets in the stand. For others who do not require a wheelchair but do find it difficult managing stairs, it is recommended that you sit at the front of the CBS Stand and ask stewards to escort you around the front of the stand to your seat instead of having to take the main interior stairs.