Day 61 - Carlisle to Walton

Another lovely morning and we were away pretty smartish as we wanted to visit Carlisle Cathedral before The Walker set off. I had plans to walk later, which sadly never happened as I couldn't find anywhere to park the van safely. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the cathedral and, later, I was lucky enough to find an enthusiastic guide who explained why it has a blue ceiling with gold stars - unusual for a cathedral - and what misericords are; I'd heard of them before but couldn't remember!

I also managed to sneak into the Priory Tower which isn't normally open to the public, but the cleaning lady was there and she was proud to show me the magnificent 12th century paintings on the ceiling in the top room.

There's a lot more to Carlisle than most people think and I reckon I've only seen bits of it.

From Bernie:
Today's walk  11.9 miles     :     Cumulative  772.7 miles

Superb day - probably the best weather of the walk so far. Sunny & very warm all day (we've had those before) but today it lasted into the evening & I was reluctant to drag myself away from the barbecue & into the van to write the blog. I could have sat outside but it's too bright & sunny to see the screen!

The fourth time, I think, that I've walked either into or out of Carlisle & today was the first opportunity I'd had to visit the Cathedral. On two of my visits it was simply closed to visitors because of other sevices or events. This morning proved to be worth the wait!

Replica Victorian Post-box

To commemorate the fact that Carlisle, in 1853, was the the first location in mainland Britain to have a roadside pillar box

After the Cathedral I picked up 'Hadrian's Wall Path' (another National Trail!) & followed the riverside track away from the city. It sounds like an eastwards move but no, that's for tomorrow; today was definitely north-eastwards! Less than a mile from the city & I was walking through farmland beside the beautiful River Eden, Carlisle's major river... despite the fact that I'd followed the Caldew from High Pike all the way to Carlisle yesterday. It was the Eden that flooded & caused devastation here in January 2005 - some of the high-water markers I passed were above my head & very scary!

Rickerby Park on the River Eden - less than a mile from the city centre

Passed over the M6 for the third & last time, noting that I was less than 10 miles from Gretna & the Scottish border; I'm afraid it will be a few more days & several more miles before I broach the final frontier! Beyond this point it was a quest for a not quite traceable wall - bit like my search for Offa's Dyke in places! More seriously, I've walked this bit before & the wait is worthwhile... on this occasion I had the time to ponder the geographical siting of some of the original turrets - clever people, these Romans!

Witches' Cursing Stone

On my final approach to Walton I was passed by a runner who was promptly chased by a stampeding herd of heifers. He leapt over a famyard gate to safety & advised me not to go any further; I smugly, advised him that walking was much safer as I strolled, unmolested, between the marauding beasts!

Highlight of the Day: Carlisle Cathedral - chapels, windows, carvings, paintings.... I'll leave it to the pictures!

Beer of the Day: couldn't resist trying Wychwood's 'Hot Chocolate', probably because I usually like Wychwood ales. Dark, rich, not too sweet & with a ridiculous chocolate flavour! Wouldn't have wanted another &, I suspect, it might be better served in half-pint doses.

Loved this Fun Sculpture - part of Carlisle's 'Play Trail'

Song of the Day (an occasional series!): I hope I'm not being over-optimistic! 'Here Comes the Summer' by Fiery Furnaces - if you don't know the song it's not the one you think it might be!

Jamie: well-spotted! I might also add that it was John Peel's favourite track!

Graeme & Rachel: if you read this, Congratulations! Wishing you all the very best!

Helen & Corin: lovely to hear from you & thanks very much for the donation. Hope you are both well & do remember me to your Mum!

Kirstie: of course I knew that you knew the answer...... !