Another Stage of Hadrian's Wall

Continuing with the theme of Hadrian's Wall we continued from where we left off last week at Burgh by Sands. This involves using 2 cars with Peter leaving his at Carlisle and Tom taking his to Burgh by Sands. Looking over us in this photograph is King Edward 1 and this statue was erected in 2007 to celebrate 700 years since his death. The Latin inscription on the monument describes him as "the greatest English King".  

The weather forecast which everybody had checked before we left had said it would be clear and dry all day so we were surprised 15 minutes after we set off to find the rain starting. I was the only one who had packed a waterproof coat so we decided to shelter under a huge Oak tree. For the next 45 minutes it was a case of seeking shelter under various tress, but eventually the rain disappeared and the weather gradually improved. 

The walk took as along various fields including this Maize field. Tom thought they were Turnips.

This is a most unusual Stile with metal steps and wooden gates

Due to a severe landslip on the first part of the walk next to the River Eden resulting in a diversion it was almost into Carlisle before we hit the Eden River. The first bridge we passed under was the old Waverley Line railway bridge which according to Tom he has read in the Cumberland News that it is to be opened up as a walk and cycle way in the next couple of years. This is a much more attractive bridge than the modern railway bridge shown below.

The main west coast line to Scotland and a very dull looking bridge that needs urgent need of attention before the trees growing out of it do severe damage.

At various points along the walk next to the Eden there were exercising places including these bars. By the look of the surrounding vegetation they have not been used much in recent years and will soon disappear. Tom had a go but could not even pull himself up to bar level. 

In the distance was Dixon's Chimney and a reminder for me of my office for 5 years with EMS Cargo as my office was situated within 50 yards of the chimney. It was built by Peter Dixon in 1836.

Carlisle Castle which is over 900 years old and has been involved in many a battle between the English and the Scots. It is now the headquarters of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

At the end of the walk we had to cross the main road which is a dual carriageway next to Carlisle Castle. Rather than walk up the steps on the bridge it was decided to use the lifts at each end. This must be a sign of old age but after a 7.5 mile walk I must admit a series of steps are not the most welcoming sight. Another good walk slightly marred by the rain at the start but again finished in grand style with a pint in the Greyhound Inn at Burgh by Sands.