Day Zero - Monday. Shirley to Carlisle

 


So here we are in Carlisle! We fitted everything into the bags, left on time, the trains worked, and we had some interesting conversations with our fellow-travellers.

Unfortunately our exploration of the city, including its cathedral and castle, was cut short by a spectacular downpour - but we've chosen to accept the rainbow which followed as a positive sign.

Tomorrow we start the walk properly, with a ride out to Bowness on Solway, from where we will walk the 15 miles or so back to Carlisle. Quite a long way, but at least it's flat. And the weather forecast is improving all the time.... (to be honest, it couldn't have got much worse!)


 





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