The Wee Wall Walk

 So today began with a taxi ride to Bowness on Solway where the walk starts - then we had to walk the 15 miles back to Carlisle plus another mile or so back to our B&B. On the way we walked alongside the Solway Firth (having carefully checked the tide tables as the road sometimes floods). We saw some sheep who seemed convinced they were alpacas; we had a great lunch at the Greyhound pub in Burgh-by-Sands (interesting fact - this is the place where King Edward I - known as Longshanks - died) (the town not the pub). The path continued alongside the River Eden, going through an underpass (which looked more like the canals in the centre of Birmingham) to cross the Carlisle Northern By Pass. Fortunately there was a route to scramble through without getting our feet wet! And one for the railway buffs - on the way into Carlisle we passed the bridge which used to take the Waverley Line over the Eden.  Two very tired walkers this evening with icepacks on Paul's ankle and Kate's kne...

  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!)  

​ My least favourite   job in the world! How am I going to get this lot into a bag? And still be able to carry it? 

  So the train is booked for Monday 18th; hotels and meals are booked; boots are ready. Only a few days to go till the Wee Wall Walk begins. Exciting times!

Just over a week to go, and we're getting the blog together, ready to share all our adventures with you all when we finally set off next Monday, 18th September. We're overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of everyone for this trip, and by your incredible generosity. Thank you all so much! We'll do our best to get some brilliant photos to share and some stories to tell.