This year’s mince pie walk explored the country south and east of Carlisle and was well attended with ten members plus the Treasurer’s daughter at the starting gate. The weather remained fine and cool all day with good visibility and virtually zero precipitation. Initially the delights of Morrisons supermarket were bypassed before the River Eden was crossed in Rickerby Park and its tributary the Petteril, swollen by the previous day’s deluge, followed for several miles. After diving under the motorway near the Golden Fleece interchange and meandering through Wreay wood it was finally left as the route turned east to cross the A6 near Scalesceugh Hall to negotiate muddy paths on the way to Cotehill.

A turn northwards before Cotehill eventually lead to a welcome lunch spot by the Eden again opposite Corby Castle and just shy of Wetheral. Revitalised the 99 (or was it 93) steps were surmounted on the way towards Scotby via the local golf course. The M6 and A69 were next up and Tesco’s disappeared in our wake as we went in search of the Eden for a final time.

Several loops of the river lead us unerringly back to Rickerby Park to rejoin our outward route. It was then just a short hop back to base in the gathering dusk to enjoy Stella’s ever welcome offerings of mulled wine and mince pies. As usual Derek was soon forgiven his elastic use of distance units – the 15 miles of advertised fun had somehow morphed into 21!