SOLWAY STROLL - 13.12.09


COFFEE AT BEAUMONT

Fifteen miles approx was on the tin but we should have known better than to take serial leader Derek at his word! Still the day was fine if on the cool side as six of us left his house with the promise of mulled wine and mince pies later courtesy of Stella. The day started with an interesting loop through the Kingmoor Nature Reserve hidden away on the edge of town before returning to cross the city centre’s Eden Bridge. We then kept company with the River Eden and Hadrian’s Wall Path as far as Burgh by Sands where the handsome statue of Edward 1 (Hammer of the Scots) was admired and photographed.

Heading out onto Burgh Marsh along the muddiest lane so far poor Louise decided to take a mud wallow in about six inches of Solway’s best! By the time we reached the King Edward 1 Monument recording his death in 1307 we had just about got used to her new colour but helped to patch up her damaged knee and gave moral support. We then headed for the mouth of the Eden and had a late lunch in the company of three hungry geese.

The Eden was then followed for several meandering miles all the way back to Carlisle by which time we had enjoyed an amazing sunset (a common occurrence on Derek’s walks) and walked into the darkness. A short distance of road along the A7 lead to an unusual finish via Morrison’s car park then those most welcome refreshments. As usual Derek was forgiven for his slight understatement, the excuse being a route change due to flooded paths! The actual statistics were 23 miles in just under 8½ hours with a surprising 1000 ft. of climbing.

01. SOME WILDLIFE 01.HAMMER OF THE SCOTS 03. KING EDWARD 1 MONUMENT, BURGH MARSH 04. SOME FEATHERED FRIENDS 05. ARE THEY FRIENDLY ? 06. LUNCHTIME AT LAST 07. ROCKCLIFFE ACROSS THE EDEN 08. MAN AND NATURE IN HARMONY ?