I woke usual time but lay in and dozed until 7. Up and dressed then downstairs for two mega cups of tea ,that was all I had . My food stores were depleted and also was now only carrying £3 ,I needed to get to Carlisle and today.
I cleaned any mess, removed my gear and packed it all. Then was ready to go for 8. Dianne ,my host, came out to say goodbye and we ended up talking about elderly parents.
I got away about 8.20 feeling pretty good. Iwas soon back on route and for the first time three hours was making 3 miles an your. It was very easy walking and downhill. I felt guilty that I was going down cheery and alot of folk who must of recently started walking west to east against me looked decidely knackered or hobbling much in the manner I used to. I wonder what the fall out rate is. Hadrians Wall Path must be one of the easiest but I think folk set themselves impossible physical goals. If it was not for my feet I would be flying along. As it is my right foot sole is clad in blister plasters and I cannot seem to get them 100%.
The route today was a contrast to the dramatic atmospheric Housesteads section. Today was flat farm land and very little signs of the Wall, only the ditch was the visual in places.
The woman who complained about mud would have a shock today because the mud I encountered was nothing in relation to yesterdays.Best of luck to them.
After a fairly speedy start I arrived 7 miles later at Walton village.There had been a lack of facilities and post offices had closed in most and villages.It was 10.40 and I sat on a bench opposite the closed Centurion,aptly named, Pub.
A woman on her bike cycled by saying the village hall has a tearoom just 200yds Into the village. Great I will survive.I started walking in to have the lady call down the road it was closed and seems to be hit and miss. She then said I only live a minute away i'll make you to a tea. How could I refuse such kindness. She got off her bike and I escorted her to her home.
I must of been there over half an hour as tea was served in the garden with a plate of biscuits which I seemed to be the only one eating. We had a chat about parents, teenagers and walking. Marguerite was her name and it is people of her calerber that make this walk worth it.
I left clasping the last biscuit on the plate and walked on. Passing the village hall it eas now open si I bought two cans if coke to help me along.
On walking passed the pub a trio of walkers heading east
had just been told that no facilities were in the village so were pleased to hear there was a tearoom. I shouted after them to ask the guy to put out his board at the junction. As I walked on I must of told a dozen folk about the tearoom.In a way I was pleased it eas not open when I first arrived as I would not of met my saviour friend. Marguerite was I thank you.
I trudged on. There seemed plenty of opportunity to for a camp site along this section.
A combine harvester was busy chasing the weather as dark clouds seem to threaten rain but only gave the briefest of showers, the only of the day. The smell of sweet cut straw was a pleasure.
Just before Crosby on Eden my guide book said- ' rabbits hopping cheerfully ' - I don't expect he meant the one on the path with entrails hanging out and swarms of flies.
That was the only rabbit I saw! I had now done 13.5 miles.
Apparently the the reason no wall is visable is because the wall was made if turf.
I walked in and out of Low Crosby avoiding the temotation of the Stag pub. Instead i walked to the river Eden where I had hoped to sit on its banks abd drink my coke. In reality The three metre depth of nettle and thistle prevented the bank seat so I sat against a gate post with boots off.
On starting again half hour later I I was soon crossing the M6 into Rickaby, very posh! And therefore almost suddenly I was walking the banks of the Eden my into Carlisle , castle and all.
I needed a few things like food, so walked into the high street and feasted. Stuffed I got a few supplies and looked a few maps regarding the Cumbria Way. Yes tomorrow the Hadrian Wall path must will end so my thoughts are thinking ahead to the Lakes. Eventually having walked the a mile shopping I made my way out past the castle and back in the Eden banks.
For some reason my right sole was playing up so Checked and alittle puss was coming out a smallish blister. I cleaned it and compeeded it Also my right foot index toe was red like a seam was rubbing. I made do and walked on for another 3 miles to Grindale. I walked into a dairy farm yard at Oark Farm and the farmer yelled at me Under the beech tree. He thought I had gone the wrong way but I was asking him where I could pitch. He gave me instructions and at about 7 I was pitched in a cowless field with thick lush green grass, milk making grass.
I settled in for the evening. I was alittle concerned about that toe but I would see in the morning. I had a small bowl if noodles and spilt half a mug of tea in my right boot , great!
I spoke to Mon who had taken the boys to Scorton feast,first time Ran, my seven year old had been on the waltzers. I wish I had seen him. The sacrifice to do this walk seems to be fairly big. But I hope I make the boys proud.
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