Log No 171. Sun 27th Oct 2013 - Gretna to Carlisle, 10 miles (2622 miles walked)

It was wind and rain when I set off this morning and a couple of people told me it was to get worse.

I went on the minor road which ran alongside the motorway and after crossing the River Esk I turned right on the cycle route to the River Eden and Rockcliffe.

There is a footpath along the side of the river all the way to Carlisle but with all the rain there has been and with the forecast I stayed on the minor road, I also wanted to check out parking sites for the camper along the road.

This knocked 3 miles off the route and made it only 10 miles into Carlisle. I could have carried on beyond Carlisle but it would have meant I needed 2 buses to get back to Gretna.

I crossed over the River Eden and walked into the centre of Carlisle going past the Castle and the Cathedral.

I had an hour and a half to wait for the bus so after stopping in M&S for a drink I had a look in all the camping shops.

It had been my intention to drive to Go Outdoors in Penrith to buy a new pair of hiking boots (pair no 3) but I found a pair of leather hiking shoes in Carlisle so that saved a trip.

Hopefully these shoes will keep my feet dry and be good for my Achilles.

It needs to be a long day tomorrow to work in with the buses so I need to start as early as I can now the clocks have gone back and it's dark by 18.00.