Day 1 of the Walk: Bowness on Solway to Kirkandrews on Eden

Hello everyone! The first official day of the walk began today. I was picked up at 9:30 - civilized! - and driven to Bowness on Solway to start the walk. The walk was 20 km, with a stop for lunch on the way and lots of photo ops. I had company a couple of times, and everyone was super friendly. The greeting here is “Hiya!”. Here are some highlights:

The start of the walk. The sign reads 84 miles to Wallsend. May Good luck go with you. And hopefully no blisters!

The Western coast…that is Scotland in the distance. 

Me in front of the ruins of Port Carlisle. What looks like an island is the remains of a wall with grass growing on it. Apparently this once thriving port was replaced by another port further west. The Solway Firth is not very deep here and very silty. You can see that in the photo, the greyish brown patches.

As with all my trips, Mary meets a kitty - or the first of many. We shall see! This one walked up for snuggles.

Dumborough Castle- not open to visitors.

Sheep and cows….there were loads of them everywhere on this part of the walk. Lots of calves and lambs so I gave them a wide berth. Any animal protecting its young is bound to be edgy. These are zoomed in photos.

Edward the First was here, and died in Burgh on Sands. Part of his armour lies in St. Michael’s church, which dates from the 11th century with the tower added in the 12th. I got to visit the church.

And a wee pony! It was on someone’s lawn in a village as a pet. I wanted to pet it, but it was too busy eating grass. Wish me all the best on Day 2!

Mary