Tuesday, 3 June 2025

 Day 5 the final day of my walk from Bowness on Windermere to Bowness on Solway. 13miles 300ft

After leaving Abbeytown there was nothing of great interest for photos until I arrived here Kirkbride where I rested with a coffee & biscuits....
....before entering one of the South Solway nature reserves
Actually the reserve was a little disappointing but at least afforded some great paths for easy walking

At the highest point but only about 150ft there was this view finder naming the Galloway fells to the north. 
On leaving the reserve I joined the Hadrian's Wall path which crossed from coast to coast, Bowness to Wallsend on Tyneside
Very tempting but I still had my lunch to eat!
My first view of the Solway firth
The path follows the coast the rest of the way into  Bowness
Along the way is a shelter with information about the Hadrian's Wall path 84miles.....
....and again....
....it made a lovely finish to my own walk
....as I climbed away from the coast....
....into Bowness village with St Michael's church
I then just had a little while finishing with a late a lunch sat looking over the Solway where the tide had now gone out.
Today's walk was 13miles and 300ft which together made the total route 69miles & 6650ft ascent.
It had certainly been a great 5 days of 5 weeks walking with an amazing and variety of terrain & interest!
What shall I do next, any suggestions welcome!!!

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

 Day 4 of my walk Bowness on Windermere to Bowness on Solway

Bothel to Abbeytown 12miles 500ft

Leaving Bothel down one of the many 'Green Lanes' in this part of Cumbria....
....it's a very different landscape from the Lake District
Blennerhassett village green, one of the many little villages on today's walk....
....followed by this unusual styled house and original design of scarecrow in Langrigg village....
....after which my route took me across Bellwater Moss. This covers over a hundred acres of 'common land'
....crossing the 'Moss' to the sound of Curlews, Lapwings and other birds & a proliferation of insect life
....soon after I crossed the West Cumbria coastal railway line as it turns inland for Wigton & Carlisle
Lancashire's not the only place to have converted windmills
Looking south the heavy cloud lifted briefly revealing the northern lakeland fells....
Arriving in Abbeytown at the Wheatsheaf Inn....
....and St Mary's church, one of the few remaining Cistercian abbey churches still used as place of worship....
....with a bench behind to admire the view whilst finishing the coffee and what's left of my lunch!
A very enjoyable day's walking in some lovely countryside with very little climbing. 
Just one day's walking left now before I arrive in Bowness on Solway!





Wednesday, 21 May 2025

 Day 3 Bowness on Windermere to Bowness on Solway

Keswick to Bothel 14.5m 1150ft

Leaving Keswick along the disused railway line to Cockermouth
Passing the roundabout on the A66 with a view to the Skiddaw fells before.... 
....heading north on the path along the river Derwent
The Skiddaw fells again
Arriving at the Mirehouse estate....
....with a quick look into the private part of the gardens
Next comes St Bega's church on the side of Bassenthwaite lake
....and again
Barf, Lord's Seat & Broom fells across the lake
Bassenthwaite again
Leaving the lakeside I contuniued to Castle Inn....
....where after leaving Skiddaw and Ullock pike behind the fells start to thin out....
.....Leaving Binsey here all on its own
Continuing on good paths and gently undulating ground I passed through Irton Hall....
....and soon found I had just 3.5 miles to go
I knew I was getting close when Bothel wind farm was a couple of  fields away....
....and I arrived back at my car here....
.... in Bothel
I've now sadly left the Lake District National Park behind. Two days to go now until I arrive at my destination on the Solway Firth. 
Looking forward to exploring some new walking territory on these next two days!