After a very nice rest day in Carlisle, we packed up (agin) and prepared to head down towards the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks
We left Carlisle – a cathedral city and the country town of Cumbria. The early history of Carlisle is marked by its status as a Roman settlement, established to serve the forts on Hadrians Wall. During theMiddle Ages, because of its proximity to the Kingdom of Scotland, Carlisle became an important military stronghold. Carlisle Castle, still relatively intact, was built in 1092 by William Rufus, and once served as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots.
We were joined today (and for tomorrow) by Louis, we really appreciate him coming up and giving of his time to walk with us.
Today’s route was the A6 all the way to Shap, so after a nice walk through the south of Carlisle we hit the A6 and headed for Penrith and a lunch stop.
Nice rolling countryside and, contrary to the weather forecast, the sun came out and fought with the wind to be the prominent weather.
Coming to Penrith we came through Unthank (an interesting name) that had a population of 39 in 1870. We also passed our 400 mile milestone which means the halfway point is coming ever closer.
Penrith is a lovely market town and civil parish in the county of Cumbria. Penrith was granted a market charter in 1223 by Henry III. In 1854 the market rights were leased by the Board of Health until they were eventually bought outright in 1878 for £4140.
Walking out of Penrith, we passed Eamont Bridge – named after the bridge on the River Eamont and there is a henge nearby known as King Arthur’s Round Table. We then passed Clifton at which Clifton Moor was the site, in 1745, of the final battle in England (and the last battle ever on English soil) between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland.
Finally we finished walking into Shap, the wind had strengthened and looked like rain was threatening but we thankfully escaped. Time for some rest before we do it all again tomorrow.