📍 Birdoswald to Carlisle
🥾 Distance: Most walked around 18 miles (well done, you hardy lot!)
🌤️ Weather: Breezy, dry, and just right for walking
🩹 Health: One down (pothole vs knee – pothole wins), a few more blisters, but the determination from this group is something else!
The one with…
- A man down
- An unexpected microbrewery stop
- The Wetherspoons rescue mission!
It was an early start for Martin and me as we kicked off our now well-practised Shuttle Dance. Once the logistics were sorted, I rejoined the group and we were back on the trail, heading west, getting ever closer to the finish line.
Sadly, not long into the walk, we had a call from one of our team who had stepped into a hidden pothole and injured their knee. Enter: Martin, our knight in shining estate car, who whisked them away for help. A train home was arranged, and we said our goodbyes via WhatsApp. A tough call, but the right one. Hats off to them for making it so far.
🍺 The Microbrewery Miracle
By midday, we reached what was once the Walton Reading Room Tea Shop… only to discover it had closed its doors back in March (thanks, TripAdvisor 🙄).
But then along came Ivar, our friendly local hero, who somehow sweet-talked the neighbouring microbrewery into opening up early, just for us. When one door closes… a pint-sized miracle appears.
We stopped for around 45 minutes – coffees were had, toilets were used, and yes, a few sneaky beers may have been enjoyed, before heading back out into the open countryside.
From there, it was picture-perfect farmland, baby alpacas (adorable overload), chickens, donkeys, geese, and the UK’s prettiest village, Newtown – which genuinely looked like something out of a film set.
⏰ Just Missed the Pub
We reached the Stag Inn by 3pm, only to find out it didn’t open until 4pm (a cruel twist of timing). So we made do with a short break on the grass and a refuel from our snack stashes.
Not long after, Martin, Kim and I returned to Walton to collect the minibus and make the final luggage drop at our next stop: The County Hotel in Carlisle.
🚫 One Last Challenge
Cue one last challenge…
Just as I was basking in the glory of a smooth luggage transfer, I checked my emails to find a message from the hotel: “Apologies – the lift is out of order.” Of course it is.
But thanks to the combined powers of me, Martin, Dale (the receptionist), and Jimmy (the hotel handyman), we got everyone’s bags sorted. And where did the team end up after that? Wetherspoons, naturally, just across the road.
🍷 The Perfect £10 Reward
I treated myself to a large glass of wine and an American cheeseburger for just £10 – result!
This group continues to amaze me with their strength, humour, and supportive spirit. It’s been a long day, but we’re nearly there.
One more day. Let’s finish strong. Onwards and upwards!