… then it must be time for a walk; a good long walk. Early each year I hang up my secateurs, lock the greenhouse, pack a rucksack and go walking. And this year I’m going on my longest walk ever. Like last year, I’m walking right across England – only this time my route is a little less direct; a little more crooked.
I’ve drawn you a rough map of my route. Here it is:
I’ll start with a fish and chip supper in Ulverston on Morecambe Bay, and then walk north on the Cumbria Way for 70 odd miles to where it ends at Carlisle. From the Border City, I’ll travel eastwards along Hadrian’s Wall for three days before turning northwards once more on the St Oswald’s Way. It’ll take me three days to reach the Northumbrian coast, which I’ll follow for a further four days (passing Bamburgh and Lindisfarne) to finish near the Scottish border at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Bridge, Rosthwaite on the Cumbria Way – Feb 2010
The total distance is about 220 miles and I’ve allowed myself 15 days to complete the walk. Last year, I walked into the worst March weather for decades (see ‘Wainwright’s Coast to Coast … in Winter’). This year the forecast is pretty good but who can tell what it’ll be like?
I suppose I’ll find out soon enough.
The Anxious Gardener 
Looks like you’ve chosen a good period of weather this time. Good luck and enjoy!
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Thanks Bridget. It was a great walk – better than I had hoped. D
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What a great idea! I wish you the best of luck and hope you are blessed with fine weather.
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Thanks Michael. The weather was remarkable but luckily I did pack sunblock! D
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Wow, not exactly a stroll! What an interesting route, hope the snow stays away and you get lots of dry sunny days, plus of course the occasional dark and moody day just to add extra interest to the photos! Have a great, blister-free, blessed by great beer and weather time.
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All your good wishes came true Janet! Every one. So thank you for those. (And we both got it wrong a few weeks back re waders and boats)! D
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Have a great walk, looks like a really interesting route.
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Great walk had thanks Sara. D
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Dave, it must give you a great deal back, to make such effort. It’d be wonderful, every minute, I’m sure. I look forward to hearing all about it, mishaps and all!
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Hello Faisal, it was wonderful thanks. I’ll try and get a post out soon. D
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I hope you have good weather and no sore feet!
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Thanks Helen. Me too! D
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Have fun. Such a beautiful underpopulated part of the country. 🙂
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Isn’t it? I know Cumbria very well but Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland hardly at all. I’m very excited at the prospect of changing that. D
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I really enjoyed last year wish I could join you!
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You would be very welcome Michael. Dave
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Posts on the way or an escape from technology – know which I’d choose.
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Absolutely Julia. There will be no posts on the hoof. I shall be too busy in the evenings snoring into my pint. D
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Good luck with the walk, it’ll be wonderful and hope you get good weather with it too 🙂
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Thanks Eden Boys. I’ll let you know how it turns out. D
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I hope the good weather goes with you, with sun on your back and a gentle breeze on your face. You had dreadful weather last year, you are due a bit of sunshine! Will look forward to the photos of all the wonderful scenery you will be walking through.
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Hi Pauline, thank you. I’m hoping for some good photos (and not having my camera soaked for a change)! All I can ever wish for is sun on my back and a gentle breeze on my face. D
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I am so jealous – a really long walk is on my wish list. Hoping for good weather for you – we must be due some. And looking forward to seeing photos afterwards.
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Thanks Annette. Yep – I’ve arranged for us both to have some decent weather during the coming week. Enjoy. D
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When are you off? Doing 220 miles surely you should try raising some money for charity – perhaps the Sasha turns 40 party fund!! I have you and Jim down as a yes on the 26th April, make sure you return in one piece! Love Sasha
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Catching the train tomorrow, Sash. Is that a plastic surgery fund? I might need to walk a little further. (Aren’t I brave saying that when you’re not in the same room)? Dx
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Wishing you splendid weather, wonderful views and no blisters! 🙂
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Thank you, Eliza. I shall wish for all 3 too. D
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Have a great walk, look forward to, hearing all about it when you return. I really hope that the weather is kinder than last year which I remember was dreadful.
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Hi Christina, yeah last year was tough. I’ll try and get a blog-post together asap. D
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What a wonderful walk! I love it up there.
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Hope it will be – I am jolly excited! D
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Have fun! Looks like you’ll have sunshine too. Amelia
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Thanks Amelia and yes, I think there might well be sun. Remarkably. D
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It sounds as though you’ll enjoy yourself whatever the weather, but it would be lovely to walk at least some of the way with some blue skies! Hope it stays dry for you, that’s a lot of mileage to cover and some spectacular scenery along the way. Hopefully you’ll write about it during, or after! Bon voyage!
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Hi Caro, the forecast is unbelievable. The last couple of years I’ve faced serious wintry weather but it seems I’m promised some sun – at least for most of next week. I’d planned to climb a mountain or two in the Lakes – but only if the weather allowed. It seems it might allow! I’ll write a post when I get back. D
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Wish you could blog as you walk it. Looking forward to reading about this adventure!
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Hi, well I like to take a break from blogging and do some serious eating on my trips (as well as walking). But I’ll certainly post about my walk when I get back. Thanks for commenting. Dave
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Have a great time, Dave! I’ll try to waft a little drought in your direction. (Please don’t plan on it working.) Hope you have all your favorite adventures — and plenty of good beer to settle them at the end of the day. S
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Thanks Stacy. As you know I barely touch beer – but perhaps I’ll allow myself a small thimbleful in the evenings. For medicinal purposes only, of course. D
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Good luck David – it sounds like a wonderful walk – I admire your stamina – hope it all goes well, it certainly can’t be any worse than last year’s conditions.
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Thanks Elaine. The weather for the next few days when I’ll be crossing the Lake District looks amazing – if the forecasts are correct. D
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