Seven was again the magic number of members leaving Jim’s mansion in Broomfallen Road. Heading northeast initially the Eden was crossed at Warwick Bridge after traversing Carlisle Golf Club’s verdant fairways, fortunately before too many golfers were about. Company was then kept with the swollen River Irthing before leaving it to pass through the sleepy villages of Irthington and Newtown.

After coffee on Newtown’s breezy green course was set for home utilising the Hadrian’s Wall path. A handy farm self-service café at Crosby provided value-for-money hot drinks and seating for lunch. Accompanied by a couple of minor showers the Eden was then rejoined on the journey back to Carlisle’s Rickerby Park via Linstock and an M6 crossing.

Heading north, south then east Eden-side the city’s municipal golf course was crossed with rather more danger than on the previous course. After finally leaving the river risk still abounded as the busy A69 was crossed near Tesco. It was all over bar the shouting now as the 20 miles was completed along quiet roads back to a welcoming cream tea feast courtesy of Anne and Katherine.