We’re back . . .It was decided that August would be our first group walk post- lockdown. The six available places were quickly reserved but rather like the restaurants, on the day, there were only four of us available.

The weather was overcast and stayed that way for the majority of the time, with glimpses of sunshine and a very brief shower near the end. Wonderful walking conditions and much nicer than the extreme heat and humidity of the previous week.

Our starting point was Stoney Holme golf course and we followed the path alongside the River Petteril behind Carlisle United Football ground and crossed over Warwick Road. Extensive flooding defences are being improved here closing part of our path. We entered Melbourne Park via Melbourne Road and again followed the Petteril to London Road, crossing this via the Pelican crossing, onwards to Petteril Bank Road, straight over again following well used paths towards the fields. The noise of the M6, now restored to usual traffic flow, was easy to hear. We arrived at The Golden Fleece picnic area for our coffee stop.

Leaving here going under the motorway and into Wreay Woods these paths contain signage alluding to The Millers Way, a long distance path from Kendal to Silloth, taken by Jonathan Dodgson Carr, the founding baker of Carr’s of Carlisle.

We left the woods, ascending the steps by Scalesceugh Hall, crossing the A6 and heading towards Cotehill. The row of houses built for the Gypsum workers is clearly visible on the skyline. Skirting the village, we used the bridleway running down to Stripes, which was used by the workers to get to Cocklakes, where the mining took place. This path will be decommissioned shortly, as more and more sink holes appear. This is because as the Gypsum was mined, large pillars were left supporting the ground but Gypsum is a very friable substance and these pillars will eventually collapse.

We emerged at Cumwhinton, turned right and took the footpath on the left to Scotby. Early signs of autumn were all around, with brambles, sloes and rosehips abundant amongst the hedgerows. At the high point we sat and ate our lunch gazing over towards Scotland. Most of the tarmac in Scotby was avoided by going round by Lambley bank, then over the Motorway and through Rosehill Industrial estate, crossing Warwick Road again near Tesco’s and down Jonny Bulldog Lonning to the banks of the Eden.

If you turn right here the footpath follows the river for about 1 mile and then stops, this is where there used to be a ford to get to Linstock, now totally impassable.

We turned left and returned to our starting point through the golf course and an avenue of Himalayan Balsam.

Slightly over 15 miles but we scampered around in 6 hours as the terrain was flat and the paths well walked in the main. It was nice to be back and chatting with friends that had not gathered for many months.

Trish Dunant - Walk Leader