CW6
Cumbria Way - Day 6
SUNDAY 8TH MAY 2022: Home day…but still time for a bit more adventuring. First up is breakfast, The Old Rectory style. That is in the kitchen chatting to the folks, being fed endless porridge, toast and tea. Very welcoming
The Cumbria Way runs through to a finish in Carlisle but I don’t have time for that, so am ending in Dalston, about 5 miles short…not that I am missing much by all accounts. My very kind host from The Old Rectory has offered to pick me up (with my bag) in Dalston later in the day and deliver me to Carlisle train station – what a star! This allows me to fit in a last 11 miles of pleasure before I must return to the real world of train/plane journeys
I am out of the door by 8:00 a.m. in beautiful morning sunshine, gorgeous walking weather. Today is a wind down day, a gentle stroll with no major challenges, broadly following the river Caldew North. Leaving Caldbeck behind I traipse through light woodland and fields, listening to the birds chorus and the bubbling water flow of the river
The river meanders along, much as I do and before long I have completed 5 miles….where did that go! The land opens up into farmland, fields of sheep and a few cattle. At one point, the cows take an interest in me, but I am on a fenced path, then I realise I should be crossing that field!. Rather than clamber into a bunch of cows, I stick with the path I am on, which seems to continue in the right direction and fortunately find my way around, joining back up the other side of ‘cow field’
There are quite a few people around now, pottering along, enjoying the sun. Many seem families but I spot an obvious set of CW walkers (4 people with all the gear!) who must be starting the journey North to South. Around this time I spy the very impressive Rose Castle, with a nearby plaque setting out it’s fascinating history
The village of Dalston soon appears, however, I unintentionally extend my walk by becoming bizarrely disorientated and lost. Eventually I sort myself out and find my path to central Dalston and the Church, which is my official walk end point. This also my ‘taxi’ pick up point and the start for my trip home
Today has been a gentle day, full of rural charm, with time to think and reflect on a wonderful trek. I have had a fantastic 6 days, blessed with generally good weather and visibility, giving superb walking. The Cumbria Way offers a route to show off the best of the Lake District and it certainly delivers. Every day is different and the whole provides a glorious mix of wonderful landscape and features: the lakes, mountains, fells, woodland, waterfalls and so much more. It really is a feast, at the same time it tempts you with so much more….I think it's time to start planning another visit!
