Day 2 - We finally reach the wall, I think?

Well today was finally the time that after almost fifteen miles of walking we reached Hadrian’s Wall. You can judge for yourself although Ian assured me that underneath this mound were remnants of the wall. I have to say that it took a lot of effort to imagine this. I think that we shall start to view the wall in all its glory tomorrow.

There were many diversions on today’s walk from the planned path. This was because of the disastrous floods that hit Carlisle in 2015 the evidence of which was all around. There were marks on walls showing the height that the waters had reached, probably up to four feet. Many buildings had slots here temporary barrages could be fitted, and we passed the biscuit factory that had been out of production for many months.

Carlisle was interesting in that is displayed the best and the worst of British urban architecture. The 

castle fronting onto the River Eden was outstanding, however it was completely cut-off from the old town by an urban dual carriageway that slashed through the middle of town.

It also of course created an interminable buzz of background noise. By the river the council had been gifted a large tract of land that acted as a natural park. In 1932 the Council had invested in an impressive entrance to the park, however this was now in a state of benign neglect, and was not acting as the gateway to the park that should have been its function. It typified current municipal neglect. However previously we had seen examples of the current cult of 'gigantism' architecture to liven up public spaces. This was provoking but I am sure that the nearby statue of Queen Victoria would have said "I am not amused".

The walk was again pretty flat, but tomorrow we will start to climb up the northern Pennines and get our first real view of the wall. Unfortunately this is going to coincide with our first rain. Indeed the forecast for the week is not good.

Still as can be seen from the lunch photo the party is in good spirits. We are all relaxing in our cottage mulling over the days events, looking forward to some lively conversation and leg pulling over dinner.