On our walks around the county and beyond we come across things that make us stop and think.
Today was one of those moments when we spotted this sign proclaiming that Carlisle, A City given that it has a cathedral, has or is, a learning village.
Now this was news to us and possibly a good number of the residents of this outpost up’t north.
It turns out that the two leggers can now cycle between academic locations in the area thanks to a number of blue signs helping them on their way.
The boffins have also created a cycling logo, but dad was unsure how the student could see the road ahead under the brim of the mortar board 😀
If you want to see the sign for yourself it is near the The Sands Centre and the Eden Bridge. underpass.
Circular route from the Sheepmount
Our walk today started from the rear of Carlisle Castle, near to the Sheepmount Stadium.
We walked through the park towards Eden Bridge where we noticed a load of posts sticking up out of the River Eden.
The river level was quite low and we wondered if these could have been the old foundations for the bridge in earlier times. Maybe they were driven into the earth to stop the river bank eroding – Do you know?
Past the rear of The Sands Centre we then skirted alongside the golf course and along to the bridge into Rickerby Park.
Desperate for a drink we pulled mum and dad down to the water and in we went, I didn’t even take my coat off.
The cool breeze and the cold water soon made our tummies very cold and with our thirst quenched we emerged to continue along the river bank.
Rickerby Park War memorial
With a dozen or so cows blocking our way we detoured via the war memorial to take a look at the works done earlier in the year as part of a restoration project.
According to the Carlisle City website the railings were to be repaired as part of a £14,000 scheme in February. However, it does not appear that much work has been done.
The press release indicates that works will include repairing broken sections, replacing missing finials, rubbing down and repainting as well as the fabrication of a new entrance gate and lock.
Oh well, maybe they have had some problems or the works are more complicated than first thought.
Eden Bridge Gardens
Our path exited on the Scottish side of the River Eden past the recently renovated Thomas Mawson garden.
The repair work was carried out a few years ago and already the plants are taking shape and relaxing into their surroundings.
We stopped for a few minutes to look into the pond and saw hundreds of tadpoles and a few coins people had thrown in for luck.
Dad tried to photograph the young frogs, or toads, but they would not stay still for long enough. A bit like Charlie really.
Up onto the big road and across the bridge but not before we noticed two plastic boxes clamped to lampposts.
Dad wondered if they were for counting high sided vehicles, much reduced in number since the bypass was opened. Or maybe they were junction boxes for electrical switches.
In effect, he had no idea what they were for – but it was good to hear him randomly suggest ideas.
And so we arrived back at the car, long walk over and the thought of pancakes with sticky syrup and tangy lemon for tea. mmmmm
Until next time
Buster and Charlie