Carlisle > Walton, 12.4m

Not the most inspiring of walks today. Mostly roads, country lanes and fields with nary a stone wall in sight.  Nor was there any place to sit for a rest.  I finally took refuge under a tree ~7.5 miles to have a crust of bread when the spitting rain turned to heavy droplets. I busted open my backpack to change out my shoes for my clunky waterproof ones, then took those off so I could put my rain pants on, then rebooted the clunkers and out into the rain only for it to taper off 10 minutes later.  The fields were truly soaked and the rain spitted on & off the rest of the day so making the change was a good idea.

At 10 miles I found a proper place to sit! An honesty snack shed, but the deluxe version. This enterprising homeowner even offered soup and toasted sandwiches! It was a bit overrun with soggy walkers when I got there and a big line for the hot drinks so I just sat, gratefully, in a garden chair for 15 minutes chatting with the others.

Only 2.4 miles to go; grassy fields, cows, and barns until I arrived at Flossie’s Bunkhouse in Walton. I was early so I sat under the eaves in the rain until they took pity on me and let me in. Basic accommodation but I’ve a bunkroom to myself, and it’s the only food in town so I’m happy.