Official Opening Ride
Day 6 - 20th. July 2006
Carlisle to Haltwhistle (Featherstone Castle)
Distance 34 miles

The day started cloudy and was much cooler - with even the threat of rain, which by now everybody was longing for. Making our way back to Carlisle Castle, we gathered on the lawns in front for a photo shoot and plaque presentations. Once done we left the bikes on the lawn and made our way on foot through the Millennium subway passing the Carlisle Cursing Stone on route to Tullie House where we were to be provided with a full breakfast which was sponsored by Carlisle City Council. The breakfast and the surroundings were splendid and once filled we made our way back to collect our bikes.

Gathering in front of Carlisle Castle

Breakfast on the terrace at Tullie House

Rain, rain glorious rain - nothing quite like it for cooling the blood !!!!

Donning protective gear instead of sun cream lotion we set off in a light rain but still fairly warm - down through Bitts park and along to Rickerby Park and the first obstacle of the day. It had been hoped the gate would be open but it was shut, leaving everyone to struggle one by one through the kissing gate. Many willing hands helped the couple lift first their tandem over the gate followed by the trailer with baby over next.

Many hands make light work lifting the Tandem and Trailer over the gate into Rickerby Park

Crossing the M6 in the rain

Regrouping at Mile 95.6

Once everyone was through, it was on and over the M6 Motorway to Warwick Bridge where we regrouped. By now the rain had eased so most took off their water proofs to stay cool !! Taking the short cut via Toppin Castle the hills began to appear, the first one at mile 100 catching a few out - as did the fast downhill run to Low Gelt Bridge where unfortunately several took a tumble on the bend over the bridge. Climbing up again along a disused road except for cows judging by the deposits on the road surface we passed a Millennium Milepost which said:- Newcastle 70 miles !!!

Flag Waving at Brampton Moot Hall

Brampton Market Place

Entering Brampton a brief stop was made at the Moot Hall for photos. At this point the photographers were sent on ahead to wait at Lanacost Bridge to catch the riders as they
came over this ancient bridge.

Riders crossing Lanacost Bridge

Swiftly passing Lanacost Priory we passed the local school to be greeted by load cheers and shouts from all children in the playground - their teachers must have wondered what all the noise was about !!!

Walkers watch the riders go by

Banks - mile 106

Reaching mile 106 we encountered the steep climb up to Banks and Hadrian's Wall - where we delayed on the way up a pony and cart coming down complete with sun umbrella.

All photos this page by David Martin - Sustrans Liaison Ranger