Hadrian’s Wall: Carlisle & Maryport ‘sightseeing’

day 0

Felt a bit guilty giving my bag a seat on the train but fortunately it wasn’t too busy or I don't know what id have done. Suddenly coming into heavy rain on the train up was a surprise

I took an hour to wander Carlisle before the train to Maryport and found a beautiful old town centre, and a lot of police - dogs, vehicles, cadets, and all - out on show.

Heavy rain arrived just as i left the train, so I arrived wet at my B&B. A lovely chat with the owners, rest in my nice attic room, then off to look round Maryport.

Following my guide book I set off along the promenade - to stunning if windy views across the Solway to Scotland, but was defeated by the closure of a stairway path to the higher road, and therefore the museum which stands out high above the coast.

Having retraced my steps I finally made it to Senhouse Roman Museum - an ex naval base next to the Alauna Roman fort. As well as an astonishingly preserved collection of alters the museum really gave a sense of the absolute scale of imperial Rome; units of soldiers from Spain, Croatia, Holland all serving at different times to fortify the frontier at Maryport.

I got drenched in another much heavier shower walking back, fortunately I had put my guide book im a plastic bag, but it soon cleared up as i returned to the town centre to more beutiful harbour views. I picked up some mushy peas from Cross Quay fish n chips and returned back to Curzon street - having learnt the link that Curzon (Viceroy of India) married a member of the Senhouse family at the museum - to have a worry as my key failed to open the b&b door, and actually bent! Fortunately another guest was coming out from inside so no need to phone the owners who had closed the cafe and gone home.

Comfy bed and films on the telly, I’ll appreciate the luxury while it lasts + Two portions of mushy peas for dinner . yum!