Cumberland

We're on our way and I'm so excited to be in this part of the world! When I was very young I used to gaze at the scene on the little Lakeland pencil tin and could not imagine that such a beautiful place existed ... Cumberland ... even the name was beautiful.

I dreamed of visiting and at six years of age I found a way. My friend, Lesley, was English and was returning so she asked her parents if I could go with them. She told me they said "Yes" and I was so thrilled. I went home to tell my parents and could not believe it when Mum refused to let me go! (I did make my personal pilgrimage to the Cumberland Pencil Museum many years later.)

Julie, since we're in no rush, I think perhaps we can take our time today. The path is well sign-posted and it might be nice to explore the villages of Moor Row and Cleator in the old 'Cumberland'. I'd like to look at St. Leonard's Church, apparently there have been worship services there for 900 years, and have a creative break with diary, pens, stamps and camera ... is that OK? There is a lovely B and B nearby which comes highly recommended for an overnight stay - the path runs by the gate - which sounds perfect.