Eden

And it certainly was like that Garden. We’d spent the day in the Eden Valley as many people told us how beautiful it was. And they were right, on a day like this it was extra special.

We started in Langwathby which was stunning in the sun. After walking around looking at properties we had our salad accompanied by an expensive soda and lime from the Shepherds Inn.

From there we went to Little Salkeld to walk along the Eden and on to Long Meg and her daughters. We were thwarted by a gate to a public footpath being locked and accompanied by a big red “closed” sign.

About turn and off the Meg another way. It was while we were in this special place we heard the sad news of the passing of Knottman2. It’ll forever be associated in our minds with this wonderful gentle man.

Even then we were thwarted in our ambition to get to the river as a footpath was barred by a “no entry” sign and “beware of the bull”. We retraced our steps again.

Finally we gained access to the river at Lazonby after crossing the amazingly sinuous Lazonby bridge. It was a beautiful, if short walk alongside this idyllic river.

Very special though the Eden Valley is, it’s not a place we could see ourselves living. A place we will visit again. The scenery was just spectacular. And of course, the Settle - Carlisle railway runs along the valley