Having lost the caches that were placed by the river at Jubilee we thought it would be an idea to introduce you to another riverside walk. For those wanting a quick cache grab there is a parking area just off to your left before you access the A66 West from Appleby. However, the idea is that the cache be incorporated into a walk if possible. Parking available in Appleby at Broad Close car park (chargeable ) or on street with parking discs (available in local shops/T.I.C). Allow approx 1 1/2 hours for the circular route. Head up Battlebarrow, pass the Grammar School and take the road to the left in the direction of the A66 access to Penrith. As this route is very busy and traffic moves extremely fast it is best to do this walk in this direction and walk facing oncoming traffic - of which there is virtually none, unless the A66 is congested and drivers double back!
Just before entering the A66 you will see a small road off to the left, head down here and turn in through the gate on your left. This is a quiet, tranquil walk alongside the river and one we regularly do as a family. It is generally very peaceful and not overcrowded with walkers. Expect to see the odd vehicle for dog walkers, anglers or United Utilities. Whilst the cache location is unsuitable for wheel chair users the metalled road does run along to the Wastewater Treatment Works so is wheel chair and pushchair friendly. The hill down is quite steep but it soon levels out and provides a nice view of the Eden. At the bottom of the hill the walker has the option of continuing along the road or branching off to the right and following the path to the stepping stones over the Eden - only recommended in very dry weather! Still this is a nice route to Colby Laithes and back round to Appleby on a nice day.
Due to the recent flood damage the lower levels of this walk have been strewn with assorted debris which tragically presents something of an eyesore at the minute. Hopefully, this will diminsh as clean up gets underway. Continuing along the road you will see the Wastewater Treatment Works which also suffered damage during the flood. The security fence had been ripped from the ground and carried away on the flood water. The footpath skirts around the perimeter of the Works and continues onwards across farmland. From this point walking boots or wellingtons are required. We've done this walk many, many times and rarely been fortunate to get away with trainers. Rainfall, terrain and poaching from livestock result in the next section being usually covered in mud.
N.B. - Please note this walk does access farm land. Sheep and horses can be expected year round and suckler cows with calves at foot run with a stock bull between turning out and the back end. The cattle also have a tendency to congregate near the access points so please bear this in mind if intending to do the walk with young children or dogs. Congratulations to MacGrumpy on being FTF .