Coast to Coast 2008

The Journey Day by Day by Brian and Carrie Ross

Where, How and Why

There are many reasons why; we are retired, I had just turned 60, we could afford it, it is a challenge. But none of these explanations is adequate. It is part of a Bucket List (see the film).

Brian, a fit, young fiftysomething, had just gone through a year of chemotherapy for Mantle Cell Lymphoma. It is not curable, but after a stem cell transplant, he had been declared in full remission.

Life before cancer was when Brian took on all the challenges. He had walked from Lands End to John O Groats the hard way, 1,300 miles on Britains long distance paths with a 45lb back pack, camping en route. While he was in hospital recuperating, each day I read him a stage of Wainwrights Coast to Coast.

When you are through this. We will walk it together, I promised rashly.

As soon as he was home, I started researching on the internet. I found the Sherpa site very helpful and slowly booked the B&Bs taking advice from friends who had walked it and Brian as to how many miles a day we could cope with. We did not dare tell the consultant!

So 4 months later we found ourselves in Richmond where we parked our car, ready for an early morning transfer to St Bees. We stayed overnight in the Old Brewery, which just happened to be the only place in Richmond you can find a free parking space.

I had also organized a luggage retrieval service with Sherpa. We had been told to keep the weight down to 20kg. This is sane advice, as believe me, the last thing you want to do after a long days walk is to lug your heavy suitcase up the B&B stairs!

So if you wish, read on, the first walking journal of one, Carrie Ross, wife of Brian, grandmother, who has just qualified for a bus pass.

B&B:

Old Brewery

Nice welcome, comfortable room, good breakfast choice. Brian loved the Eggs Benedict. Handy for the next morning transfer