In Saturday 23rd July I am going to attempt the Cumbria Way as a non stopper. I failed a few months ago going North - South, so this time I am going South - North.
My confidence for these longer trips is at an all time low after seemingly endlessly failing the last couple of years, but Mick latest C2C has inspired me have to a 'do' again, so we will see how it goes.
Ive just reactivated my tracker, I should be starting in Ulverston around 9am in the morning, so if interested you can track me 'live' here.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=00pCTN45bZKLmtzHLkKOquqVMX3YpR2SF
Dave.

Good luck. Another good excuse for me not cutting the grass!

Just looking at the route, it seems to be current but have you seen the following:-

Two landslips on the Cumbria Way as it passes through Dentonside Woods east of Caldbeck (approx. locations NY351 403 & NY355 404) have made the bridleway here very difficult to walk. To cover their public liability the County Council has issued a closure notice. The closure notice/ plan suggests using the bridleway leading to Parkhead Farm to the north and then to head north-east to rejoin the Cumbria Way at the north end of Dentonside Woods. However there is little evidence on the ground of the bridleway leading to Parkhead Farm. If you wish to avoid the landslips it is more straightforward to take the footpath starting adjacent to the waste water treatment plant and walk through Parson’s Park to reach Parkhead Farm. A map is highly recommended if using this alternative route.

The bridge carrying the Cumbria Way over the River Caldew at Bellebridge (NY366 430) to the north of Sebergham has completely collapsed because of flood damage. The minor road along the west bank of the Caldew between the Sebergham bridge and Bellebridge, which would have provided the most direct alternative route, has been washed away in part and is closed to the public. Furthermore the Cumbria Way just to the north of Bog Bridge is closed because of flood damage. The suggested diversion is to walk the Cumbria Way as far as the east side of Bellebridge, then take the footpath through Greenfoot to join the public roads passing Hudbeck, Brecon Hill, and Foxley Henning to reach the path leading from Haythwaite down to Rose Bridge where you can rejoin the Cumbria Way on the west side of the Caldew. Again a map is recommended if following this diversion.

Thanks Harland. I came across where Bell bridge should have been during mu last attempt a few months ago, so I know how to get around that. My pal last week didn't however and ended up wading across up to his waist, rather than retrace his steps.I used the path across the landslip and it looked dodgy but it was ok. That slip has been ongoing for years, gradually getting worse.
If I get as far as either of these, I will complete the route.
Dave.

Well done, only 10 minutes away from Carlisle Station.

Good one dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope it kept you all a little amused, more to follow, it would be rude to do a report on this before Mick has spilled the beans on his epic. All I will say for now is, it started well, then went badly wrong (the body that is) and finished stronger as ever.
Dave.

Only just caught this Dave... I doubt I'll be able to inspire myself to a further epic! Don't worry about my write up - get on it mate... I've started mine but urgh... even the memory is painful lol - and relearning to use blogger... if it hadn't been for 1 sponsor offering more to get under 4 days and that acting as a challenge 'gauntlet'... well, I was ready at end of day 1 being 2 hrs down on schedule and, once again not making it to that elusive Lovesome Hill bunkhouse despite having booked and the promise of the award-winning marmalade...
mick

Oh, Mick, the thoughts that go through our heads during especially challenging times on these things, despair almost, questioning why one is putting oneself through it 'again'! Swearing it is the last time ever, and will be settling for a more relaxed type of walking in future. Then quickly as the blisters heal and the legs begin to recover, before you know it you've almost forgotten the pain, and so..............
But surely it has to come to an end one day, hasn't it, hasn't it?
Dave.

I'm lost for words mate to be honest - it's not sunk in yet for me...

I went through a really bad time during the night before and after Keswick at the weekend, and I swear if Keswick had been open, that would have been it, but with nowhere to go, I carried on. Of course I am now very glad that I did, even though the heel blister are still somewhat sore and the legs feel tight. I had decided that I wouldn't do any more of these, but now just a few days after I am thinking that I probably will.
Dave.