The end of the wall

Another fantastic day, and a varied and different one from what had gone before!

We spent the morning in Carlisle, playing at four different locations close to Hadrian's Wall itself. We started outside the cathedral - reprising our location from the end of the Cathedral Roof Tour in 2006! After this we were given permission to play three pieces inside the cathedral as well - meaning we had now finally played in, or on, all 42 Anglican cathedrals in England!

We were also joined here by Rick Kemp, bass player with the legendary folk/rock group Steeleye Span, who saw us playing outside, followed us in, and suggested we join them on part of their upcoming tour! Watch this space...

After this we played in the nearby Tullie House gardens, and then outside the Castle - we were not given permission to play inside unfortunately. However, this was rather fortuitous as we happened across a small adventure playground just outside, and James had a go at ascending a climbing wall with his cello (see below). Many thanks to Mike Gair and all at Urban Adventure Carlisle for allowing this to happen!

After a spot of lunch we decided to head up over the proper border, and made our way to Gretna Green. After playing at the famous blacksmith's, we went see a wonderful project on the actual border: the "Hands across the border" campaign which is promoting UK unity ahead of the Scottish referendum in September. In only five weeks, they have already manage to build a massive cairn by asking volunteers to add a stone at a time, right by the River Sark (the border itself). Of course we played at the cairn, giving another outing to our "Bordering on Madness" medley amongst others. 

After this we moved on to the end of Hadrian's Wall itself, at Bowness-on-Solway. We played in a promenade constructed to mark the end of the Wall (see below), before going down onto the beach and playing "Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside" an enjoining a beer that had been bought at Lanercost yesterday. A most serene and glorious way to end the main part of this year's challenge. 

And so, we have reached the end of the wall and the "Bordering on Madness" escapade itself. But we haven't quite finished this year's tour... check back here tomorrow to see what further ventures await us!

Highlight of the day: Enjoying a beer on the beach at Bowness-on-Solway, looking at the sun over the Scottish hills to the west. 

Quote of the day: "It would be great if you could come and play on our tour" - Rick Kemp of Steeleye Span.