Introduction to book 2016
The John Dalton Way is a 45km walk established in 2016 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Dalton, the discoverer of atomic theory. It begins in Cockermouth and finishes in Seascale on the coast. It passes through the village of Eaglesfield, John Dalton's birthplace, and passes Calder Hall the first commercial atomic power station in the world.
The walk has been devised by a small group of friends to celebrate 20 years of walking together. They refer to themselves as the Nuclear Striders as most of them have worked in the nuclear industry. They wished to devise an attractive walk which explored lesser walked paths in West Cumbria. The idea of a walk linking the two major events in the history of atomic physics which occurred in the remote area of West Cumbria emerged at the end of one of their annual dinners.
The walk itself is described in 5 legs beginning in the historic market town of Cockermouth & each leg thereafter ending in a Cumberland Village, Eaglesfield, Mockerkin, Ennerdale Bridge, Calder Bridge and finally Seascale. It passes through beautiful countryside with the Lake District Fells in view for much of the time. For a while it follows the River Calder before passing Calder Hall and finishing on the coast. The whole walk can easily be completed in 2 days by the seasoned walker, but the opportunity is given to proceed at a more leisurely pace.
