Early on Sunday morning, we walked down to the bus stop in the centre of Carlisle, fingers firmly crossed that we would find the right bus stop and the bus would arrive – there were no trains running that morning, so no plan B.
Fortunately, the 328 bus departed on time and less than 30 minutes later, we were closing in on the Scottish border. (Hopefully this bus route will survive – lots of other local ones haven’t).
Peering through the window of the bus, first evidence of our border crossing… a blurry view of the “Scotland welcomes you” sign. We’d crossed another border – no scrambling or passport checks required (not yet anyway).
Much like a previous border crossing from Singapore to Malaysia, we got off at almost the first stop over the border – at the Gretna Green outlet shopping centre. This time, we treated ourselves to a big Scottish breakfast, including haggis, instead of nasi goreng and donuts.
After a quick trip around the shops – we needed new raincoats – we got to play a quick game of even-smaller-than-normal mini golf.. a new attraction at the shopping centre, with 9 holes located amongst all the shops.
Mr T was the winner this time but only by one shot – very happy to celebrate his hole-in-one on the last hole!
With a couple of hours still to go before the return bus, we carried on our exploration with a short walk up to the more famous part of Gretna Green, centred around the Blacksmith’s Shop, which is the location of the traditional “run away to Gretna” wedding.
There were no ceremonies taking place when we arrived, but there were a couple of coachloads exploring the museum, shop and surrounds.
With the wind still blowing, we ventured across to the Courtship Maze:
Before you enter the Courtship Maze you will notice two entrances: this is to symbolise the beginning of our life’s journey, which we make independently before we meet our partner. Choosing which entrance is the first of many decisions, twists and turns that will either lead to dead ends or to the goal!
Courtship Maze Description on Gretna Green website
Mr T went left, I went right – and after a few twists and turns, we made at almost exactly the same time to the bridge at the centre of the maze… time for a selfie!
After a quick cup of tea, we walked back down to the England/Scotland border – posing for another selfie on the bridge (the river marks the border). Then the bus came and we were back on our way to Carlisle.
You can read more border crossing stories here – this one was quite simple in comparison to some of our other experiences – no scrambling required.
50 for 50 #3: 50 posts for my 50th birthday to be posted before I’m 51.
27 Hours In Twizel 
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