For those heading up towards Scotland, it’s worth noting that there are quite a few places you can stop by along the way. On our recent trip to Scotland, we planned to visit two such places that are famous tourist attractions. The first was Talkin Tarn, a country park located on the edge of the Scotland border and the second was Carlisle, a historic city which is also around 10 miles from the Scottish Border.
What’s remarkable about Talkin Tarn is that it is known for it’s 10,000 year old lake which is at the heart of recreational activities in the country park. Carlisle on the other hand is a 2000 year old city with two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one World Heritage Site.
After driving up towards the north we first stopped at Talkin Tarn. Here you can take a choice of walks around the famous lake with distances ranging from 1.5KM, 2.5KM and 3.5KM which would take 30 minutes, 40 minutes and an hour respectively. Talkin Tarn is a great places for families, couples, group tours and even solo travellers. Whilst here you also have the opportunity to take advantage of the water with canoes, kayaks and row boats. For £10, you can take a ride in one of these for half an hour giving you the chance to sail away and enjoy the views from the lake. Within the park you will also find a cafe, ice cream parlour, toilet facilities, kids recreational area, a mini golf area (£2 per person) and fishing facilities for those that have a license.
After Talkin Tarn we drove towards Carlisle and firstly located a Mosque as we had to pray Zuhar. After a quick Google search for Mosques in Carlisle, we found that there is only one Mosque in Carlisle. Carlisle Taqwa Masjid is located on 3 Brook Street if you are needing to pray when in Carlisle. Just remember to use the side entrance when visiting. Click here for the location on Google Maps.
Carlisle as mentioned before is a 2000 year old city and is the go to spot for those interested in visiting the Carlisle Castle and Hadrian’s Wall. The Hadrian’s wall is the most important Roman Britain tourist attraction which covers 73 miles from the east to the west and was used as a defence wall. Today only remnants of the wall remain and it is that which attracts visitors from around the country and the world. There is a car park for Hadrian’s Wall located here and costs £4 for the entire day.
Carlisle Castle, built in the 11th century has been standing with pride in the centre of the city for over 900 years. The castle was used as a defence fort for many centuries and now is a place for visitors to come and learn about the history of Carlisle. The exterior of the Castle is beautiful as it is surrounded by a large area of greenery. Once you’re done visiting the castle, head over to Bitts park located right next to the castle to relax and maybe enjoy a picnic. For opening times and prices for the castle, click here.
In the evening we left Carlisle and drove north towards the Scottish border. After entering Scotland we visited the famous Scottish village, Ecclefechan. Though this is a small village barely noticed by people passing by, it became famous because it was the birthplace of Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, translator, historian, mathematician, and teacher. Upon entering the village, visitors will almost immediately see a statue of Thomas Carlyle standing with pride on a hill.
Thomas Carlyle was also known for his positive portrayal of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. In one of his lectures in 1840 he mentions,
We saw that he remained steadfast upon his principles, with firm determination; kind and generous, compassionate, pious, virtuous, with real manhood, hardworking and sincere. Besides all these qualities, he was lenient with others, tolerant, kind, cheerful and praiseworthy and perhaps he would joke and tease his companions. He was just, truthful, smart, pure, magnanimous and present-minded; his face was radiant as if he had lights within him to illuminate the darkest of nights; he was a great man by nature who was not educated in a school nor nurtured by a teacher as he was not in need of any of this.”
Thomas Carlyle | On Heroes, Hero Worship and the Heroic in History
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