Geograph - photograph every grid square

Devised by The Ramblers in the 1970s, The Cumbria Way is a long distance path from Ulverston to Carlisle passing through the heart of the English Lake District. An early example of a long distance path, it has become deservedly popular.
Usually quoted as being 70 miles in length, accurate measurement indicates the route is approximately 119km (74 miles) long, taking into account the various diversions since it was created.
The extremities of The Cumbria Way are conveniently placed for easy access by car or public transport and most walkers will be able to complete the route comfortably within a week. It is most frequently walked from south to north so the prevailing wind (and Cumbrian rain) is behind the walker. The Cumbria Way passes less than 2.5 kilometres from the wettest place in England so rain is often encountered.

The history of public toilets dates back thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, Pharaohs and peasants alike benefited from the Nile's life-giving waters, which they used in primitive public toilets. The Romans were known for their elaborate public bathhouses, and they even had communal latrines where citizens could socialize while taking care of business. The Greeks also had public latrines, often situated near their famous gymnasiums and public squares.
As European cities began to flourish and populations grew, the need for better sanitation became more pressing. During the Renaissance, a few cities, such as Paris and London, started to introduce rudimentary public toilets. These facilities were often nothing more than holes in the ground with wooden planks to sit on, but they were a significant step forward in the history of public toilets.
As the Industrial Revolution brought rapid urbanization, the need for improved public sanitation became even more critical. The 19th century saw the dawn of the modern public toilet, with several significant advancements taking place. In 1851, during the Great Exhibition in London, George Jennings introduced the first public pay toilet, complete with flushing toilets and handwashing facilities. During the exhibition, 827,280 visitors paid one penny to use them; and "To spend a penny" became a familiar English phrase. Nowadays we have self-cleaning toilets, gender-neutral restrooms and even waterless toilets. Whatever next? I hope some future historian updates the story so far…..