Poor signal again, but I will do my best.
Forest View, is 3 terraced houses in the forestry village of Byrness, that have been joined together to provide accommodation for walkers, principally on the Pennine Way. As well as rooms they have a restaurant, and a bar, and a small garden where you can pitch your tent, with a nearby loo and shower. We had a good dinner and breakfast, and Colin even made sure everybody's boots were brushed off and put in the boiler room to dry. On the way in, dad asked mum if there were any spare rooms, she could have one with all the facilities and he would stay in the tent with me. I think he was looking for a bonding session, but mum was so shocked, she said no, and then regretted it for the rest of the night. They had no TV mainly because there is no reception in the village, and no papers - what bliss.
Some other walkers, had a little dog called Daisy. She was only a tiny terrier, doing the Pennine Way and the poor little mite had such sore paws she could hardly walk. Anyway, mum gave her some of my special butter balm, and the man said she was a lot better this morning.
This morning, we were awoken by the loudest dawn chorus we have ever heard, it was incredibly loud and testament to the massive forest nearby. As we walked in last night, we spotted a cross bill - what a beautiful bird, his colours are not given justice in all the reference books.
Well, since we left Lands End, we have seen daffodils and primroses every single day. It will be interesting to see how far up we continue to see them in Scotland.
Yes, they sent me across the border, to make sure the Coast was clear and then over they came, there were no guards on the border. Mum did a little dance and waved her make believe flag in the air (Yorkshire Rose - of course). I looked at dad, dad looked at me...mum deflated. Me I had my own Burns celebration.
Marco Polo did his bit again, devising a route that broadly followed the Pennine Way, but avoided all the bog. Still uphill (of course) but through some wonderful forest scenery at a reasonable gradient. Halfway up we came across a wee (see I'm getting the lingo already) bothy - a small mountain hut traditionally used by drovers but now providing emergency accommodation for hill walkers and the like.
After a long journey on the PW, today we left it for the final time and joined Dere Street - the old roman road which used to connect York with the Antonine Wall (forerunner to Hadrians). The scenery has been absolutely stunning.
Tonight, we are wild camping near to the remains of a Roman marching camp - I hope they are not going to make too much noise with their swords and shields.
Tomorrow we continue to follow the way of the Legions.
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
Friday, 9 May 2014
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Preparing for the border
First of all mum must apologise for the glitch last night. We had had terrible trouble getting the blog written because of the very poor signal. I posted the blog, but when we came to read it through we spotted one or two typos. So mum went in to edit and finished up deleting. So then it all had to be done again. In the meantime she had shared on Facebook, which is why you were unable to get the blog for a while. Hey ho.
It was good to see Julie and Dave, who came and picked us up and took us into Bellingham for a meal, returning us in ample time for lights out at 9.00pm. They brought us all treats that we have been nibbling on today.
We had a very cosy night in our wooden tent, although some scrabbling at the rear had us worried for a while. It turned out to be a blackbird making it's nest.
We had a worrying moment this morning when mum realised that she had lost all the data relating to the walk. She was able to rescue the main itinerary from an e mail shed sent to someone else, but the day sheets were a different problem. These contain details of accommodation, route, meals, and anything else of particular interest for that day. Dad and I were quaking in our boots, I can tell you. Thankfully, she remembered all the todo about a cloud, and somehow, she admits she doesn't know how, she was able to retrieve it all. Phew!!
Today, Marco Polo (as we now call him) had spotted that we were destined for another day of bog walking, and managed to navigate a different and very pleasant journey. The first half, uphill (of course) was on roads, tracks and fields, picking up the PW at lunchtime, where we enjoyed a lovely break perched on a log at the side of the road. There was no traffic noise, no planes, or trains, just the birds, and the rustle of the breeze through the trees.....and dad. It's no wonder mum struggles to get some of her photographs.
This afternoon, was spent coming off the hill through the forest. We were on the outskirts of Kielder Forest - it's massive, but very attractive.
Tonight we are staying at Byrness. The hostel hadn't got an available 'dog room' but they very kindly agreed to let us camp in their garden and are providing us with dinner and breakfast.
Looking forward to making an assault on the border tomorrow.
Keep spreading the word.
M
x
It was good to see Julie and Dave, who came and picked us up and took us into Bellingham for a meal, returning us in ample time for lights out at 9.00pm. They brought us all treats that we have been nibbling on today.
We had a very cosy night in our wooden tent, although some scrabbling at the rear had us worried for a while. It turned out to be a blackbird making it's nest.
We had a worrying moment this morning when mum realised that she had lost all the data relating to the walk. She was able to rescue the main itinerary from an e mail shed sent to someone else, but the day sheets were a different problem. These contain details of accommodation, route, meals, and anything else of particular interest for that day. Dad and I were quaking in our boots, I can tell you. Thankfully, she remembered all the todo about a cloud, and somehow, she admits she doesn't know how, she was able to retrieve it all. Phew!!
Today, Marco Polo (as we now call him) had spotted that we were destined for another day of bog walking, and managed to navigate a different and very pleasant journey. The first half, uphill (of course) was on roads, tracks and fields, picking up the PW at lunchtime, where we enjoyed a lovely break perched on a log at the side of the road. There was no traffic noise, no planes, or trains, just the birds, and the rustle of the breeze through the trees.....and dad. It's no wonder mum struggles to get some of her photographs.
This afternoon, was spent coming off the hill through the forest. We were on the outskirts of Kielder Forest - it's massive, but very attractive.
Tonight we are staying at Byrness. The hostel hadn't got an available 'dog room' but they very kindly agreed to let us camp in their garden and are providing us with dinner and breakfast.
Looking forward to making an assault on the border tomorrow.
Keep spreading the word.
M
x
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Over the top
Last night was spent at Saughy Rigg, a farm that has been converted to attend to the needs of walkers and cyclists who need refuge on the Pennine Way or Hadrians Wall, and what a jolly good job they make of it.
We met lots of fellow walkers, and with such a common denominator there was great camaraderie. Many thanks to William the Spaniel for his generous donation to funds, and to Jane who made such a fuss of me (nobody ever does you know) and also gave generously.
At breakfast, the DD chatted to a gentleman who is working on the dig at Vindolanda. He was telling them how frequently finds are made, and that only yesterday, somebody had unearthed a small decorative gold bead - how exciting. There must such excitement throughout the volunteers when such a find is made.
Well, our day didn't get off to a great start, with a late start, a dead sheep (sadly with its lamb next to it), and some pretty grim weather. But we made it to the wall in good time, and overwe went without interference from Romans or Picts.
At the same time we rejoined our old freind the Pennine Way, who we had left behind in Middleton when it went off for a long weekend in Dufton.
In anticipation of today, and indeed the next 2 days, mum swotted up on her eye spy guide to woodland life last night. Our journey takes us through forest for much of these 3 days. She has paid particular interest to footprints. So.....
'Oh look, a deer print' - 'No, it's a sheep print'
'Aha, an otter print' - 'No, it's a duck'
'Well what about that red squirrel print' - 'No, it's a grey squirrel'
She's decided to ditch footprints and concentrate on visuals!
In the middle of the forest about 8 miles into our journey through bog, we came across a falconry centre, advertising coffee, tea, etc, so dad decided to give it a whirl. After setting off 3 sensored alarms, and being greeted by a rather angry looking dog, he decided to give it a miss.
A little later we came to a farm that had put up a sign inviting walkers to go in their shed and use their kettle, tea and coffee for drinks. We thought about it, but decided that the huge black Labrador in his kennel opposite constantly barking would not have made for a relaxing drink. We had water instead sitting on an old tree.
So that was it really, lots of bog, lots of rain, but a happy day. Here we are ensconced in our pod. It's about 8' long by 6' wide, a wooden construction, well insulated with sheeps wool, with lights and a heater. That's it. We have access to showers/loos etc. so it's pretty basic, but we have everything we need and we're cosy comfy. Dave and Julie are coming soon to take us out for dinner, and it will be good to see them.
Byrness tomorrow - long haul.
Sorry no pics tonight.
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
We met lots of fellow walkers, and with such a common denominator there was great camaraderie. Many thanks to William the Spaniel for his generous donation to funds, and to Jane who made such a fuss of me (nobody ever does you know) and also gave generously.
At breakfast, the DD chatted to a gentleman who is working on the dig at Vindolanda. He was telling them how frequently finds are made, and that only yesterday, somebody had unearthed a small decorative gold bead - how exciting. There must such excitement throughout the volunteers when such a find is made.
Well, our day didn't get off to a great start, with a late start, a dead sheep (sadly with its lamb next to it), and some pretty grim weather. But we made it to the wall in good time, and overwe went without interference from Romans or Picts.
At the same time we rejoined our old freind the Pennine Way, who we had left behind in Middleton when it went off for a long weekend in Dufton.
In anticipation of today, and indeed the next 2 days, mum swotted up on her eye spy guide to woodland life last night. Our journey takes us through forest for much of these 3 days. She has paid particular interest to footprints. So.....
'Oh look, a deer print' - 'No, it's a sheep print'
'Aha, an otter print' - 'No, it's a duck'
'Well what about that red squirrel print' - 'No, it's a grey squirrel'
She's decided to ditch footprints and concentrate on visuals!
In the middle of the forest about 8 miles into our journey through bog, we came across a falconry centre, advertising coffee, tea, etc, so dad decided to give it a whirl. After setting off 3 sensored alarms, and being greeted by a rather angry looking dog, he decided to give it a miss.
A little later we came to a farm that had put up a sign inviting walkers to go in their shed and use their kettle, tea and coffee for drinks. We thought about it, but decided that the huge black Labrador in his kennel opposite constantly barking would not have made for a relaxing drink. We had water instead sitting on an old tree.
So that was it really, lots of bog, lots of rain, but a happy day. Here we are ensconced in our pod. It's about 8' long by 6' wide, a wooden construction, well insulated with sheeps wool, with lights and a heater. That's it. We have access to showers/loos etc. so it's pretty basic, but we have everything we need and we're cosy comfy. Dave and Julie are coming soon to take us out for dinner, and it will be good to see them.
Byrness tomorrow - long haul.
Sorry no pics tonight.
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Hard Rock Cafe
We left aristocatic (cat country, they had 5, but I never met any of them) Thornley House, and yet more wonderful hospitality provided by Shirley, who we thank so much for her donation. We also waved goodbye to Sid and Gilbert, the rescue donkeys, both in rude health.
Surprise, surprise up a long hill, and when we reached the top at 10.10 we had our first glimpse of Hadrian's Wall 10 miles away. Our plan today is to walk just short of the wall to the visitor centre at Housesteads Fort.
After we reached the top we were downhill to Allen Banks, a National Trust Estate, where dad was able to clear his head with the pungent aroma of the wild garlic that was growing in abundance. He's had a bit of a cold since the weekend, but is much better now. It's a wonderful place, mainly woodland, that has really nice vibes. Sadly he was convinced that there would be somewhere for a coffee, but wasn't to be - stale bread and water again.
When we did Hadrians Wall last year, he was fascinated with the geology of the area, particularly the Whin Sill a hard dark rock prevalent in this part of the world, and which the Romans had to cut through to find a foundation for the wall, and indeed, for stone to build it. It's something he's gone on about endlessly ever since. So when we got to a piece of it today, and he couldn't remember the name, mum and I refused to tell him. Yes, mean, but self preservation.
You will recall that on that trip, for reasons which I will not bore you with, they took 2 cars. Day 1, 2 miles in, he asked mum what she had done with her car keys. She gleefully explained that she had left them safe and sound in his glove compartment, checked in mid sentence and ran back to get the keys, and bring his car forward. Nothing lost, and it meant we didn't have to return as far in the evening but, you can imagine, we heard a lot about it. So maybe Whin Sill revisited is payback time.
When we got to Housesteads, we had a cup of tea and a look round the exhibits, one of which gave the valuable information - Rome 1129 miles, next line Wallsend 32 miles - doesn't have the same ring somehow!
Over the wall and off to Bellingham tomorrow, and our first experience in a camping pod - a sort of wooden tent - should be interesting. Every days a school day. They had their first experience of a wet room tonight - that was entertaining!
Keep spreading the word.
M
xx
Surprise, surprise up a long hill, and when we reached the top at 10.10 we had our first glimpse of Hadrian's Wall 10 miles away. Our plan today is to walk just short of the wall to the visitor centre at Housesteads Fort.
After we reached the top we were downhill to Allen Banks, a National Trust Estate, where dad was able to clear his head with the pungent aroma of the wild garlic that was growing in abundance. He's had a bit of a cold since the weekend, but is much better now. It's a wonderful place, mainly woodland, that has really nice vibes. Sadly he was convinced that there would be somewhere for a coffee, but wasn't to be - stale bread and water again.
When we did Hadrians Wall last year, he was fascinated with the geology of the area, particularly the Whin Sill a hard dark rock prevalent in this part of the world, and which the Romans had to cut through to find a foundation for the wall, and indeed, for stone to build it. It's something he's gone on about endlessly ever since. So when we got to a piece of it today, and he couldn't remember the name, mum and I refused to tell him. Yes, mean, but self preservation.
You will recall that on that trip, for reasons which I will not bore you with, they took 2 cars. Day 1, 2 miles in, he asked mum what she had done with her car keys. She gleefully explained that she had left them safe and sound in his glove compartment, checked in mid sentence and ran back to get the keys, and bring his car forward. Nothing lost, and it meant we didn't have to return as far in the evening but, you can imagine, we heard a lot about it. So maybe Whin Sill revisited is payback time.
When we got to Housesteads, we had a cup of tea and a look round the exhibits, one of which gave the valuable information - Rome 1129 miles, next line Wallsend 32 miles - doesn't have the same ring somehow!
Over the wall and off to Bellingham tomorrow, and our first experience in a camping pod - a sort of wooden tent - should be interesting. Every days a school day. They had their first experience of a wet room tonight - that was entertaining!
Keep spreading the word.
M
xx
Monday, 5 May 2014
BOGOF (blog one get one free!)
Really sorry I couldn't post yesterday, no communications whatsoever.
We had a wonderful weekend at the Rose & Crown with all family and friends, amazing, food, hospitality and comfort, in great company. Thanks to Cheryl and her team for their donation.
We waved them all off at Middleton, and spent the morning climbing up the hill on narrow, unused roads, walking into 'Raby Country'. This is the area of the country owned by Raby Estates, where all the properties are painted white. Rumour has it that in times gone by, Lord Barnard returned home in a blizzard and was unable to identify his own properties. The following morning he gave the order for all houses, farms and barns to be painted white. Can't help feeling they might still be hard to find in the snow. Ah well, makes a good story, and it does look attractive in its way.
We know we're in the north - the snow poles on the side of the road are twice as high as dad.
Having reached the top of the hill, it was time to make our way down across the fields, only we didn't allow for Durham County Council's Footpath Regime (or lack of). We came to a wall where there should have been a stile - it wasn't there - we climbed it. Then a sheep fence - we rolled under it. A river - we paddled through it. Another wall, and another, and another. If I hadn't been with the best navigator in the world I would have wonderd if we were in the right place, but we were, as was borne out when we reached a stile and a sign post exactly where it should have been. What fun!
So on to Cowshill, and the Calf house and yet more wonderful northern hospitality from Sue who provided us with the most amazing high tea. 'They' grazed on it all night long and then Sue insisted we take the rest with us for lunch. Thanks to Sue for her contribution to funds.
This morning, once more we were uphill on the road for quite a way, crossing into Northumberland fairly early on, and on to Allenheads where we stopped for coffee.
From there we crossed fields and countryside for the rest of the day. Once more we were severely reprimanded by lapwings who were trying to keep us away from their nests,and we have seen many chicks.
A picture of a JCB 360 has suddenly appeared on the blog, which we haven't asked for. Funny thing is, this is exactly the same type of machine that dad bumped Into on the moors the other day. How spooky is that?
One of today's pictures is one mum has been after for a very long time. Guess which one!!
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
We had a wonderful weekend at the Rose & Crown with all family and friends, amazing, food, hospitality and comfort, in great company. Thanks to Cheryl and her team for their donation.
We waved them all off at Middleton, and spent the morning climbing up the hill on narrow, unused roads, walking into 'Raby Country'. This is the area of the country owned by Raby Estates, where all the properties are painted white. Rumour has it that in times gone by, Lord Barnard returned home in a blizzard and was unable to identify his own properties. The following morning he gave the order for all houses, farms and barns to be painted white. Can't help feeling they might still be hard to find in the snow. Ah well, makes a good story, and it does look attractive in its way.
We know we're in the north - the snow poles on the side of the road are twice as high as dad.
Having reached the top of the hill, it was time to make our way down across the fields, only we didn't allow for Durham County Council's Footpath Regime (or lack of). We came to a wall where there should have been a stile - it wasn't there - we climbed it. Then a sheep fence - we rolled under it. A river - we paddled through it. Another wall, and another, and another. If I hadn't been with the best navigator in the world I would have wonderd if we were in the right place, but we were, as was borne out when we reached a stile and a sign post exactly where it should have been. What fun!
So on to Cowshill, and the Calf house and yet more wonderful northern hospitality from Sue who provided us with the most amazing high tea. 'They' grazed on it all night long and then Sue insisted we take the rest with us for lunch. Thanks to Sue for her contribution to funds.
This morning, once more we were uphill on the road for quite a way, crossing into Northumberland fairly early on, and on to Allenheads where we stopped for coffee.
From there we crossed fields and countryside for the rest of the day. Once more we were severely reprimanded by lapwings who were trying to keep us away from their nests,and we have seen many chicks.
A picture of a JCB 360 has suddenly appeared on the blog, which we haven't asked for. Funny thing is, this is exactly the same type of machine that dad bumped Into on the moors the other day. How spooky is that?
One of today's pictures is one mum has been after for a very long time. Guess which one!!
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
Friday, 2 May 2014
Co Durham
We must thank the Duckworth family for their very kind contribution last evening.
We have left Mum's beloved Yorkshire and into a new county - Co Durham. Still very beautiful and with plenty of wildlife to keep her happy - 2 stoats and a weasel today for starters. We haven't spotted any yet, but we are told there are black grouse in these parts, apparently much depleted in days gone by, by milliners coveting their white curly feathers for hats.
We started the day with a quote for the week with the question 'How do you spell idiot?'
We left Bowes and walked across some very boggy moor, to meet the old railway line near Cotherstone, which took us nearly all the way to Middleton. A lovely bright day, such a stark contrast to yesterday, with bright blue skies, cotton wool clouds, and a light breeze. The views have been stunning all day.
Just outside Middleton (about 2 mins walk!) we met Sal, Rob and Millie who had kindly walked to meet us with the intention of walking us in. As they were so near the end, they decided to carry on walking back to Romaldkirk, and after some brief retail therapy in Middleton, we drove their car home - that felt weird!
Shortly after returning to the hotel, Jim, Jo and Jaz (making a good recovery from her horrendous experience) arrived. So we are gathered for the weekend and we3 are getting our heads round it all.
Rest day tomorrow (yes, that's 2 in 1 week - did he have a rush of blood to the head?)
Keep spreading the word.
M
xx
We have left Mum's beloved Yorkshire and into a new county - Co Durham. Still very beautiful and with plenty of wildlife to keep her happy - 2 stoats and a weasel today for starters. We haven't spotted any yet, but we are told there are black grouse in these parts, apparently much depleted in days gone by, by milliners coveting their white curly feathers for hats.
We started the day with a quote for the week with the question 'How do you spell idiot?'
We left Bowes and walked across some very boggy moor, to meet the old railway line near Cotherstone, which took us nearly all the way to Middleton. A lovely bright day, such a stark contrast to yesterday, with bright blue skies, cotton wool clouds, and a light breeze. The views have been stunning all day.
Just outside Middleton (about 2 mins walk!) we met Sal, Rob and Millie who had kindly walked to meet us with the intention of walking us in. As they were so near the end, they decided to carry on walking back to Romaldkirk, and after some brief retail therapy in Middleton, we drove their car home - that felt weird!
Shortly after returning to the hotel, Jim, Jo and Jaz (making a good recovery from her horrendous experience) arrived. So we are gathered for the weekend and we3 are getting our heads round it all.
Rest day tomorrow (yes, that's 2 in 1 week - did he have a rush of blood to the head?)
Keep spreading the word.
M
xx
Thursday, 1 May 2014
Yorkshire comfort
Butt House is such an oasis. For a walker it is manna from heaven. Linda and Tony have got the formula just right, providing every comfort in a modest and unassuming way. Good food, wonderful hospitality, combined with a hot bath and a comfortable bed. What an overwhelming shame they are leaving. Good luck to you and to the love of my life, Polo - perhaps we'll meet again some day. Good luck in your new life all of you, and thank you so much for your very kind contribution.
It hasn't been a very nice day today - a bit windy with some misty rain - a combination that manages to worm it's way through the most waterproof of clothing. We climbed up the fell towards Tan Hill, crossing a river with an interesting gate (see photo) and on up to Tan Hill and the highest pub in England. It was only 10.45 so mum put her head round the door to ask if they were open
'Yes'
'Can the dog come in?'
'Of course.....oh, and don't bother to take your boots off either...come and get warm in from of the fire.'
Such hospitality we are enjoying in this great county.
Dad prides himself on his navigation skills, but he nearly failed to see the huge JCB digger he all but bumped into!
No photos after this I'm afraid, just too wet for the camera.
We met Alan & Barbara on the way down, sadly it wasn't a great day for conversation, which was such a shame, nonetheless thank you so much for making the effort to come up you two. We left them in Bowes to go to our disparate accommodations, they to the wonderful CB and we to the equally brilliant Rose and Crown, where once more we were offered amazing hospitality, and we are wallowing in warmth and comfort.
Thank you so much to our taxi driver, Mr Simpson, who donated the price of the taxi to H4H.
I'm so excited about this weekend; Sal, Rob, Jim, Jo and Jaz and Millie are coming to be with us for the weekend. I'm sorry to report that poor little Jaz was attacked by another dog yesterday. She had a big hole in her leg and had to have stitches, so she's going to have to be quiet this weekend - guess that means I won't be playing with her then!
Back to Bowes in the morning to walk through to Middleton in Teesdale
Keep spreading the word - we need you.
M
xx
It hasn't been a very nice day today - a bit windy with some misty rain - a combination that manages to worm it's way through the most waterproof of clothing. We climbed up the fell towards Tan Hill, crossing a river with an interesting gate (see photo) and on up to Tan Hill and the highest pub in England. It was only 10.45 so mum put her head round the door to ask if they were open
'Yes'
'Can the dog come in?'
'Of course.....oh, and don't bother to take your boots off either...come and get warm in from of the fire.'
Such hospitality we are enjoying in this great county.
Dad prides himself on his navigation skills, but he nearly failed to see the huge JCB digger he all but bumped into!
No photos after this I'm afraid, just too wet for the camera.
We met Alan & Barbara on the way down, sadly it wasn't a great day for conversation, which was such a shame, nonetheless thank you so much for making the effort to come up you two. We left them in Bowes to go to our disparate accommodations, they to the wonderful CB and we to the equally brilliant Rose and Crown, where once more we were offered amazing hospitality, and we are wallowing in warmth and comfort.
Thank you so much to our taxi driver, Mr Simpson, who donated the price of the taxi to H4H.
I'm so excited about this weekend; Sal, Rob, Jim, Jo and Jaz and Millie are coming to be with us for the weekend. I'm sorry to report that poor little Jaz was attacked by another dog yesterday. She had a big hole in her leg and had to have stitches, so she's going to have to be quiet this weekend - guess that means I won't be playing with her then!
Back to Bowes in the morning to walk through to Middleton in Teesdale
Keep spreading the word - we need you.
M
xx
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