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| Over the wall we go |
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| Mum and dad's kennel |
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| Over the border - phew, those Scots can pick a fight! |
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| Through the Cheviots and down Dere Street - amazing |
Monday, 12 May 2014
The missing days!
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Aromantherapy
So we left you as we were about to embark on establishing camp at the Camping and Caravanning Club Site at Jedburgh. First of all I must say that the wardens were wonderful, but which goon selected the wettest piece of grass furthest away from the facilities, for the tents. Having received an inferred OK to use a bit of cardboard to keep down the mud, he then went to extremes. Talk about cardboard city. There was so much cardboard around that people were beginning to throw their loose change at us! However, mum and I have to admit that it did the trick and our gear came off site in a very reasonable condition given the circumstances.
Many thanks to the gentleman from Carry Lite for his donation.
For most of the day we have been following the St Cuthberts Way along Dere Street (with the odd MP diversion), and The Borders has come up trumps again. We spent quite a lot of time walking through woodland where the wild flowers are fighting each other for the most over powering aroma. First of all a cloud of the white balls of the wild garlic, throwing out their pungent smell, and giving mum and dad yen for an Italian meal. Then a mass of blue as we hit our first full bloom of blubells. As we moved up the hill (thre always seems to be one of those), we hit the almond perfume of the gorse (there's always some in flower somewhere!).
We also spent some time following the River Teviot, which after all the rain this week, was in angry mood. Eventually we had to cross it on a swing bridge. Mum isn't good with swing bridges. I think she watched too many films of trains going down into gaping chasms when she was small. Anyway, dad was messing with his maps, and so she grabbed me and climbed the steps, determined to go across without dithering. Just as she was about to set foot on the bridge a group of people started crossing in the opposite direction. Of course, this was a good excuse to dither, and they set up conversation when they reached our side. Apparently they were 9 ladies from America, clergy and congregation, who are on a pilgrimage to walk the St Cuthberts Way which finishes at Lindisfarne. After they'd gone dad set out across the river, saying that if 9 people can cross the bridge it must be OK. Mum thought, yes, but they might have weakened it, and your in front now, and your making it swing all over the place!
We had coffee at a lovely garden centre in the middle of the forest. Just as we were leaving, dad spotted a huge wicker rabbit (about 9' high) and thought it would be a great idea to have it freighted home to put in the orchard....mum didn't.
A quick stop in St Boswells for lunch, and here we are in Melrose (Trimontium). Mum had a shock when she looked in the mirror for the first time since Tuesday, hair needed a bit of attention - dad and I had a pact not to tell, because we knew there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing's been said...yet!
Rest day tomorrow. We've a lot to do, but if we get time perhaps we can put some photos on from the 'missing' days.
Keep spreading the word
M
x
Many thanks to the gentleman from Carry Lite for his donation.
For most of the day we have been following the St Cuthberts Way along Dere Street (with the odd MP diversion), and The Borders has come up trumps again. We spent quite a lot of time walking through woodland where the wild flowers are fighting each other for the most over powering aroma. First of all a cloud of the white balls of the wild garlic, throwing out their pungent smell, and giving mum and dad yen for an Italian meal. Then a mass of blue as we hit our first full bloom of blubells. As we moved up the hill (thre always seems to be one of those), we hit the almond perfume of the gorse (there's always some in flower somewhere!).
We also spent some time following the River Teviot, which after all the rain this week, was in angry mood. Eventually we had to cross it on a swing bridge. Mum isn't good with swing bridges. I think she watched too many films of trains going down into gaping chasms when she was small. Anyway, dad was messing with his maps, and so she grabbed me and climbed the steps, determined to go across without dithering. Just as she was about to set foot on the bridge a group of people started crossing in the opposite direction. Of course, this was a good excuse to dither, and they set up conversation when they reached our side. Apparently they were 9 ladies from America, clergy and congregation, who are on a pilgrimage to walk the St Cuthberts Way which finishes at Lindisfarne. After they'd gone dad set out across the river, saying that if 9 people can cross the bridge it must be OK. Mum thought, yes, but they might have weakened it, and your in front now, and your making it swing all over the place!
We had coffee at a lovely garden centre in the middle of the forest. Just as we were leaving, dad spotted a huge wicker rabbit (about 9' high) and thought it would be a great idea to have it freighted home to put in the orchard....mum didn't.
A quick stop in St Boswells for lunch, and here we are in Melrose (Trimontium). Mum had a shock when she looked in the mirror for the first time since Tuesday, hair needed a bit of attention - dad and I had a pact not to tell, because we knew there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing's been said...yet!
Rest day tomorrow. We've a lot to do, but if we get time perhaps we can put some photos on from the 'missing' days.
Keep spreading the word
M
x
Saturday, 10 May 2014
The invasion gathers steam
We had a wonderful night at Pennymuir, the legionnaires were very quiet, in fact once the birds went to sleep all we could hear was rabbits munching grass. There was a fantastic sunset, which sadly did not fulfill the dream and we awoke to pouring rain. No matter, we found an old building in which to brew up and eat our nourishing breakfast of instant porridge and Burns.
Just a short trot down to Jedburgh - and it was a trot - 11 miles and in for lunchtime! Dad was on a mission - trouble is we don't know what - worrying!
Once more the scenery was wonderful if not as dramatic, and it struck us that the trees and hedgerows were at exactly the same stage as they were when we walked into Nanstallon, all those weeks ago. Must be something in this 'spring moving north at walking pace' theory.
Jedburgh is a charming little borders town, sporting it's own ruined abbey and lying on the Borders Abbey Way.
We managed to pitch the outer tent in the dry (weather, not ground) and went off to get a cup of tea in order to make sure the tent was thoroughly dry before putting in the inner tent.
Dad hit an all time low when he started scrabbling about in the skip behind the restaurant. Mum said hobos normally steal scraps of food - dad said he wanted to make a doormat to keep down the mud being trodden into the tent so he had rescued some cardboard.......mum apologised.
Melrose tomorrow. I expect we will have to inspect the remains (some mounds in the grass) of the Antonine Wall and then I think we've done with the Romans.
Keep spreading the word
M
x
PS sorry, still not a strong enough signal for pics
Just a short trot down to Jedburgh - and it was a trot - 11 miles and in for lunchtime! Dad was on a mission - trouble is we don't know what - worrying!
Once more the scenery was wonderful if not as dramatic, and it struck us that the trees and hedgerows were at exactly the same stage as they were when we walked into Nanstallon, all those weeks ago. Must be something in this 'spring moving north at walking pace' theory.
Jedburgh is a charming little borders town, sporting it's own ruined abbey and lying on the Borders Abbey Way.
We managed to pitch the outer tent in the dry (weather, not ground) and went off to get a cup of tea in order to make sure the tent was thoroughly dry before putting in the inner tent.
Dad hit an all time low when he started scrabbling about in the skip behind the restaurant. Mum said hobos normally steal scraps of food - dad said he wanted to make a doormat to keep down the mud being trodden into the tent so he had rescued some cardboard.......mum apologised.
Melrose tomorrow. I expect we will have to inspect the remains (some mounds in the grass) of the Antonine Wall and then I think we've done with the Romans.
Keep spreading the word
M
x
PS sorry, still not a strong enough signal for pics
Friday, 9 May 2014
We're in
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
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
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
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