Blogs from Northumberland, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 3

38,800 steps, 28.5 km. We woke to a morning of hard rain and our thoughts quickly moved to being drenched for the day, wet and miserable. By the time we finished a bit of breakfast the hard rain had passed and our spirits were relieved and hopeful of a better day. We started off in a steady drizzle which over the next few hours became less and less. Through the morning we took off the extra three layers we started with and by mid day we’re were in short sleeves. Initially the path had some elevation gain and the whole day was filled with up hills only to descend shortly thereafter until we reached the North Sea. Through the day we had narrow paths through fern covered forest floors and through pastures of cows and sheep. ... read more

I know, I know we are not in Hexham. But this place doesn’t have internet connection let alone a place name this blog site understands.it is close to Blakehopeburnhaugh and even closer to Cottonshopeburntfoot and I am not joking! I’m writing this today but it will be tomorrow or more likely tomorrow’s tomorrow before you read it as the internet is not existent here. They have electricity but not the internet. And we are here for 2 nights as they send us of for 25 km or so then they drive and get us and bring us back (sounds a bit like a prison breakout). The next day they return us to that pick up point and we walk the final 26 km to Kirk Yetholm. No internet but a welcome cup of tea on arrival ... read more

Still near Hexham as we‘ve been still most of the day. This is our rest day so walked up to Vindolanda and around the Roman excavations. Past the pub (we haven’t been able to say that for a while) and up to Vindolanda. There are a couple of novel shots from outside the pub which simply reinforces the positive image of the place I already have. It’s not far to Vindolanda but in the mist, mizzle, wind it’s a boring walk. The excavations and the museum attached to the excavations are pretty good. If you want some museum shots have a look at Julie’s Facebook page as it contains heaps. The only one I took inside is the penis shot! Guides were not available as it’s now the off season which was unfortunate as they have ... read more

Yes I referred to Slaggyford as Slaggydale. Sorry. Slaggydale is Slaggydale and not nearly as bad as it sounds. In fact it is quite interesting. From Slaggyford we had the decision of walking up and over the wet fields and boggy moors or along the picturesque South Tyne Trail. Well after 2 seconds thinking time we took the Trail. It’s sort of like walking up Burke Street or Collins Street to Spencer Street. The paths run parallel and of very similar distance and although to some purists it is unthinkable it was an easy decision for us. The path took us to the Lambley Viaduct which was quite a sight and one the Pennine Way would miss. It’s strange but the Pennine Way almost goes out of its way to miss some sights that most would ... read more

18 August 2019, SundayToday I experience the AD122 Hadrian's wall country bus. Visit the newly opened Sill visitors center and gateway to Northumberland National Park. And Vindolanda old Roman fort and archeological site.Having gotten about seven and a half hours sleep, but still suffering a bit of jet lag, I was awake about 4:30 so had about three and a half hours before breakfast. The Burncrest B&B had a wonderful full English breakfast with lime and kiwi yogurt, a banana and then the full breakfast with French press coffee and toast. See photo.Les who is Margaret Ellery's husband was the cook for the breakfast. He spent some time telling me about his experiences as a nuclear chemist for the British government and all of the bomb testing that he was involved with around the world. The ... read more