The Beginning of the End
Today was a momentous day for us all, as we embarked on the first stage of the third and final section, our beloved, River Tyne. And there was no better way to start the walk then the short detour along the track that takes you to 'the meeting of the waters'.
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| (When two become one) |
There was a mixed bag of emotions as we stood and watched the River North Tyne over our left shoulder rushing along to meet the River South Tyne over our right. A beautiful spot and a memorable moment that only a few months ago felt so far, far away.
Chance enjoyed a quick paddle and a drink from both sides. (I wonder if they tasted different?)
As usual we had the use of 2 cars today. We had pre-planned to make a slight change to today's walk and rather than end our walk at Corbridge, we would carry on to Riding Mill, making today's walk 10 miles instead of 7, thus making the next section also 10 miles, rather than 13.
After our visit to the meeting of the waters, we headed back to the bridge and back on to the signposted track. After crossing the bridge and turning left, we somehow managed to miss the next left and missed out the whole section of path that took you along the riverside. We only realised the error of our ways when further along the path we noticed a fingerpost sign directing you up from the riverbank to the path we were on. A shame but hey-ho we were still going the right way!
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| (Hexham Bridge) |
The firm track alongside the railway helped us keep up a good pace and it wasn't long till we found ourselves at the picturesque Tyne Green, which was rather busy with golfers and rowers alike.
As we headed into Hexham, the decision of which route to take next rouse quite the debate! Do we take the shorter, less scenic route along the A695 or the longer, scenic route through Dukes House woods. Unfortunately, my vote to go through the woods was out numbered by Helen and Phil, who opted to save time and voted for the road walk. Although, a sensible decision to save time on a winters day.
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| (Devil's Water at Dilston) |
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| (A titillated sign post!) |
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After the long walk along the roadside and then dropping down onto the riverside path heading towards Corbridge we were more than ready for a break so headed into town for a spot of lunch.
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| (Heading out of Corbridge) |
We enjoyed a pleasant lunch and a warm up in a cafe called The Corbridge Larder, a charming little cafe with a shop downstairs selling local produce. A nice find.
After lunch we headed back over the bridge and quickly found ourselves on the uphill climb out of Corbridge and onto the diverted route to Riding Mill.
This section of the walked proved to be the toughest part of our day. There were quite a few steep hills which were muddy underfoot, every time we got up one hill, another seemed to appear on the horizon. Suprisingly we also came across a field with a few llamas in, which we had to pass through. They were curious of us but thankfully stayed clear.
This final section of the walk seemed to really take its toll on us. Our lack of activity over the festive season was starting too show. A few too many pigs in blankets could be to blame. We were pretty pleased when we realised we were starting our desent into Riding Mill. Even Chance was starting to flag, the thick mud and an almost vertical stile had finished him off.
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| (Downhill all the way) |
Once back at the car we headed back to Warden to pick up Phil's car and enjoyed a cheeky half in The Boatside Inn, a lovely pub that we've grew quite fond of after visiting quite a few times throughout this walk.
A good mixture of urban and rural walking today. We covered 11 miles, which we achieved in just over 6 hours.
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