23rd June 2019 - Stage 4. Barrasford to Warden and the end of the North Tyne Section.

Day 2 of our weekend away. We woke at around 7:30am after a comfortable night in our cosy little cottage. We had a slow morning of coffees and toast before packing up and heading out to Barrasford, which was some 35mins drive away.  

We parked up in the Barrasford Arms pub car park where the owner came out to chat to us about where we were going and kindly offered to fill any bottles with water before wishing us a good day. Phil assures us that this pub does some fantastic food. If I'm ever back in the area I'll be sure to try it out.

We set off just before 10am. Thankfully the weather was a little cooler than the day before and a little overcast to start. We headed off down the road and it wasn't long before we found the river and rejoined the trail.

(Passing through Chollerton)

Although we were aching from the day before, we all had a spring in our step at the thought of a shorter walk today, and the prospect of being at the end of the River North Tyne by lunch time. Something that seemed so far away only a few months ago!

(A rather grand entrance)

A lot of today's walking was on the roadside but thankfully some roads had paths alongside and those that didn't were relatively quiet. It wasn't long before we found ourselves in Chollerton and quite quickly after that, Chollerford.

(Mandatory selfie!)

The day got warmer as we walked along Homer's lane and we were all quite surprised when Phil informed us we only had 1 mile to go to Warden. The walk had flown over.

(Thirsty hiker)

Once at Warden we headed straight into the Boatside Inn for a much deserved pint to toast our achievement. 

When we started this section at the beginning of the year, this point seemed so far away. As we have busy lives, jobs and other commitments we were unsure how long it would take us to find the time to complete each stage. We are so proud of each other for how far we've came and cant wait to get stuck in to the next section and have set a date in August to start it. I am also really proud of Chance, my Hairy Hiker. He's never shown signs of slowing down and has manged to keep going and soldier on in the blistering heat this weekend. He never fails to amaze me, he boosts the morale of the group and even Phil has warmed to him now. He might even miss him when this is all over!

A special mention to Helen, who was celebrating her 60th birthday this week. She also recently celebrated 10 years of being cancer free. This weekend was part of her birthday celebrations, spending her time doing something she loves. 

Happy birthday Helen.

(Happy hikers)

This walk took us 2 hours 45 mins and we logged it as just under 7 miles. A fully enjoyable day and an easier walk than previous stages. 

22nd June 2019 - Stage 3. Bellingham to Barrasford

After completing stage 1, we put our heads together and hatched a plan - to complete two of the North Tyne stages in one weekend, with an overnight stay nearby. We looked at the remaining stages and decided stages 3 and 4 would be the best ones to combine in this section. By doing this we would be completing a larger walk on on day 1, followed by a smaller walk on day 2. We all agreed that this suited our walking abilities perfectly. We completed stage 2 back in May.

We'd left it quite late to arrange our accommodation so we did end up in a cottage some 40 minutes away from the river. This didn't matter too much to us but did cause one or two issues with start/finish times. 

(The Hairy Hiker, raring to go!)

As usual, we had the use of two cars, we met at the finish point for today, Barrasford. We all jumped in Phil's car and headed up to Bellingham, chatting excitedly about our weekend ahead and the prospect of completing the North Tyne section.

(Me and my biscuit!)

We set off from Bellingham just before 10am, after a quick stop off at the Rocky Road Cafe for one of the nicest, most gingery, ginger biscuit I have ever tasted.

(A sunny start)

We were blessed with some fantastic weather, almost too hot at times. The river sparkled in the sunshine, giving Helen, our nominated photographer lots of opportunities for some great pictures.

(Shorty looking taller than usual)

It wasn't long before we'd finished the short walk along the river and found ourselves at the small railway bridge that we've drove through quite a few times on our travels up here. (Something I personally wont miss driving through!)

(A fisherman's lodge)

(Chance seeking shade)

We had originally planned to stop at Wark for our lunch break, but as it was so hot and the sun had drained us of our energy, we decided to stop at the Bastle mentioned in the book. Chance found a wall to hide behind for a much needed break from the sun while we ate our lunch.

(Lunch time)

Today's walk took us over quite a lot of open moorland, with nowhere to hide from the midday sun. Every moment of shade in the trees was welcomed by both the walkers and the Hairy Hiker, who also enjoyed a dip in the river at every opportunity he got.

As we approached Wark we came across an area of trees covered in caterpillar silk, which looked rather eerie from a distance. On closer inspection we could see caterpillars crawling all over the silk, something we have never came across before.

(Caterpillar silk web)

A favourite part of the walk for me was along the edge of the river, passing Gold Island and approaching Wark. The river was so calm and still it barely looked like it was moving. Creating the perfect reflection shots. This picture by Helen is one of my favourites.

(Perfect reflection)

(Gold Island)

Once at Wark, we crossed the bridge and headed to the Black Bull for a much needed cold drink and a rest. As we crossed the bridge we couldn't help but notice the beautiful landscaped gardens of the property on the riverside, seen in the background of the picture below.

(Wark bridge)

We didn't sit down for long, although we could of stayed in the pub garden all day, enjoying the sunshine, and the lager!

After our break we headed out of Wark onto the final stretched of the walk, which was mainly along the roadside. Eventually Barrasford came into view, we'd made it! 

But our journey for today still wasn't over. 

After a quick rest at the boot of my car, we headed back to Bellingham to collect Phil's car. From there we drove to Warden where we left Phil's car for the night. We then headed to our accommodation with the plan to drive to Barrasford the following day to start stage 4....

(Time for tea!)

After a shower and a change we set off again to the local pub for our tea. Poor Chance couldn't keep his eyes open and had a much needed nap.

(Zzzzz)

Back at the cottage we enjoyed a few night caps and revelled in our success of completing one of the larger stages. We had been lucky with the weather this time. Helen had got some great pictures. We spotted a lot of wildlife including deer, herons and stoats. All in all a perfect day and certainly one to treasure.

This walk took us just over 7 hours and according to the tracking app we used, was just over 16 miles, although both Helen's and my fitbit watches said 2 totally different distances. We averaged it to be approx. 15 miles.

19th May 2019 - Stage 2. Kielder Dam to Bellingham

Today we set out to complete the second stage of the walk, walking from Kielder Dam to Belllingham. The guide book advised us the walk was just over 12 miles but we managed to clock up 13.4 miles. We were luckier with the weather this time, we did see a few dubious looking clouds but the day stayed dry and warm.

(And we're off)

Just like last time, we had the use of two cars. We left my car in Bellingham and set off up to the Dam in Phil's car. 

After parking at Yarrowmoor we set off across the Dam at 10:30, taking in the beautiful views across the reservoir and reminiscing about our previous walk along its banks only a few months earlier. We were pretty hopeful of no snow today!

(All smiles at the start)

After crossing the Dam and joining the track we quite quickly found ourselves in Falstone where we stopped for a quick drink and a change of footwear for me. My new boots are proving to be a bit of a nightmare so I spent the rest of the walk in trainers.

(A drink stop for Chance)

Today proved rather difficult for the Hairy Hiker, having to get himself over many stiles and gates along the way, which is not easy when your over 36 kilos of dog. He had quite a few failed attempts at jumping some stiles, which caused a few winces from us walkers. We also came across cattle grids, some with gates at the side and some without. Chance didn't let these set backs stop him though as he was determined to find a way, be it over, under or between the obstacles. Well done Chance!

After leaving Falstone and walking along the roadside and up a few steep hills we found ourselves in the small hamlet of Donkleywood where we spotted this quirky plaque on a seat. Sounds like Harvey Roll was an interesting guy! We crossed the stile and headed along the narrow path where a friendly, elderly man stopped to chat to us about the walk and where we were headed. 

(Hott Bridge)

Once out of Donkleywood we walked for what felt like forever, over fields and farmland. Our target being Hott Bridge, where we'd planned to stop for lunch as it was around the halfway mark. 

This stretch of the walk seemed like a long slog, possibly due to the closeness of the weather and our rumbling tummies! 

(View from Hott Bridge)

The walk to Hogg Bridge is optional but we highly recommend it. Walking down to the bridge isn't bad and the views from it make it worthwhile. The bridge was built in 1862 and bounces up and down as much as it sways from side to side! Phil, Helen and Chance were quite happy on the bridge but I was just as happy to be back on dry land as soon as the necessary photo was taken.

We sat on the steps of the bridge for a much needed lunch break while Chance enjoyed an apple.

After our break we set off again, covering ground over farmland and along roads. As the book suggested, we didn't see a lot of the river but we did get the odd glimpse here and there. 

(Friends??)

Phil has mentioned a few times that hes not really a dog person and he's a little wary of them, but slowly, him and Chance seem to be bonding. Chance can sense Phil's slight disapproval and seems to give him his space, but, every now and then they connect and I'm sure by the end of this walk they will be good friends. 

(Evidence of the old train line)

After a long road walk we eventually reached the final 1 mile stretch. Although we all agreed this was the longest mile we'd ever walked and were sure the sign was wrong. We didn't complain too much though as it was just nice to get off the road and see the river again.

Phil and I did struggle a little today. A combination of low energy and the closeness of the warm weather conditions, zapped us of our energy quite quickly. Thankfully though, Helen's boundless energy and positive attitude kept us going. Thanks Helen!

(We made it)

(And, relax)

Once in Bellingham we stopped off at The Black Bull as The Hairy Hiker insisted on a pint and a lie down. Cheers!

The walk was completed in just under 6 hours. We found the day challenging but had a fantastic time and cant wait to get stuck into the next few stages in June.

26th April 2019 - Phil and Helen Visit the Source.

(Phil and Helen at the source)

As mentioned in a previous post, Phil and Helen still needed to visit the source of the River North Tyne at Deadwater, to complete stage one of the walk. I'd visited earlier in the year with my family. Today was the day they got there and what a great day they had.

(Blue skies)

Once again the forecast for Kielder wasn't great but thankfully they had some great weather with only a little bit of rain towards the end. Helen has kindly provided some great pictures of their journey to the source.

Phil and Helen opted to park at Kielder Castle and walk up to Deadwater and back again, making the walk around 7 miles in total.

(At the obelisk)

(There's water there somewhere!)

Once at the obelisk they quickly located the small spring. They enjoyed a short rest and a bite of lunch before setting off back towards Kielder. 

They both had a great day walking to the source and are pleased to of now completed all of stage one.
We are all looking forward to getting stuck in to the next stages with dates planned in May and June.