26th January 2020 -Stage 10. Riding Mill - Wylam

Spring Has Sprung!

(First snowdrops of 2020)

A completely different day for us today. Phil couldn't join us for this stage so there was only Helen, Chance and myself. Rather than use our cars we opted to take advantage of the train service this time. As it was a Sunday there were fewer metros and trains running than normal so this journey had to be planned with military precision so as not to miss any connections.

(Where to this time?)

Helen and I met on the metro in the Jarrow area at around 8AM and headed into Newcastle. We stopped off in Central station to buy a warm drink and some breakfast for the train ride. We got to our platform with ample time. There is only one train per hour heading to Riding Mill so we had to make sure we were on it.  Once onboard we tucked into our breakfast and enjoyed the views. I really enjoyed how relaxing the start of our day was, it's very rare I find time for breakfast.

The 30 minute journey got us into Riding mill for 9:15. We had looked at the book and noticed there was the choice of two routes at this point. We opted for the longer of the two, taking us through Broomleyhope woods.  We knew this stage contained the final sections of woodland we would encounter on the trail as we would soon be in entering more urban areas as we approach Newcastle, so thought it best to enjoy them. Chance loves the opportunity to have a run around too. 

(Bird house fingerpost)

We enjoyed the pleasant walk, after the initial steep climb. The walk was very well waymarked through the fields, woods and across a few roads. We got lucky with the weather once again today, only one small shower, worse had been predicted for us.

We eventually arrived in Stocksfield and after passing the cricket ground, got our first glimpse of the river that day. 

With plenty time on our hands, we decided to stop off in Prudhoe for a pub lunch and a pint. Chance was particularly pleased about this decision as he got a bowl of dinner too!

I wasn't 100% fit today as I was struggling with a lower back and hip injury, so when we passed this large property I did consider paying Dr Bell a visit!

(Hagg Bridge)

After leaving Prudhoe and heading along the riverside path, we quickly came to Hagg bridge. We stopped here for 5 minutes to admire the structure and get a few shots. The paths around this area made for easy walking, a relief for me at this point.

(Approaching Wylam)

 As we followed the river, we spotted the bridge into Wylam fast approaching. I checked my watch and realised we had 8 minutes until the hourly train to Newcastle would be pulling into Wylam station. We hot-footed it over the bridge and got there with minutes to spare. We couldn't of timed it better.

(Tired boy)

We had planned to have a drink and a rest in the pub at Wylam but as our train was due, we decided we'd have one back in Newcastle.

I forgot to set the tracker on my phone at the start so the map is missing a small bit.

The walk was 9 miles and took us just over 5 and a half hours.

ONLY 24 MILES REMAINING!

UPDATE - PHIL CATCHES UP!

As Phil couldn't join Helen and I as we walked from Riding Mill to Wylam he was playing 'catch up'. So on 26th February, he set off on his own to complete the stage. He picked a perfect day for it as it was a beautiful calm, sunny day. Once he made it Wylam he met up with a friend in the pub and enjoyed a refreshing pint and a meal, which he assures us, was delicious.

While he was out he got a few splendid shots, which I just had to add to the blog as the are great.

Well done, Phil!

(Beautiful skies)

(Perfect walking weather)

Perfect day!

5th January 2020 - Stage 9 (and a few miles of stage 10). Warden to Riding Mill

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'.

(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! 

(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.

(Devil's Water at Dilston)

(A titillated sign post!)

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.

(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.

(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.

8th December 2019 - Stage 8. Haydon bridge to Warden

A Short Stage for Little Legs

A combination of a few factors leads us to this relatively short blog entry for today's walk.

A lot of road walking, so not very much scenery.

A dull day with only a few bright spells, so not many photos taken.

And, a short walk in distance, so not that much to report!

We had an extra hiker with us today, my daughter, Rosie. Although she found it all a bit too much from quite early on, and spent most of the walk getting a piggy-back ride from me.

As usual we had the use of two cars. We left my car at the Boatside Inn in Warden and squeezed us all into Phil's car and set off to Haydon Bridge to start our walk.  It was quite a cold morning, but thankfully we were blessed with a dry day.

We set off at around 9am today. We didn't stop for a lunch break as we had a table booked at the Boatside Inn. The thought of a Sunday dinner kept us all going.

As previously mentioned, there was quite a bit of road walking on this section so not too much to see but we did spot a friendly bull and found a few spots of river to walk along.

 Eventually, the sun came back out and we spotted the pub in the distance

(Somewhere, over the rainbow, is the Boatside Inn)

(Yummy!)

We had an absolutely gorgeous Sunday lunch and we would all highly recommend stopping there if your passing.

The guide book suggested the walk was 6.5 miles but we walked just over 5 miles today and it took us 2.5 hours.

10th November 2019 - Stage 7. Haltwhistle to Haydon Bridge.

Another day out and another stage completed. 

A full squad and an early start again. We me at Hayden Bridge where we left my car before heading to Haltwhistle to start our walk.

(Passing a quirky little cottage)

This stage of the walk involved a lot of road walking, so not as many things to see today. 

Thankfully we were extremely lucky with the weather. The forecast earlier in the week had predicted a lot of rain but we were so grateful that we didn't see a drop! 

I had expected cold conditions so had wrapped up with many layers of thermals, hat, scarf etc but by the halfway point, most of these were off and in my bag. 

(Helen crossing the lines of safety for a decent photo)

There had been a lot of rainfall throughout the week so the sections that weren't on the road were very muddy. 

We made it to Bardon Mill and decided to stop off for our lunch break and a cold pint. We opted to sit outside as it was such a lovely day, and we felt we were all far too muddy to go inside, especially the Hairy Hiker! 

(Sunny selfie)

(Perfect conditions)

(Does my bum look big in this?

 After a quick lunch break we set off again.

As the bridge at Allen Banks had been washed away again a few years ago, we sadly couldn't walk through the ancient woodlands and past the tarn, much to my great disappointment. Instead we had to continue along the road for that section.

This stage took us just over 6 hours today. We tackled some very steep hills and some extremely muddy fields. All in all we're pleased to have this one ticked off and are looking forward to the last stage of the South Tyne in a few weeks time.

20th October 2019 - Stage 6. Alston to Haltwhistle

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Autumn

View from Lambley Viaduct

A two month break from our walk and summer has since long gone.
On this stretch of the route we have been spoilt with some beautiful autumnal views. Our camera phones really don't do the colours justice.


We had a full squad today and the Hairy Hiker was joined by his trusty friends, Helen, Phil and myself.
We first met at Haltwhistle, where we left my car and piled into Phil's to drive over to our starting point in Alston. Luckily Phil made the wise choice of not parking in the train station car park, which closed at 5pm and instead parked on the road outside the cafe. We weren't back by 5pm so a very wise decision indeed!

Alston Station

 Whilst planning our day and reading the guide we quickly discovered there was an option to ride the narrow gauge railway from Alston. We all agreed this was an opportunity that couldn't be missed. Who doesn't love a ride on an old train?
We had a few different options of how far to travel on the train and due to a few factors, mainly the very cold temperature and me not being 100% physically fit, we decided to travel to the end of the line at Slaggyford, shaving a good 4 miles off todays walking.
After buying our tickets we headed into the cafe and bought some warm drinks for the journey. We opted for the indoor carriage as we thought it was a bit fresh for the outdoor experience!

Coupling up

All aboard!

We thoroughly enjoyed the ride and took full advantage of the relaxing atmosphere, taking in the scenery along the way. The ticket inspector was a friendly fellow, pointing out things for us to look out for on our walk and wished us a good days walking.

The ride was just over 4 miles and took around 35 minutes.

From Slaggyford we crossed the tracks and joined the South Tyne Trail path. The Hairy Hiker was thrilled to eventually be of his lead and stretching his legs.

Setting off

Slaggyford

 We quickly came across a large section of path which was quite flooded and almost impassible. The Hairy hiker strolled straight on whilst we tried to negotiate the best way through. Helen took a wrong turn and her foot went completely under, resulting in a soggy sock and fits of laughter!

Continuing on we crossed a few bridges, passing the Kirkstyle Inn. We had a fantastic vantage point here where we took in some more of the beautiful surroundings and the array of autumnal colours. I must admit, autumn has to be one of my favourite seasons.

Messing around

Happy hiker

 We reached a point along the trail where there was a finger post directing us to turn right to head for Eals. Phil had noticed on his geocaching map that there was a suggestion of a secluded picnic area by the river so we turned off to investigate. Conveniently it was around lunch time and our tummy's were starting to rumble. We weren't disappointed when we discovered a gorgeous, quiet spot on the riverside with some large stone slabs to sit on and a bridge. We sat here and enjoyed our lunch break whilst watching salmon jumping! A memorable moment at a spot that was hard to pull yourself away from.

Hungry Hairy Hiker

Lunchtime view

An idyllic spot

 Whilst eating our lunch we noticed a carving in this rock which looked like it may say '1852'. We thought nothing of it at the time, until we reached Lambley viaduct and we noticed the plaque there stated the viaduct had been built in 1852. We are assuming maybe a worker on the viaduct engraved their initials into this rock. Maybe someone with some local knowledge may know more.

First Selfie of the day

After our lunch break we dragged ourselves away from this tranquil spot and headed back up to the South Tyne Trail path to restart our walk.

It wasn't long till we had the impressive Lambley Viaduct in our sites. There was two options when we got there. Climb up the steps to the top of the viaduct and walk over it, or clamber down the hill and cross the smaller bridge below it. We opted to walk across the viaduct to take in the beautiful views from the top and we weren't disappointed. Helen captured a fantastic shot of the Autumn colours, seen at the top of this page.

Lambley Viaduct

Selfie opportunity

After crossing the viaduct and heading downhill, passed a quaint little house, we soon found ourselves back by the riverside. We continued on our way, passing through fields of cattle and eventually making it to the P.O.W camp of 1945-48 and Featherstone Castle. We thought the plaque depicting the special story of this site, made for an interesting read.

We didn't have time to stop for a better look at the site so we carried on, leaving the grounds and passing the rather steep, Featherstone Bridge. We soon found ourselves on an extremely soggy track, taking us through Bellister Estate. This section was probably the worst part of the walk for us but we squelched onward, with only one of us ending up on our backside! (The one with the soggy foot!) The Hairy Hiker had no problems plodding through the mud and just looked back at us in confusion as to what all the fuss was about.

Happiness is...

Finally we made it to the last leg of today's section. As we approached Haltwhistle we discussed the days walking and how, if we hadn't opted to get the train this morning, we'd be 4 miles behind our current location. We all breathed a sigh of relief at what we agreed was a wise decision. The mud and cold had taken its toll on us today and we were pleased to see the car again.

This walk took us just over 6 hours, including the train ride.