Sunday, 27 May 2012
Tranquillity
Just a quick blog and couple of pics of the river. At this time in the morning it is what the title says......
Looking forward to a good walk and with my phone fully charged for today a few pics.
I have taken plenty already(over 100) on the camera which will be uploaded on our return :-)
Andrew
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Pool time
I'm not sure Dawn, i'll look into it. Think it might be something to do with the blogger app. Xx
Day 2 - inspiring
We all set off from the campsite about 09:15 on another delightful morning full of sunshine and blue skies. The breeze was pleasant today and always seemed to know when we needed cooling off. Our first stop was only a short while away at our 2nd stamping point at the Robin Hood Inn set just outside of Harlow Hill.
The walk took us along the main road to Chollerford, but keeping to the inside of the fields which meant very little tarmac walking and some spectacular scenery that photos wouldn't even do justice......plent were taken :-)
We had a brief stop at a delightful pub called the Errington Arms which was situated on the trail.(such a shame that)
Unfortunately shortly after we left the Errington Arms Simon had to call it a day, due to the heat being a little bit too much. Simon made the short trip back to the pub and got a taxi to Chollerford as we progressed on into even more beautiful landscape and roman history.
The next part of the wall we saw was a sight to behold and had a clear indication of how much effort and engineering went into building it, and for nearly 1600 yrs ago it certainly puts in to perspective what the romans could acheive with the resources available to them.
The scenery just kept on getting better and as we approached Chollerford a wonderfully crafted bridge came into view. Once on top of the bridge you had some breathtaking views of the lively river below meandering its way over rocks and through the hills of Northumberland.
And who would be waiting on the otherside of the bridge.....of course it was Simon, fag in hand under the shady branches of a cluster of trees. With only a short walk to the campsite which is situated next to the river we set our tents ready for a relaxing evening.
Hope you enjoy the read.
Andrew
What have the Romans ever done for us?
Anyway, we broke camp at around 9 am and made our way down from Harlow's Hill and into the woodland beyond, accompanied always by the Military Road- a fairly insignificant B-road I thought, but one which the motorcyclists and sports car owners treat like an eternal straight on Brands Hatch. The trail traversed the road many many times during the days hike and with blistered and aching feet it was often touch and go as to whether we would actually make it before being mown down by some Jenson Button wannabe! I spent many an exciting moment waddling like a demented King Penguin, pack on back and feet like lead weights, desperately seeking sanctuary and dodging blurs of petrol smelling red growly things!
It was a lovely walk. Only 12 miles.....listen to me...only 12 miles! It certainly wasn't the 18 mile grueller we had yesterday, but it was swelteringly hot and sticky. We saw a very well preserved section of wall on the way to Chollerford and even had time to stop off at the Errington Arms for a swift half at lunchtime and later a pot of tea and a slice of cake at the Oswald on the Hill tearooms. The latter was on a lovely spot and the staff wonderfully friendly and attentive - I'd heartily recommend it to other Hadrian's Wallers.
Unfortunately Simon ran out of steam at lunchtime and got a taxi to Chollerford where he greeted us a few hours later.
So here we are in sunny Chollerford at the Riverside Camp site just beyond a beautiful stone arched bridge, which apparently has a large phallic symbol carved into its foundations. Jacko is very excited at the prospect of looking for this later! Well he did win 'Cock of the Day' yesterday and is well on his way to securing the award two days running!
We're off to explore Chollerford now that we're all showered and spruced up, so more later.....
Russ
Day 1......concrete galore
The walk through Newcastle was very pleasant along the River Tyne and surprisingly quiet for a major city. The weather was glorious and stayed with us for the full 18.5 miles to Harlow Hill. The little breeze we had made the walk tough, and The Three Tuns pub in Heddon on the Wall was welcomed by all. We eventually got to the campsite which was a very small but friendly place.
I wont rabbit on anymore so I will speak to you all soon for our ventures of day 2
Andrew x
Wall....what wall?!
As you already know we were blessed with unbelievably hot and dry weather and so it's set to continue until Monday at least. 18.5 miles may not sound particularly long if you say it quickly, but believe me it is particularly when this first section is mainly along Tarmac and you're carrying a 50lb wardrobe on your back! The city of Newcastle is beautiful at its centre and we could certainly appreciate the investment which had clearly been made along its docklands area. The village of Heddon was a welcome relief at the 15 mile point and who could resist a cold pint of lager on such a hot day? None of us that's for sure. And so, here we are in the little hamlet of Harlow Hill, breaking camp ready for another days adventure. The sun's shining, the birds are tweeting and we're about to go for a stroll along a wall. Ain't life grand?!
Russ
Update on Paul's tent pegs
For all the Paul Jackson fans out there we have some exciting news about his so called missing tent pegs! An announcment from Mr Jackson this morning stated "i've found my tent pegs, they were rolled up in my gaiters"
We were all so pleased for him :-)
Friday, 25 May 2012
1st campsite
All chilling out having a brew. Tents erected....... eventually after Jacko had to ask the owners for some tent pegs after he found out that his were still in Lutterworth!
A well deserved drink!
15 miles done, 3 to go to the campsite. A very hot but lovely day, the breeze has just picked up to cool us down.
The Start of the First Day
And they're off - almost!!
Shirley and I are waving and suddenly Richard climbs back out of the bus - the only one who gets travel sick and he's forgotten to take his tablet until reminded by his surrogate mum Simon - bless.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Route
As accurate as I could get it, but it'll give an idea for everyone who is interested on where we will be passing by on our walk.
Andrew
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Three Peaks Pics
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Penultimate Sunday walk
+1.5miles due to the GPS not kicking in till just after rugby road, and then the battery died on my phone at the same point on the route back! Russ, Paul, Tim and Andrew did a good 15 mile walk today with glorious weather and great company. Paul was struggling a little due to a groin strain sustained whilst trampolining???? (we believe you Paul) :-) The day was entertaining, esp when walking past Stanford Reservoir where 2 pairs of Swans within 300yrds of each other were nesting, of which one female gave a threatening "hiss" to say the pace picked up past them was an understatement!
A good test of distance today for the actual walk.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Malvern Hills - Practice Walk
Early this morning three men set off for the Malvern Hills. Paul, Tim and Richard. Russ was already there because he was spending the whole weekend walking the range. We met with Russ at the designated car park (free parking of course) got our devils on our backs and set off.
We couldn't have wished for better weather, not too hot, not too cold and it didn't rain. The Sun was out most of the time.
The company was great, as was the banter. Tim and myself performed our good deed of the day by helping an elderly lady down the side of a steep hill (no, it wasn't Paul in drag!). Here is our GPS track for the day:
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| Malvern Hills |
