(19th March 2014 - 19 miles) On the ninth day of my walk across England from Ulverston to Berwick, I woke early, pulled back the curtains and gasped. Blue skies! Sunshine! After three grey days, a sunny spring morning was a bit of a shock. I danced a little jig (not really), had a shower … Continue reading St Oswald’s Way: Day 1 – Wall to Kirkwhelpington
St Oswald’s Way
In 634AD, or thereabouts, King Oswald of Bernicia led a small army against the combined, larger forces of Gwynedd and Mercia at the battle of Heavenfield. The record of Oswald's life is scant but on the eve of battle he (might have) personally raised a large wooden cross and (possibly) asked his men to join him … Continue reading St Oswald’s Way
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 3 – Steel Rigg to Wall
(Hadrian's Wall Path. 18th March 2014 - 14 miles + 1 off route) Breakfast at Saughy Rigg was as good as it gets: yoghurt with berries, toast, marmalade, the finest egg benedict in the land and swooningly-strong coffee. Decent coffee isn't so very difficult to make and yet I despair at the number of B&B's … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 3 – Steel Rigg to Wall
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 2 – Gilsland to Steel Rigg
(Hadrian's Wall Path. 17th March 2014 – 8½ miles + 3 miles off route) Stephen at Bush Nook cooked me a huge breakfast but that wasn't a problem. Afterwards, as I sipped my coffee (and idly considered forgoing my walk and spending the day in his warm conservatory), he kindly offered me a lift down … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 2 – Gilsland to Steel Rigg
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 1 – Carlisle to Gilsland
(Hadrian's Wall Path. 16th March 2014 – 18½ + 1½ miles off route) The Howard Lodge (a central B&B I'd stayed in before) served up a fine breakfast of poached eggs and fruit salad (separate plates) and a remarkably horrid jam in a plastic tub. But, unfortunate jam aside, it's a good stop for the … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 1 – Carlisle to Gilsland
The Walking Gardener 