Pennine Way Day 14 - Bellingham to Bryness

Leaving Bellingham and having a peek at the old railway station buildings.

Heading up towards Blakelaw.

Gentle walking as we head towards the moorland.

Lough Shaw

Deer Play summit.

Padon Hill.

A climb through the jungle to the top of Brownrigg Head. We had seen a father and daughter set off an hour before us whilst we were having breakfast back in Bellingham. The waitress happened to mention that he was trying to buy compeeds for his blistered feet, but couldn't find anywhere in Bellingham that sold them. So we packed a few extra each and calculated that we may catch up with them after about 8 miles - It was here that we spotted them just ahead (after 8.5 miles), and when we caught up with them, they were very surprised that we knew all about them and had brought some supplies that would ease the pain slightly. After a nice chat, we said goodbye and set off again.

Looking back to Padon Hill.

Some significant storm damage by the looks of it.

My theory that this was a Christmas Tree plantation, was squashed when we reached Bryness - unfortunately they are just harvested when mature enough and re-planted with new saplings.

The poorest part of today's walk was the long section of forestry tracks, bland and uninteresting, but England were just beginning to get the better of Australia in the 3rd Ashes test match and the commentary kept us occupied for the next hour or so.

'Blakehopeburnhaugh' - Is this a name or a sentence ? and the River Rede.

The entrance to Kielder Forest Drive.

The pretty Redesdale Forest.

Crossing the River Rede at 'Cottonshopeburnfoot' They certainly like their weird names up here !

On the outskirts of Bryness as we hear England score the winning runs - Great end to the walk.

St Francis Church Bryness, (1793)

Arrival at Forest View where we enjoyed a couple of beers in the sun out the front and met up with Dave & Sian who as usual join us towards the end of each long distance walk.

We also enjoyed chatting to Oliver & Laura who own the Forest View and made us all feel very welcome.

Evening meal was very much a communal affair for all the walkers staying there and everyone was chatting away about the Pennine Way, which must be like Groundhog day for Laura & Oliver who were there to offer advice or help regarding the next days ordeal.

We were doing the next stage in one hit, so were were advised to set off between 5am and 7am - We chose 6am and Laura prepared a well stocked packed lunch for us (well two actually).

For once we had a relatively early night, the fun and games would be held back for Kirk Yetholm tomorrow.

A swallows nest with 4 chicks was tucked away in the entrance porch of Forest View - Quite a racket when the parents came back at feeding time. But great to watch.