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The morning started with a gourmet breakfast in the conservatory - man, they are serious about their breakfasts here. Jacquie also sent us off with bag lunches, as she said there aren't any/many places on the walk today for a lunch stop. A quick goodbye to our hosts, and time to head to Corbridge.
I opted to rough it and keep my pack for today (but admit I offloaded my toiletry bag and sandals to Tom's bag) - sure hope the other packs make it to the next destination!
It was a beautiful day today, and the walk became more remote. A lot of walking directly through farmers fields amongst the sheep and cows. This required using stiles in order to keep the livestock in their fields (who knew?)
The first stiles we encountered were adorable. We took photos, videos, etc - something new and exciting for our walk. There were different types of stiles:
- the spring loaded push your way to get in, move to the side, let the gate close, then get out type of stile
- the grab the tall oar shaped pole and step over on wooden steps type of stile
- the basic climb the step ladder type of stile
- the cantilevered stone step type of stile
- the cross cross step stile
- the U-shape stile
You get the point - there were many styles of stiles!!
After about the 25th stile, they were no longer cute - they were just downright annoying and really hard on your ankles, knees, hips, etc. Each time we saw another one, there was an audible "ugh" from the group. I was beginning to regret my decision of wearing my pack (especially when I just about fell backwards off the top of a stone wall). Lugging that thing up, over, and down so many stiles was really slowing me/us down. Hearing that future days are to be more grueling, I'm sad to say that I have already decided that there will be 4 packs for the porter tomorrow...
We stayed together for the majority of the walk today, and then planned to take different paths to Corbridge. Mike (the purist) decided to remain on the main path straight west to Chollerford and then take a bus to Corbridge to meet us. Tom, Becky and I decided to take the alternate path south and head right to Corbridge in order to get there early and enjoy the village. Well, that was the plan anyway.
When we got to the point of splitting apart, Becky and I took the route we thought was correct, but Tom thought we peeled off the main path too early, so he remained with Mike a bit further before heading south (the book was a bit confusing). Seems we were both wrong. Tom ended up on the shoulder of a busy highway into town, and Becky and I got really lost near the Aydon castle, where we found someone to give us elaborate "short cut" directions down into a very scary valley, through a field, etc, etc. (this could be a story all on its own). What should have taken under an hour from the turn to reach Corbridge took Tom almost 2, and Becky and I a little over 2.5. So much for arriving early and seeing the village ;)
We finally all arrived in Corbridge, and it really was a beautiful quaint little English Village (but pretty much closed up for the night). We had a great dinner at a local pub and called it a night.
Tomorrow we begin on the main path again, and the guidebook calls for an amazing day (best one of the entire walk)! Oh, and we are booked at the Twice Brewed Inn - a little pub/brewery with rooms above it in a town called Once Brewed. Sounds LOW-vah-lee.
Stats: ~17 miles today, making 35 total and ~ 55 more to go
- comments
renee I LOVE the stiles! glad they go over...and not under!
Theresa Did that scary forest have any rodents of unusual size? ;)
Chris O Great scenery and cool looking towns.
Terry I always knew Tom would be outstanding in his field.