Oct 27: Travelled up minus Vaughan and Mark, to enjoy the last week end before the clocks changed.  Unfortunately rucksack rather heavy about 35 pounds, had to take the large one even though I had an absolute minimum of food. An uneventful journey train reasonably empty escaped to the quiet coach for most if the trip, quick change in Newcastle and arrived in Haltwhistle at about 5.20. Then started walking partly on roads and paths, and arrived Once Brewed at about 7.15. Checked in and asked what the time the pub stopped serving food to be told that it would not be “before 8”, which meant a bit of a scramble. When I got there I discovered that they served until 9, so panic over. Good meal, and then prepared for the rigours of tomorrow.

Oct 28: Set off about 9.30 made reasonably good time along Hadrian’s Wall, and arrived on the outskirts of Greenhead at about lunchtime. Then skirted round the edge of the golf course crossed a very busy road and then was on fairly featureless moorland. I got diverted and took a long dog leg to the East then did a little bit on the road, then crossed the Hartley Burn after a lot of up & down, then on less hilly ground. However running out of time as it was now 5 and about to get dark, rang up the place I was staying and told them I was going to be late. I started walking down the road, then it started to rain, then it poured, someone stopped and I accepted the lift gladly-they took me into Slaggyford Village.

Oct 29: Went off on the disused railway for a while then joined the PW. Went on a bizarre roundabout route then walked into Alston and topped up on my supplies. Then carried on into Garigill, arrived there in good time. I was convinced I had booked into the Post Office, complete confusion on the owner’s face. I walked down the main street passed a B&B –Bridge View- wondering where to stay, saw a note to me in the window, obviously some foul up over booking. Eventually made contact with the owner who was out at the time I arrived. Went out to the local pub for a meal that night. Did not feel that well that night, probably the result of a v heavy rucsac and a long day yesterday.

October 30: Set off after a huge breakfast, still not feeling that great set off for Cross Fell, beautiful day. Started the drag up to the top, seemed to be going OK, lunch at Greg’s hut with the weather deteriorating fast and the cloud descending fast. Made it to the summit in zero possibility, then made a massive navigational foul up, managed to get completely lost, eventually got sorted out and got to Great Dun Fell. And the hideous mast on top. Started off down the road but then made for Knock Old Man in awful weather, then managed to make another navigational cock up, should have headed SW but headed in same direction. Soon realised my mistake and got on the right track just as night was falling. Phew. Lost height and got into Dufton, hardly any lights in the village eventually found the YH. Bad news the pub was shut, but the warden kindly made some food.

Oct 31: Set off from Dufton for High Cup Nick, long drag but the wait was worth it, really spectacular. Then cut across country along Maize beck, but my feet were killing me could not work out why, my feet were boiling, took my boots off, and took my insoles out. Magic, instant relief. Joined the main road at Langdon Beck, unfortunately could not get into the YH or hotel, so had to stay at the High Force Hotel. Pretty awful place, but was past caring, ate there that night.

Nov 1: Walked down the road and joined the PW, then walked up to where I left it the previous night, passed a quarry then reached the place where I had left it. Paused, then turned round, passed the quarry again, then looked at High Force quite spectacular, very pleasant path, by the river almost the whole way, cut across some fields almost a wrong turning, then reached the end of the path. Passed a cattle market then into Middleton In Teesdale, found my B&B quite easily, fabulous place.

Nov 2: Caught the bus to Darlington, then caught the train south. Good trip, but next time must take a smaller load in my rucksack.