Walking Lands End to John O'Groats 2025 for Alzheimer's Society

I had a very pleasant evening with Richard and Paula. I really appreciated the company and wonderful to catch up with Richard and meet his wife - thank you Richard! I was very impressed by The Sill YHA - a marvellous building but made by the friendliness of the staff. After a calorie-enriching breakfast I left at 9am. Although I didn’t meet many people (I think it was 5) it seemed like I had long conversations with each of them! The first was a gentleman of 80 walking his 16 year old chocolate lab for 6 miles who - fascinated by my walk, proceeded to tell me of his escapades up the Munros and Graemes in Scotland - heading off to the Lakes the following day and Scotland in June. I climbed up Steel Rigg enjoying the scramble and the feeling of height walking along the scarp. I came to the now Sycamore-less Gap with very mixed feelings now the trial has found the pair guilty. It’s such a waste, but with the stump sprouting it is a great symbol of regeneration and hope. One of the highligh...

I set off at about 9:15 having chatted with Lesley who runs the Kellah B&B. I’d certainly recommend it and would like to go back with Martin some time so we can visit the Hadrian Wall museum. A cool breeze was what I had hoped for - this was going to make the morning easier than yesterday which was hot and humid. I made my way through Greenrigg with the well known old caravans and men sleeping in them - one gave me a cheery greeting and offered me one of the chicks I was admiring for my lunch! There were fine specimens of hens, ducks and cockerels, obviously well looked after, and I knew he was teasing. Onwards across Hartleyburn Common (north side) and when the path dispersed through what would normally be bog, I set my sights on the fence ahead and joined the path at the bridge over the Glencue Burn. Normally this would have been ridiculous as it would have been deep bog but the going was springy and dry over the moss. I kept an eye out for any eggs or chicks not wanting to distu...

I had a peaceful night at the Alston YHA - definitely recommended. After a good breakfast I left around 9 and headed for the South Tyne Trail walking with my German friends for a bit who had arrived late last night after discovering the Alston “campsite” was a caravan site.  They headed up to Cobbles Cafe for breakfast whilst I set off along the Trail. They were catching the train to Slaggyford so they were going to look out for me! As I walked through the station and dropped down to the river I was pleased to see sand-martins nesting in the sandbank and fish below in the water. There were men getting the steam engine called the Green Dragon out ready for the 10:30 train with the carriage waiting further along. I would listen out for the whistle to take photos. As I walked along there were lots of Green veined butterflies which I had also seen yesterday feeding on daisies and red campion. Following the railway line was obviously straightforward but there was still beautiful scenery...

Having thought I’d be on my own last night, 2 German guys arrived - it turned out the ones Martin and I had seen at Clove Lodge who had got too cold when overnighting at the shooting cabin the night before. They were good company - and managed to get the stove lit which made the Hut that bit more homely. I had the best sleep in awhile. I’d gone outside at 3:45 and seen dawn on the horizon. I left shortly after 9 having got up at 7:30. The sky was clear and the view was breath-taking. The way to Garrigill is along the Corpse Road - notoriously long and arduous. Today I have to admit that is how it seemed to me. I was determined to enjoy the scenery but all was quiet and very few birds were about. You can see the road winding up and down through the hills for miles and the descent down to the village seemed to go on a long time. But make it I did, arriving shortly after 12 and I stopped for coffee, yoghurt and a Wispa Gold from the post office. I sat out on the village green enjoying the...