Day 47 Langdon Beck to Alston ( Our 12th county

Day 47 Langdon Beck to Alston ( Our 12th county - Cumbria)

After a disturbed night with Alfie's tummy thinking it needed to eat grass from 4am, we all set off from Cow Green reservoir. We walked, keeping the reservoir on our left, with the views of Great Dun Fell (with its radar station), Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell (the highest point in the Pennines) behind the reservoir.

Once we passed the end of the reservoir, there were some disused mines. Garry passed some disused shafts further along.

Me and Alfie headed back after 2.5 miles whilst Garry continued on the pathway until he reached the road. I actually drove past him as I returned to Alston. It felt wrong not offering him a lift! Garry continued walking on the road for a while as the pathway was unclear and looked like it could possibly go into the depths of the valley. The sign indicated it wasn't suitable for vehicles or pedestrians.

After walking on the road for about three miles, Garry took a left down to the South Tyne Trail. The trail, although it was pretty, was hard going with many many stiles to negotiate. Garry stopped just outside Garrigill for lunch, on a handily placed bench.

The way was rerouted due to a closed bridge further down the river. Not a sign that he wanted to see!

This added an additional mile or two to the walk. Garry saw wildlife in this section, butterflies, rabbits and birds plus some human engineered features.

The trail then came out on the south side of Alston, where Garry returned to the Airbnb for a welcome cup of tea.

14.5 miles walked today (but the horrible Pennine Way section via Dufton was avoided!)

Due to saving some time, it's likely to be a short one tomorrow, from Alston to somewhere towards Haltwhistle before a rest day on Friday.

Comments

Day 86 Nybster to John o'Groats (The final day!)

Lands End to John o'Groats complete! Winding back to yesterday evening, Garry and I had a stroll around Wick harbour. Much later in the evening, a surprise visitor, Will, arrived in Wick after 15 hours of train travel from London. I've never seen Garry so surprised! A later night than originally planned before the final walking day! This morning, I dropped Garry and Will at Nybster where they began walking northwards along the A99. Me and Alfie headed to park up at John o'Groats. We met in John O'Groats village and walked together to Duncansby Head, which is the true north easterly point of mainland UK, with some incredible sea stacks. It was pretty windy there! From Duncansby Head, we walked back towards John O'Groats vil...

The day after...

We started from Land’s End on May 3 rd 2025, full of enthusiasm and apprehension and finished at John o'Groats on August 9 th 2025, weathered, weary but full of pride. Garry has walked 1112 miles through trails, bogs, lanes, fields and roads. I’ve walked nearly 38% of the miles, a total of 421 miles, largely walking small sections each day whilst being the support vehicle for collecting and dropping Garry at the start and end of the routes. We have walked through 25 different counties and districts/burghs (a different system in Scotland). We have stayed in 28 different places, mostly Airbnbs, but also a hotel, a ‘micro-lodge’, at a family member’s house and home. 40 nights have been in Scotland and 60 nights have been in England. We’ve had 13 rest days and 86 walking days. Thank you to the following people who have walked with us at some point along the journey; Craig, Paul and Anita, Isaac, Sarah (on 3 occasi...

Getting ready.....

We have a complete route planned now! We aim to set off from Land's End on 3rd May 2025. We have decided to take on the challenge of walking from Land's End to John o'Groats, starting in early May 2025. It is likely to take 3 months and cover 1200 miles so definitely a big undertaking. Whilst walking, we are taking the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Many of us have either had cancer ourselves or have a family member who has been affected. Garry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2023 and following a successful treatment is cancer free. Marie's brother Liam, sadly died in April 2024 following a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. We have both had family members and friends who have not survived and others who have made successful recoveries with the amazing support of the NHS. If you are able to donate it may be your donation that funds the research that finds a cure. Whatever you are able to give, we truly appreciate it. Marie, Garry an...

Garry and Marie walk South to North

Search This Blog