Day 48 Alston to Coan Wood (Our 13th county, Northumberland)

Today Garry used the South Tyne Trail, which is the site of the old Alston Line, that used to link Haltwhistle in Northumberland with Alston in Cumbria. He started at Alston early this morning in the drizzle ( no need for a lift to the start today, so a lie in for me!)

Just past Alston, was the old Cumberland/ Northumberland border as Garry entered Northumberland. The line can still be used to travel from Slaggyford from Alston. The South Tynedale Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that operates a 5-mile section of the former Alston line, connecting Alston and Slaggyford.

Much of the track was through countryside alongside fields of sheep.

After 5 miles of so, Garry reached the station of Slaggyford, with a road crossing over the train track.

Continuing along the track, he reached a viaduct by Lambley. Garry needed to climb up and over the viaduct as the line stopped in Lambley and there was a now a converted building on the disused line. Some great views from up there!

Meanwhile, me and Alfie drove to Coanwood and walked along to meet Garry on the track. We turned back towards the car and then all continued the other way up the track to today's end point, near Rowfoot.

A farm shop cafe visit later replaced Garry's lost calories and gave his legs a welcome rest.

Garry was pleased that he has knocked a few miles (10 out of the 13.5 in fact!) off the planned next walking day.

A well needed rest day tomorrow and a new Airbnb near Bellingham.

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