Day 18 (16) Pennine Way - Windy Gyle to Kirk Yetholm

Day 18 and the PW finally had a kick in the tail with a windy and wet day. Not really bad but it had its moments. About 50 minutes back to Windy Gyle from the drop off point at Trows Farm. Cloud level very much reduced the visibility compared to yesterday. When I reached the decision point to go up to Cheviot summit it was raining hard and the summit was obscured. Carried on round and down to the Mountain refuge hut lunch. The clouds cleared by the time we reached the top of the Schil but the wind was still strong. Stunning views from the top before the descent into Kirk Yetholm and my free 1/2 pint, certificate and a wee glass of 🥃Macallan 😉. Mrs Sheard being the angel she is has driven up to meet me and we have a nice dinner and hotel booked on route home. 18 days wandering in the garden of Eden. Very blessed and grateful.

Day 17 (15) Byrness to Windy Gyle

 Pennine Way Day 17 (15) Byrness to Windy Gyle - 16 miles 

Fairly relaxed start to the day and 6 of us heading off from the Forest View inn up to Windy Gyle. More beautiful scenery and the weather continues to be amazing helping not just the clear views but very little bog to worry about. We had all pretty much arrived at Windy Gyle by 3:45 and it is about another 45-60 mins hour to the rendezvous pick point about 2.5 miles down the track for 5pm. Minivan pulled in just as we arrived at the appointed “what-three-words” location. Perfect timing balancing enjoying the views with not getting left behind. One more push to Kirk Yetholm with about another 16 miles to go.

Day 16 (14) Bellingham to Byrness

 Pennine Way Day 16 (14) Bellingham to Byrness

A pleasant day with good views all way back to Cross Fell range in the South and North to the Cheviots and my next 2 days. Arrived in Byrness at Walkers Inn just as they unlocked at 4pm. Already very impressed with their service cup of tea , local draft beers and menu choices for dinner. Staying 2 nights here and they do a pick up and drop off to bridge to Kirk Yetholm. 240 miles complete and 30 ish to go over the last 2 days.

Day 15 (13b) Winshields Campsite to Bellingham

 Pennine Way Day 15 (13b) Winshields Campsite to Bellingham. Just short of 16 miles to the Campsite but another mile into Bellingham for supplies and rehydration😉

An amazing family friend helped out with a full wash of all my sweaty walking gear and delivered it back this morning with 2 bacon 🥓 rolls, and a packed lunch including a homemade Lemon drizzle that will see my over the finish line. (Thank you Leah ❤️). Captured the trig at Winshields Crag again on my way past. Pleasant up and downs along the wall. Saw Sycamore Gap with a real gap😢. The route then heads North East through the south Kielder Forest. A fairly easy day with more stunning views. Can’t quite believe we are getting such good weather but I think it might break before I finish in Kirk Yetholm on Saturday. Rachel is coming up to meet for the long drive home on Sunday.

Day 14 (13a) Greenhead to Windshields Campsite. (Rest day)

I have broken up day 13 from the guide to give me a shorter rest day and a chance to try the Twice Brewed pub offerings for research purposes. Beautiful walk along the Hadrians Wall taking in the Winshield trig for a lunch before stopping at the Campsite. Beat my luggage today but had a brew in the campsite reception. It has been a glorious day and glad to have some shade for the afternoon to rest. 💤

Day 13 (12) Alston (Cumbria) to Greenhead (Northumberland) - 17 miles

Described in the guide books  as a dull day compared to the hike up Cross fell or Hadrians Wall sections. Personally I loved it.  A great day largely on green pastures filled with lambs and spring flowers and quite a few viaducts on the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway.

Day 12 (11) Dufton to Alston

 Pennine Way Day 12 (11) Dufton to Alston 20 miles - Longest hike to the highest point in England and the PW. Also the windiest and coldest place officially.  Blessed with stunning views as the clouds lifted just as I got to the Cross Fell summit. The descent to Greg’s Hut a well known Bothie and shelter was great. The next section from Greg’s Hut to Garrigill is 6 miles of chunky rock/gravel road called the Corpse road that was really hard work. Glad to reach Alston YHA and a hot meal. My walking companion for most of the day was Graham an amazingly sprightly 80 year old who is rewalking the Pennine Way 45 years after he last did it.