Diary of the walk
Before the start 22nd April 2007
Ann and I walked Bundle along the beach toward Seahouses that evening doing about the six miles to make up 70. No problems and just an empty beach all the holidaymakers had gone home
Day 0ne 23rd April 2007
We left Melrose at 9.30 taking a photo of Bundle in front of the Abbey. Heading out of town we started to walk up a slight rise beneath the bypass turning left and quickly starting to climb. Whoever set out this route must have been a sadist. The climb was long and hard. I thought that the whole idea of the walk was ill conceived before I reached the top!
Once at the top the walking became much easier but the rain started. The rain continued on and off most of the day Only the morning was really wet and Bundle looked quite wet by lunchtime.
I had to divert off the route as dogs were banned and reached the town ahead of my colleagues waiting for them under a railway bridge.
It was too early for lunch so we pressed on but the next village despite the promise of refreshment lacked any pub or coffee shop We found a bench on the road to golf club for a twenty minute break.
The afternoon started with the walk round the Tweed Good walk with a rise and fall of the path. Leaving this we walked up to Maxton and thro to the old roman road. This ran parallel to A68 and whilst a pleasant walk was noisy. The end of the walk was hard especially the climbs but should be easier the next day
Leaving the roman road we went thro some woods and as we were leaving there was a sign on the path directing us to a café. There was only 10 minutes till it shut I summoned up sufficient energy to run to check they were open. The café was excellent
High spot of the day the run to the café
Low spot the climb at the start
Worst problem getting Bundle over the ladder style
Bundle’s star event Paddling for a drink in the Tweed
Day two 24th April
A gentle stroll thro woodland lead to a suspension bridge that moved with every step Who said that the bridge in London wobbled but Bundle did not care about the suspension bridge and coped better than some of the walkers
After that we followed a river again and then up onto the ridges. The views were great and the weather ideal with sunny periods giving a wonderful patchwork to the distant views.
A long climb upto the edge of a forest followed with a mid morning stop for a welcome break and then on to lunch at a castle. Not everybody gets invited to a castle for lunch, even if we had to invite each other.
A long road walk proved that some drivers never get out of their car. Why can’t they pull over instead of needing us to leap into the hedge. Ever driver should have to walk and cycle on a main road at least once a year to keep their licence.
A village shop provided coffee/tea with an ‘eat’ for us all for the princely sum of £3.18 and a free water top up for Bundle.
The afternoon had a horrendous climb up to the highest point. Poor Bundle refused to climb until bribed by a sausage. A brief stop for water and food and he was off again.
The final walk down to the car was an excellent relief and reaching the car about six o’clock was most welcome
High spot of the day The sense of achievement at reaching the top or a completely dry day
Low spot Having to deal with a cow looking after its virtually dead calf. I had to lift Bundle over a dry stone wall climb over after him and distract the cow whilst the rest of the party got round her
Bundle’s achievement Conning me out of another sausage, seven times.
Day Three 25th April 2007
The target today was Wooler. We left a first car there and drove on.
The start was as always uphill and Bundle was a little reluctant to lead but then he got into his stride after only a little way
We walked thro an architect designed village dating from 1920’s. To my taste it was nothing special.
Morning break was a little late and then we pressed on, passing sheep but unexpectedly goats with kids, then a long climb stopping just short of the top for lunch. During lunch we heard a curlew but not much else
By now the wind was picking up.
Completing the climb we came onto open moor. Very very windy and rather plain
The descent down gave us the first view of Wooler but the route was most indirect. Directing the path around just to add to the distance is pointless and devalues the Walk
Rounding the top of a valley we saw a Buzzard take off from below us and soar away.
The final section lacked way marks hopefully not a taste of tomorrow
High spot of the day Being able to walk at all given the way I felt
Low spot of the day Routing the path thro’ a conifer plantation dark and pointless
Bundle’s achievement Managing to stay on top of the peat bogs almost!
Day four 26th April 2007
An early start as it was a big day. I so much did not want to go. I came the nearest I had to giving up, but once out of the car I knew I was right to resist the easy option. I wanted to be away before everybody else was ready, partly because it was so cold
The usual climb to start the walk then a descent to the valley and perhaps Bundle’s greatest achievement of the whole walk. He managed a ladder stile without prompting and without guidance. Cruft’s agility next.
Gentle strolls thro farm tracks lead to the climb to St Cuthbert’s Cave. Not really big enough for the lounge/kitchen/bedroom/bathroom/utility How would the average agent sell it. They would have to rely on the view and lack of neighbours Offers over £500000 cash only!
Within metres of the Cave we crossed the ridge and there was the first view of Holy Island Worth the walk. Was it so good because it was the end of the walk or is it really that magical. To know you will have to walk it yourself
Strolling down the hills in the sunshine was excellent and then the walk on to the Island. Cars hate you and we wanted to be traditional so we walked the Pilgrim’s Route. A bit wet but superb. Bundle had enough energy left to play and the water splashed everywhere.
Then the backup crew met us the photos of the end and the pleasure of arriving.
Usually at the end I feel flat but not here. I’m glad I did it. I hope my Mum watched.