Christian Aid at 80 Part 9 - The Walk Day 3 Part 2
Leaving Birdoswald at 12.14 I knew that the 7 miles to Cawfields Quarry was achievable in the time left but the extreme heat was taking its toll. I decided to take it easy and not put too much pressure on myself to reach Haltwhistle in time for the celebration. (Although the promised refreshments at the Methodist Church sounded too good to miss!)
The well defined path took me East and then into woodland where the track deviated on a course which covered more distance than looks necessary than if a straight line could have been followed.
I soon came to a bridge crossing the River Irthing where views up and down river were very pretty. Sometimes perfect photographs are just there for the taking!
Moving steadily on I came to the outskirts of Gilsland, where the signs seemed to have disappeared. I followed a lane into the village, aware that I may be a bit lost. The young waiter standing outside The House of Meg Tearooms was very helpful and pointed the way through the village (up the hill!) to the station to pass under the railway bridge to rejoin the path safely on the other side of the line.
When he had finished one of the two young ladies sitting on a bench nearby confessed that they too would have had to ask for directions had they not been able to eavesdrop. I briefly passed the time of day with them and mentioned that I couldn’t delay as I needed to be in Haltwhistle by 4pm.
The next place of interest was Thirlwall Castle, I did not have time to make the short detour to the Castle but it stood looking relatively small in the imposing landscape and showing the wear and tear of its 800 years.
I met an elderly couple who said they were intending to walk to a nearby Roman Army Museum.
As I glanced back at the top of the next steady rise I could see that they were slowly but determinedly pressing on despite the heat and the distance. (I wonder if they ever made it!?)
Through a gate at the top of the hill the green of the field changed to rougher grass and the going was not easy. I pressed on slowly, overtaken by a lone walker who was soon far ahead.
Dropping down to Walltown Country Park I discovered the Museum on one side of the lane and Walltown Country Park on the other. I crossed the lane and struggled with the lack of signs.
Aware of my time constraints and finding map reading a struggle I decided to follow the blue line on my phone and dropped down through a scrubland path on to a straight track heading straight towards Cawfields Quarry.
For about 90 minutes I slowly made my way along, disappointed that I had missed out Walltown Crags but sure that I’d made I wise decision. (I will return and conquer the crags another time!)
After what seemed forever on the long and boring track I reached the point where the blue line on my phone showed a sharp left turn up hill to Chester’s Farm. As I approached a group of young walkers passed in front of me walking East to West and I knew when I got to where they crossed I would be back on track!
During final mile towards the Quarry I was aware that I needed to take a short break then tackle the 2 miles of lanes into Haltwhistle. I received an unexpected text message from John and Judith Fairbairn to say they were on their way to Haltwhistle from Housesteads, they kindly agreed to pick me up at Cawfields Quarry and I was transported those 2 miles int Haltwhistle.
Strava says 8 miles for the afternoon making the total for the day 18 miles. 41,000 steps.
Next time back to Cawfields Quarry for a day on the crags!