13 miles
Weather: cloudy, sunny intervals, showers, cleared by evening
A good breakfast at Kellah B&B to set us up for the day. We rejoined the Pennine Way to begin but we immediately went wrong! We turned left too soon after Batey Shield and walked down a deep clough which we then had to clamber out of - very embarrassing. After twenty minutes we were back on the right track and trudged over a boggy moor with a slight detour to avoid cows. At Lambley we followed the path under the impressive Lambley Viaduct and then we were on the South Tyne Trail to Slaggyford and beyond.
A scenic walk with woodland, the River Tyne and occasional glimpses of the moors which were looking their best with the purple heather on display. During this stage the path runs parallel with the A689 and the Pennine Way. At Burnstones we stopped for lunch, At Slaggyford,which was once a thriving centre for nail making, we left the South Tyne Trail and rejoined the Pennine Way. By this stage Mrs C was very tired after a poor night's sleep and suffering from a blistered heel.I knew we were approaching the South Tynedale Railway and I thought that maybe she could hitch a ride to Alston. At this exact moment a father and son appeared on the path. We chatted, as you do, and they told us they were waiting for the train to depart at the station - bingo! Quicker than you can say, "Narrow gauge railway", I had Mrs C installed on the train, fair paid and ticket clutched, rattling along in a carriage off to Alston. I waved her off and continued with the walk.
At this point the official route continues along the Pennine Way to Alston - 5 1/2 miles. The easier, shorter route was 4 miles alongside the railway. I took the easier option as it was quicker and cow free. A pleasant walk - I had the river on one side, with bridges to cross, birds to look at. I saw a fallow deer scamper over the railway line as the train was coming along. I arrived in Alston as a shower passed overhead. I visited the town hall and a helpful lady gave me directions to our B&B Greycroft B&B. Jane was already installed when I arrived and resting. I had tea and homemade cake with our landlady in the lounge. A shower, a change of clothes and we headed out for dinner at Alston House where we had a tasty meal.
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