Day 9

Hexham to Walwick (August 2013)
6 miles
Weather:  Sunshine and some cloud, warm

Our trains arrived on time in Hexham for the start of the second leg of our Pennine Journey. My train travelling via the east coast line and Mrs C's; the west coast.   Hugs and welcomes at the station then into town for a late lunch before we started walking.  We found a  lovely Greek cafe where we chatted and checked the maps.  We left Hexham in sunshine and hoped this was a sign of things to come after the very wet conditions of last year's walk.

River Tyne

We crossed the River Tyne over a fine bridge designed by Robert Mylne and then we were off into the hills towards Hadrian's Wall.  We ambled through the village of Accomb with it's water pump, 2 pubs and handsome stone houses.  An Alpaca farm was passed and we were eyed suspiciously by a flock of Alpacas; large and small.  Then, there it was, our first view of the wall at Plane Trees.  Our path was now following the Hadrian's Wall National Trail.. This had been my first long distance walk in 2004 - a walk I thoroughly enjoyed - even the first section through Newcastle which some people tend to be a bit sniffy about.  We had a pleasant stroll through a woodland and then a not so pleasant walk along a busy road.  The River Tyne was crossed again at Chollerford via another very fine structure by Mr Mylne.  It is a splendid bridge with a view down to the remains of the old Roman Bridge.  A left turn past Chesters Fort and a walk by a very grand entrance to a stately pile with lions and box hedging in intricate patterns.  We found out later that this was the  home of the founder of the Sage software.  We ascended Lincoln Hill and enjoyed an Eccles cake sat on a conveniently placed bench.

The Secret Garden

 
Before we had time to say, "Pennine Journey"  we had arrived at our first B&B of the trip, East House.  What a beautiful place!  It is an early Victorian, stone built house with the most amazing walled garden.  We had tea and cake in the wonderful greenhouse, with vines and figs lining the walls, whilst looking out over an orchard, vegetable garden, herbaceous borders, yew hedges and a rose garden.  There was even a  garden wall with a door - I was besides myself with joy.  Our hosts were very welcoming and our room was comfortable with an orginal fireplace to admire.  And so to bed dreaming of secret gardens with mysterious doors to venture through....

The Dovecot at East House, Walwick