Day 17/20 The Pennine Way 429km - Once Brewed to Bellingham - 13 Aug 2009

24.1km, 504m ascent, took 6 hours (no rest)

My partial recovery of my left leg was incredible. It had become so much better after yesterday's rest. I felt very enthusiastic to resume the Pennine Way again. I seemed a little addicted to walking now. Haa...

The weather started off sunny, maybe a little too hot for walking actually. I perspired so much today (probably because of my high water intake yesterday) while climbing (up and down, up and down, ...) the Hadrian's Wall. This section of the Wall was the best preserved part and it was packed with tourists/ walkers. The frequent climbs and drops, many steeped, accounted for the day's exertions.





















Soon enough, I reached Rapishaw Gap and forsook the wall-walking throng, north towards sunless forests and some fine walking, though very muddy at times. My gaiters saved me this time from getting wet boots. Thank goodness! The weather had turned more cloudy, but fortunately no sign of rain. Best for walking! :) My transit through Wark Forest generally avoided the main gravel drives for more agreeable and shady trails. Haughton Common was a sunlit interlude and when I emerged from the forest ahead of Stonehaugh, the now not so distant Cheviots could be seen to the far north.




















Here ensued a pleasant mixture of pasture, farmland and quiet lanes until a radio mast indicated one more climb - Shitlington Crag. Thereafter it was downhill all the way to the town Bellingham - old market town on the North Tyne; many (relatively) shops and services.



















Checked in at Demesne Farm bunkhouse - also part of YHA. Quite a nice place to live in with a well-equipped kitchen and sitting area. I was happy to learn that I'd be spending 2 nights ALONE in my 4-bed room. Privacy! Nice!