Days 31 to 45.
Tuesday 13th June - Day 45
Rock Farm, Glossop
Had a relaxing day off the still an unbelievable amount to do planning where to stay, sorting photos and heaven knows what Else.
Rachel very kindly did some shopping for us and Robin cycled into Glossop for a few thing to. It was downhill all the way in and uphill all the way back.
Monty also had a relaxing day in the "guest" paddock and chomped his way through three large feeds which was great as he had not eaten too well the two previous places we had stayed at.
It started raining about 5 o clock and was distinctly cooler too. Early nights all round to set us up for next week.
Monday 12th June - Day 44
Glossop KM 30 19 Miles
Rather different start to day. Thunder and lightening as we were tacking up and rain by the time we started at 7.45. In fact I had woken up in the night and heard rain and went and got a rug for Monty at 3am but decided not to put it on as it was only intermittent and it was still very warm.
Robin rescued poor Trigger who had spent the night in the lorry by the road and had the usual B&B size breakfast.
The first section of the ride continued to follow the edge of the urban Pennine valleys but was particularly urban. At one point there were views as far as the centre of Manchester and we were right under the flight path for the airport.
The highlight in terms of entertainment was a poor guy in a very large lorry stuck up a very small lane. Monty and I had to wait about five minutes while this guy tried to back the lorry (wagon) into a narrow drive. By the time we snuck past, he had created a rut a foot deep, destroyed a bank and a large number of branches of a oak tree. He might still be there!!
We then came to the Brushes valley complete with mandatory reservoir. It was however particularly pretty with purple rhododendrons in bloom and lots of small oak trees. Over the hill then and down toward Glossop.
The Brushes
Glossop has been a bit of a running sore in terms of planning the route for the Ride. The PB has a gap through Glossop and most advice urged me to “box up”. Salvation came on the shape of Rachel at Rock Farm were we are staying today and tomorrow. She suggested utilising the Trans Pennine Route which we did. It was to some extent “horse friendly” in that all the way signs had horses on them and there was one of the specialised horse road crossings (which I understand are called Pegasus Crossings). Nevertheless there were stretches of busy road with heavy lorries t(ho all I think in 30/40 mph limits) so it was not for the faint hearted but after Central Scotland not a problem for my traffic proof horses!!
Housing Estate, Glossop
The last stretch was up a small road and then a bridleway past the impressive Crown Edge and then down the other side to views of the Peak District and the lorry!! Rock Farm is set on the side of a hill with similar views of the Peak District. Not a bad place to spend a day off tomorrow I think!!
Sunday 11th June - Day 43
Diggle 28km 18 Miles
The day started with funny scratching noises on the roof of the lorry which, when Robin bravely investigated, turned out to be a peacock with full tail feather regalia! Trigger the ever watchful (but deaf) guard dog slept though the whole thing. Anyway thanks very much to Lawrence for letting us stay the night and enjoy the views.
Leaving Townley B&B on Monty
After breakfast we rejoined the PB down the inevitable steep stony track to the Rochdale Canal, up the other side of the valley and back down to the canal! Although it was only 18 miles today the heat and Pennine hills made it feel more. We passed loads of reservoirs, lots of hills and Hollingworth Lake with its fair share of scantily clad Sunday strollers with ice creams and noisy children. We crossed (underneath) the M62, only to hit commuter traffic in the shape of cows and young calves traveling from one field to another. Monty and I helped chivvy along a few stragglers and the farmer said it was a good John Wayne impression.
Rochdale Canal
Although we were ostensibly in the countryside urbanity was never far away and there were frequent views of town/city centres and traffic noise was often in the air, particularly near the M62.
The M62
I nice lady in a house we passed came out and offered a bucket of water to a very grateful Monty and we passed two people riding small ponies and they were the first people I had seen riding on the PB. In fact I think that, apart from the people who have ridden with me, they are the first people on horses I have met since near Drymen in Scotland. Shortly after I met another four and we had a chat about the Ride and the PB.
We were close to “home” then and met Robin who had cycled up the hill to meet me with Trigger. Poor Trigger was very very hot and set off down a steep bank looking for water, did not find any and struggled to get back up it. In fact it was really all too much for the old boy (Trigger, not Robin) and he was lame behind going back down. Hopefully he has just tweaked something getting back up the bank.
Robin had had more narrow lanes to navigate to get to the B&B in Diggle and it was not possible to get the lorry into the car park so it is perched on the edge of the road tonight. Robin and I had a very civilised dinner under trees in the garden of a pub 100 yards down the road.
Monty has a large field but is not settling in it. On investigation he was covered in hundreds of minute flies/midges. He already had the fly sheet on but I smothered him in fly spray and hopefully that will do the trick till it cools down.
Long day tomorrow so early night I think!
Saturday 10th June - Day 42
Walsden 14 KM 9 miles
A short day today after yesterday's marathon. So no rush to leave! Sat down with family Miller and Robin for a huge breakfast, then a chat with Miriam about potential places to stay over the next few days. Robin set about sorting out the lorry as he likes it and Trigger slept in the sun!!
Ben's grandfather Ron then set off for home. Jo and Mervyn (and Ben) were so taken with Bagerfields that they had decided to stay for another night. I tacked up Monty and after a photo session with Miriam and Gordon and all of their dogs set off down to the valley on the PB. T
A kilometre or so on down the PB the track became very narrow and steep. I had been warned that it would but this did not prepare me for the narrowness, rocky going and verticality of this path. It obviously required me to lead Monty and received wisdom for situations such as this is that you should lead the horse by the “buckle end” of the rein and stay as far in front of his as you can in case he trips or falls. All fine except Monty had not read the same book and, fired up by a chat with a donkey at the top, set off down the rocky precipice much faster that I could!! Still somehow we both got down in one piece.
Todmorden
In complete contrast at the bottom was an equestrian road crossing with a button at the appropriate height for a rider to trigger the traffic lights and a picture of a horse and rider on the green light!
The rest of the short ride was a doddle with good signage fantastic weather (still with a strong wind) and great views, in part back to where we had spent the night. Only fly in the ointment was Monty throwing his weight around at a gate and breaking the catch. Must remember to call the PB Ranger and tell them. Fortunately I had some binder twine for a temporary repair.
Toward Townley
Reached Townley Trail B&B no problem before Robin and the lorry. It is right on the PB, again high up with great view onto the valley and Walsden. Turned Monty out in a very nice paddock (more views!) and friends in the next door field.
Lorry at Townley
I was slightly concerned that the location at the top of a steep narrow lane was going to make life tricky for Robin and the lorry. Predictably he called from the bottom of the road and Lawrence and I went to help. Suffice to say he made it up here by the skin of the lorries teeth and at the expense of a few months off Robins life. He is not looking forward to going down tomorrow morning.
Friday 9th June - Day 41
Blackshaw Head Hebden Bridge Km 53 34 Miles
This was a long day. It started badly when, after doing the Radio Solent interview with Julian Clegg, Monte repeated his antics of the night before, only this time got himself caught up briefly in the (unelectrified) electric fencing before galloping several times around the field!!
I still managed to catch him, wrestle him into his tack and set off by 7.15 am. I was pleased it was going to be long day which would, hopefully, take the edge off him!!
We went back to Belford by Bowland and on through the “foothills” of the Dales. It was mainly on road but a few excursions onto generally well signed bridleways and some farm land, to Foulridge just north of Colne. From there it was more quiet roads to Laneshaw Bridge. All pretty uneventful except for a very nice chat with a policeman in a Range Rover who said he would arrange a collection for the Ride at the Police Station.
There was then a big decision to be made. Whether to “cut the corner” and ride directly through Trawden, (bearing in mind that it was a long hot day) or take the planned “scenic” route via Wycoller and Boulsworth Hill. After standing at the junction where the decision had to be made for all of two minutes (so decisive!!) I opted for the scenic route and was very glad that I did as it was definitely the best part of the day’s ride. Wycoller is a country park around a very pretty village complete with river hills and ice creams. I had my first one of the Ride. Monty had a long drink fording the river then along a track beside it before turning sharp right turn to follow a route along the side of Boulsworth Hill.
Track out of Wycoller
Along the way was a very impressive and I suspect quite new bridge crossing a river and gully. There was a gate just before the bridge at right angles to it and quite close. The bridge had planking the same as the one where Monty and I had a problem on Day 3 and I could sense his concern as we tried to open the gate. In the end I got off to open the gate and then led him without a fuss to the bridge. He had a good look before he stepped on and was careful where he put his feet but went straight over. Good boy!!
We continued along the grassy track and Monty quite perked up to have soft footing rather than tarmac and kept setting off at a trot.
Once we hit the road the final stretch seem a long a tiring one. We came to a very steep downward hill. I was, as I usually do on steep downhill sections, leading Monty when I heard a great yell from behind me. There was a “passing place” just by so I pushed Monty into it, just before two cyclists came whirring past at great speed. The second one yelled that there were about twenty of them so we stood and waited for them all to have gone past. I was very glad to have been able to have avoided them so easily. Westy and Monty have proved to be pretty much bomb proof but it could easily have scared less laid back individuals.
Then a long pull uphill and down past Widdop Reservoir. Great excitement here as picked up our first “Pennine bridleway” (“PB”) sign so theoretically we should have a signed route all the way from there to Chelteham now which should take the pressure off the navigation!
The last leg was to Blackshaw Head where we were staying. As is becoming customary I got lost on the final approach. I mistook a sign as a PB sign and went the wrong way. Normally I would be able to sort it with the digital mapping on my PDA and GPS but the night before, while chatting to Mo, I downloaded the wrong area on to the PDA so no help there. When I emerged onto a road I discovered I was in fact only a few hundred yards from the destination and my route had been no longer than the planned one so no worries!!
Was met by the Miller family and Miriam and Gordon our hosts at the beautifully situated Bagerfields Farm. There were stunning views across the valley to Stoodley Pike and beyond. It was a beautiful day evening but a strong wind kept the temperature down and the flies away!
Miriam and Gordon at Bagerfields Farm
We found Monty a lovely large barn stable to avoid the previous night’s behaviour and set him up with a good wash down and lots of food, which he for once seemed very keen to eat.
Shortly after Mervyn arrived with Robin (who he had picked up at Burnley Station and was taking over crewing duties for a few days) and we all sat down to an Indian takeaway in the summer house, admiring the view.
Thursday 8th June - Day 40
Bolton By Bowland Km 38 Miles 24
First day back on Monty and it was a relief not to worry about having a tired horse. Westy is now back in the New Forest for R&R hopefully before taking over from Monty in a couple of weeks time.
Monty and I hitched a lift in the lorry with Drew back to Clapham to save having to retrace steps for three miles. Still had to retrace though the scary tunnels and slippery cobble stones but Monty swept through the lot with out a hesitant step. All fine until a few hundred yards later, still on the horrid rocky track, when a cow surprised Monty who spun round and set off back down the rocky track at a gallop. It was a good hundred metres before full (almost) control was resumed. A lively start.
We then stopped to do Radio Solent chat with Julian Clegg but that has largely been postponed until tomorrow morning.
Still all fine. Weather great, if looking like it might be too warm later and Monty marching out purposefully.
Got to Stainforth just north of Settle and was looking for the start of a bridleway. Made a false start on a footpath and then finally found the bridleway. Only snag is that it was closed, ironically for upgrading works to make it part of the Pennine Bridleway extension!! As usual, the only alternative was the main road for a couple of miles to Settle.
Settle
Re joined the proposed Pennine Bridleway extension through some tiny streets and alleys in Settle before picking up a route out of the town and, effectively, out of the Dales.
The rest of the day was on roads with a notable exception being a lovely bridleway across flat grassy fields.
Family Miller were having another attempt in the morning to travel on part the Settle to Carlisle railway, the previous days attempt having failed due to broken rolling stock.
For a while it looked as if my estimated time for the ride would be very pessimistic and that I would arrive at the farm B&B where we were staying before the lorry!! As it turned out I did not, but principally because of misleading directions, but in any event all turned out fine. The other very irritating effect of the misleading directions was that Monty and I traveled about 5 miles further than we needed to have done.!
It is not a criticism of anyone who has crewed but it is interesting to note that the finding the place to stay of an evening has been the most consistent source of problems throughout the ride for all sorts of different reasons.
This evening I met up with another friend I have not seen for about 10 years. Mo Rogers and I used to do a lot of walking together in the dales and the likes and abroad. She lives in Skipton and I would often come and stay with her. It was great to see her again!!
Monty added a little excitement to the evening by choosing to gallop around his field. Not sure why, possibly the tiny midges which are around in some numbers. Still he has now been confined in a smaller area with the electric fence and seems to have clamed down. He has also rolled on a lot of fresh sheep poo so looking forward to washing that off first thing tomorrow!!
Wednesday 7th June - Day 39
Clapham N Yorks Km 28 18 miles
Another perfect day weather wise for the Yorkshire Dales. Did not rush off as relatively short ride and there was not going to be anyone at the Farm we were staying on that night till 5 ish.
Also had to have a Yorkshire discussion with Kevin re the price of parking the lorry outside his house and putting the horse in the badly fenced small paddock.
I established that he normally charges £3 a night for a tent on the camp site and, as he was reluctant to name a figure, offered £10. He accepted with marginally good grace on the basis that it was for a "good cause". I refrained from pointing out that he was the first person so far (and we had been all the way through Scotland) who had actually charged us for parking the lorry and putting the horse in a small paddock, even with the lorry (or wagon as everyone calls it "up north") plugged into the electricity supply!
Westy then had a hissy fit at the Muscovy Ducks at least proving that he is not completely exhausted.
We set off with a long pull up the valley and over into the Ribblesdale Road. The view were great but its never quite the same on a hot, relatively busy road where you have to keep up a level of concentration on the traffic.
After 16Km (10miles)of road we at last turned onto a bridleway at Selside to head over the fells to Clapham. The way up was a very pleasant grassy track through fields and onto the lower slopes of Igleborough. The next flat section offered great views of the Dales limestone structures and out of the Dales to the West. The downwards section was however a nightmare of a sharp rocky track which I led poor Westy down, tottering and slipping on the sharp relentless rocks.
The track seemed to go on forever and then, just as we were getting to the edge of Clapham it transformed into shallow limestone cobbled steps which were like ice under Westy's metal shoes and then the path dived into two dark dank tunnels!!
Selside to Clapham
Anyway we popped out the other end and West just had enough energy to go the last three miles to the farm. We passed the Miller family going the other way, as, having set up everything at base camp, Mervyn was desperate for a train ride on the Settle to Carlisle railway whose massive stone viaducts we had been admiring long the route for a couple of days. Think Ben was up for it as well.
Just got Westy out in his field when, with perfect timing, Drew arrived with Monty. He settled quickly in the field with Westy though it looks like Westy was boss when the food arrived!!Monty also brought Westy a small present of a New Forest crab fly which must have come all the way in the "wagon" with Drew. I managed to catch it and squash it!! For those who don't know the New Forest "Crab Fly" are horrid flies with tough exoskeletons which crawl into all horses sensitive places (like under its tail) and are very very irritating. They drive some horses to distraction. They are also very difficult to kill. You have to catch them first, not easy, and then literally pull them apart. If you just give them a a good squash or swat, they simply get up and fly away!!
We restocked the lorry with provisions Drew had brought up then all departed for an early dinner with Ben.
An early start again tomorrow as Monty and I are catching a lift back to Clapham with Drew and Westy to save retracing my steps three miles back along the road!
Tuesday 6th June - Day 38 31 Km 20 miles
Cowgill
The Leases with Tina Galloway was such a peaceful place and Westy looked so relaxed the buttercup field with his ancient friend and the black sheep so I did not hurry off in the morning and family Miller arrived from their B and B before I left. It was a perfect summer morning. Warm with no cloud but a haze which lasted all day.
Westy at the Leases
Westy and I finally tore ourselves away and set off down the lanes for the Dales. We had a minor map reading error early on but no big drama. We eventually picked up a track which followed the B6259 along the other side of the River Eden.
River at Cowgill
As we approached the river, on a flood plain on a bend, was a gypsy camp with lots of tethered gypsy ponies. We had seen a few smaller gypsy camps the day before as well. Apparently they were all on their way to Appleby horse fair.
Just along from the camp we spotted two old horse pulled gypsy caravans on the road being overtaken by the JOG to Lands End convoy of horsebox and two cars. I waved but the gypsies were attracting their attention, not me!
We then had a short section on the road which was very busy to the wonderfully named The Thrang before setting off up the fells. It was a longish haul but not too bad. The reward at the top was a long flat grassy track where we we got a bit of a move on but not a full blown "cruise" as my friend Jason would call it.
Toward Moorcock
The bad news was then a horribly sharp stony track back to the road. We reached the Moorcock Pub where we had sort of arranged to meet the crew but no sign so we pressed on up the long climb past Garsdale Station. The views improved all the way up but it was very steep in places!
I discovered that Mervyn had taken the lorry this way as well so no surprises that not much in the lorry was in the same place by the time it arrived at Cowgill!
I had been slightly nervous about arrangements for that night but it was all fine. The Millers were in the Sportsman's Arms pub, the lorry was parked outside Kevin' house next to the pub on the road at Westy had a paddock 20 yards further on down the road. To cap it all it was right by a river which had a flat limestone bed so Ben could paddle there and inevitably fall in!
The Sportsman at Cowgill
I had a great bath in the pub and we all had a good dinner with plenty od chips. Westy did well for carrots from Joel, son of the pubs landlords. There was even a flock of interbred Muscovy Ducks to entertain us.
Cowgill
Cowgill Valley
Gorple Reservoir
Tomorrow is Westy's last day before a well earned rest.
Monday 5th June - Day 37
Lonton South Farm
Part of this week's crew arrived yesterday namely my godson, 3 yo Ben, his father Mervyn and his grandfather. His mother Jo is arriving this evening.
In the annuls of Jog to Lands End today was not the best ride so far but our standards for scenery and views have become pretty exceptional. We said goodbye to our weekend stop at 7ish leaving our crew still in bed.
The first 14 miles was a long road through the Northern Pennines to Brough. I am afraid we have again taken liberties with Sue Rogers wonderful route and opted for directness over scenic attraction. I will have to come back sometime and do the bits I missed.
The road was however very quiet and the hills were indeed transforming into the Yorkshire Dales with flat tops and dry stone walls.
Foolishly we attempted to avoid Brough town by an "unverified" bridleway and sure enough a mile along it we hit a gateless cattle grid. I bumped into the farmer on the way out who said that he had never seen a horse on the track and did not know it was a bridleway. The latter is hard to believe bearing in mind the large "bridleway" sign on the road.
From Brough we took a small road over the busy A66 and onto to pretty high hedged lanes toward Kirby Stephen. The only minor excitement was turning round to see half a dozen tups (see Nick's glossary) belting up behind Westy, closely followed by the farmer on one of the four wheel bikes they all us these days. I pulled into a gateway to let the go by and as he zoomed past the farmer yelled " I'm trying to get past these ******" We carried on watching him try recklessly to overtake the sheep and hoped there was nothing coming the other way, for example the large silage making trucks I had already spotted ahead. A few hundred metres further he finally succeeded but then proceeded to herd the sheep back towards us.
We again pulled into a gateway and Westy happily munched cow parsley (his favourite) while the sheep decided whether they were more scared of Westy or the farmer and sheepdog which now seemed to have appeared! Westy was of course the least scary (or scared) and I had a nice chat with the farmer before he zoomed off to clip the sheep.
Tucked down one of these tiny lanes was The Leases, our destination. Merv had succeeded in getting the lorry there, though there was copious amounts of cow parsley hanging off it.
Westy now out in another huge field with an ancient, rather rickety companion and more sheep. No view today though.
Its a lovely peaceful spot here and I am sorry I have to rush off in the morning.
Thanks very much to Tina Galloway for letting us stay here.
Tomorrow we head into the Yorkshire Dales.
Sunday 4th June - Day 36
Lonton South Farm
A busy day trying to find accommodation for the next few days and planning an escape route for Westy who will be going home for a very well earned rest on Thursday.
Saturday 3rd June - Day 35 42km 26 miles
Middleton in Teesdale
Left Rye Hill Farm on a clear but cold morning. Thanks to Liz Courage for letting us stay on her beautiful farm. We left at 7am for a day of moors and hills.
Our route, for once, was heading due south but we were crossing valleys lying east west so it was a tough day.
Baybridge Blanchland
The first moor is Blanchland Moor which led to a pretty tree lined valley but it was straight up again on a long climb before descending into a very different valley at Lintzgarth, no trees just sheep pasture. Immediately there was a long climb back up for poor old Westy so we took a smack break at the top and admired the view into Westgate. We had opted for the slightly shorter road rather than track route here which proved to be a good move as we could see the track full of motorbikes!
Lintzgarth
Down again and up once more on another very quiet road. I think the only car we saw on the way up was a yellow Lotus seven with a rather furtive couple in it who asked if the road went "all the way over the top"!
The was was I think pretty muck the start of the Northern Pennines.the views were great and we were protectively mocked by the Lapwings as we has been all day. These birds seem now to have replaced the cuckoos and larks which were our daily traveling companions through May.
Despite the valleys it had been difficult finding water for Westy but I finally found a river which, though fenced had a gate close by which I managed to open after a fair amount of wrestling!
Westy between Lintzgarth and Westegate
Then the homeward stretch via a boggy bridle path to avoid a main road and a long gentle into Middleton on Teeside and a Farm BanB.
Nick and Honor had had enough well before I arrived and had abandoned me and Trigger, hailing the first available taxi to Darlington and the train home.
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Nick Avery's "alternative"
We're done. We're through. We just couldn't hack it any more. Mile after mile of relentless beautiful English countryside is too much to handle. Today its the North Pennines that slip effortless beneath the wheels as the lorry is piloted with skill and precision up hill and down dale. Its too much. We have glimpsed an alternative lifestyle. This time next week we could be piercing our bodies and setting up shop at the Appleby Horse Fair. We have to break the spell now and get back to our desks or we will be lost forever.
I fear its too late for Judy. She's out there somewhere. Striding across the moor: map at the ready, rescue flares in her saddle bags. If she makes it to the Horse Fair those flairs will seem oh-so fashionable.
We abandon the lorry and Trigger sitting in its shadow, keeping himself cool with his own automatic sprinkler system. No hose pipe ban can keep him down
Job done. There will be new Lorry Wallies next week but we won't be there. We know we're the best but you've got to quit whilst your ahead. Just ask Tony.
Nick.
End
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Friday 2nd June - Day 34
Rye Hill Slaley 20km 12.5 miles
As I indicated yesterday we did something slightly different today.
I looked at the route for today and noticed that it went in a bit of a circle and, if we took a more direct route Rye Hill where we are staying tonight was only about 10 miles away. The snag being that the direct route involved going through the middle of Hexam. On the other hand this could be seen as an opportunity for a spot of publicity and fundraising.
So with apologies to Sue Rogers for taking liberties with her route, we donned the new fluorescent sheet which advertises the Ride, the Charities and Old Mutual (our sponsors) and set off for Hexam. By the way Sue, Anne Armstrong with whom we stayed last night says hello.
Slaley
The first section was over the hill behind our base with fabulous views of the Tyne Valley on a perfect morning. Then down to the road where I met Nick and Honour who helped with the old fashioned gates protecting a level crossing.
We then crossed the River Tyne and snuck down a cycle route between the river and the railway. This was a little scary as the railway was at level with Westy's back but with no fence, so if a train came it would be a few feet from Westy's head! Anyway no train came and we progressed to the centre of Hexam where we positioned ourselves opposite the local newspaper office and beside the Abbey.
Crossing the Tyne
Covered in our pink sheet we attracted a fair amount of attention and I think we will be in the local paper soon.
We then joined the traffic queuing round the town and exited headed south.
Judy at Hexham
It was only an hour's ride on to the night's stop at Rye Hill. This is a farm right on top of a Hill with 360 view. I am however please we are here on a beautiful summer's day, not any less benevolent weather.
Westy has yet another field with a stunning view. The difference this time is that the field is about 10 acres so I hope we can find him in the morning.
Four Stones to Hexam
Nick is in charge of dinner. I gather steak is on the menu. I hope his cooking is better than his navigating of which I am sure you will here more on his "alternative" Jog diary.
Nick and Honor at dinner
Heading south on a longer day tomorrow but as we speak don't know where we will be staying.
Honor and Trigger
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Nick Avery's "alternative"
Another busy day. For us at least. Somewhere along the line things have gone awry. Judy and Westy get to make like celebs in Hexham town centre with the press and local dignitaries rolling out the red carpet. Honor and I are instructed to pick pockets. "Go for the children" she says " they're easy meat". Twenty quid later the talent decides its had enough and heads off up the high street and we are left to sweep up and deal with the disappointed children who'd paid their 50p and not received the blessing.
Back in the lorry we set off on what should be a fairly short trip but what in fact becomes a bit of an epic. I now know what those signs are for that provide alternative routes avoiding low bridges or, in our case, narrow bridges. Judy has helpfully provided the dimensions of the lorry on a piece of card stuck to the dashboard. For a few moments we weigh up the likelihood that Judy had decided to exaggerate the width of the lorry and the Highways Agency conservatively described the narrowness of the bridge but decide not to risk it. Two hundred yards of reversing later and twenty of the good folk of Hexham are free to resume their journeys with a smile on their faces and a tale of a handsome man and his beautiful daughter demonstrating that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Which brings me to Trigger. His legal representative has asked me not to refer to his disabilities again so I won't. However, he disproves the aforementioned maxim with a coolness of temperament that implies that some dogs don't need new tricks.
Say what you like about the Duke of Edinburgh but he taught me how to pitch a tent in a stout Northerly wind. All of a sudden DofE Gold on my cv looks useful. Tonight's accommodation is of the blue and nylon variety - with precious little lace. We spent several moments getting to grips with what we were told was the lorry tent. Seemed odd to me that it was only four feet wide but six feet high. "Great" says Her Maj " that's the loo sorted. Now you'd better get on with your tent before that nasty cloud comes over. If you need me I'll be in the lorry waiting for my supper".
She's not all bad though. If it rains really hard she says we can sleep under the lorry with Trigger. Less windy but I suspect just as damp.
Nick
End
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Thursday 1st June - Day. 33 41Km 25 miles
Four Stones near Hexam
The rain during the night miraculously stopped just as we arrived to sort Westy out this morning. Did the weekly conversation with Julian at Radio Solent including chat on the scary effect on horses of the England "football" flag so Nick went out and bought one for the lorry. "Sadly" there is no where to fix it!!
Solent Interview
Set off with West chilled but in good spirit I think. His feet seem to be holding up but we will have to work out soon the best time to give him a rest and bring Monty back into the action. We had a great ride through the Northumberland countryside. It really is very pretty with rolling hills and valleys, very green with very un spoilt villages. I think I have only been to Northumberland before on the way to somewhere else, but think I might be back for another look sometime.
One such village I wont forget in a hurry, Simonsburn!! I took a wrong turn going through the village and got to a junction which did not look right on the map. I had just shut down the PDA/GPS back up navigation system (to preserve the battery time) so fired it up again and found where I had gone wrong. I retraced my steps and took the "right" turn but the PDA had switched itself off when I went to check. I assumed the battery had run out so a bit further on in a gateway I got off to change the battery only to find the battery cover had fallen off. I remembered hearing a something fall (but could not see anything at the time) back at the crossroads where I had discovered my navigation error sooooooooo I retraced my steps again and after a few minutes of dragging poor Westy round in circles at the junction while I tried to find it gave up. I led Westy back again to the correct route passing some very bemused hedge trimmers for the forth time!! Walking along I was thinking of how I could get another battery cover when there, at my feet on the road,was the missing one, completely undamaged!! Lucky lucky me!!
So onward past a very well preserved section of Hadrian's Wall (Nick and Honor visited it today as well) and along bridle paths across a large grassy field and down finally into the Tyne valley where we were staying. Westy has a snug stable at Anne and Robert Armstrong's farm at Fourstones and Nick and Honor are ensconced in a comfortable looking large pub down the road.
Judy and Westy at Four Stones
Honor and Trigger at Hadrian's Wall
Where we are staying tomorrow night is sorted but we do not have anywhere for the weekend yet which will be somewhere near Middleton on Teesdale. Jo, who will with all of her family, be the back up team next week is working on it!!
Tomorrow we have a slightly different day planned!!
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Nick Avery's "alternative"
Judy's route today took her over Hadrian's Wall so Honor and I (and Trigger of course) set off for a reccy to see how she and Westy might get on. After experimenting with ladders and a sort of slingshot siege cannon type apparatus we decided she could work it out for herself and went to look at a fort instead. Very old and not much left - call me a philistine if you like but modern PFI contracting techniques have much to teach the Romans. I suspect a performance based deductions structure would have made more sense, or at least something requiring availability to be maintained for a couple of millennia. This would have ensured both that the original purpose of the Wall would have been successful and there would not now be a need for massive investment to counter the years of neglect in capital expenditure.
Later on Honor and I toured the town of Hexham . We aim to hit it low and hard tomorrow with Judy and Westy taking on the main street in a bid to cross the Tyne and raise some cash all at the same time. Looks like I am about to be promoted from Lorry Wally to Bucket Dolly.
Tomorrow night we can look forward to camping. Nuff said.
Nick
End
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Wednesday 31st May - Day 32
Kirkwhelpington 30 km 19 miles
Tonight Nick and Honor are staying in the Knowesgate Hotel on the A696 and Trigger and I are in the lorry in the car park! Westy was last seen gulping down a feed and then tucking into some hay with gusto in a field adjacent to a caravan club site. The views are not quite up to recent standards but I heard no complaints!
Knowesgate
The day's ride was very varied. The first section was along a grassy bridle path running parallel to the River Coquet. After more bridleways across fields we climbed up on to the Simomside Hills with great views before a slightly long tedious section through stony forestry. I walked most of this section to give Westy's feet a bit of a break.
Westy on Simonside Hill
Bridleway by Iver Couquet
It was them more bridleways across farms before meeting Nick and Honor at the campsite and discovering Nick had had a few adventures with the lorry!
Al in all a very pleasant sunny ride but with the cool north wind still in evidence.
Not much else to report really! Westy's feet seem to be holding up though he is a bit footy on the stony ground but no more than normal. Only slight worry is his continued attempts at self harming by bashing each front hoof into the other as he walks! Ho hum.
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Nick Avery's "alternative"
Northumbrian sheep farmer speak:
Tups - boy sheep with a mission
Youwes - lady sheep welcoming callers
Tupping - what goes on at tupping time
Coupped - sheep lying on its back: nothing to do with tupping
Southern lorry driver speak:
Away lass - I rather wish that lady in the ka would pull over a bit more to let us through Away lass - Honor, I suggest we dismount this lorry because the smell of burning clutch lining is beginning to become overpowering Away lass - no Judy it wasn't my fault, nor did I have anything to do with the piece of lorry that was there just before we squeezed past the very big vehicle carrying logs and isn't there now.
Nick
End
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Tuesday 30th May - Day 31 - 28 km 17.5 miles
Cliftoncote - Alwinton, Northumberland
Finally said a sad goodbye to Angela and Paul at Cliftoncote. Although I am very pleased to be on my way again, I have had such a great time at Cliftoncote and made such good new friends leaving definitely had a sad element to it. Still Mr Avery is around now so won't be allowed to dwell on that for long!
The start of the day was cloudless but a chill north wind soon blew a few clouds over. We set off down the Bowmont Valley and admired the blue sky, white clouds and yellow gorse for the last time. We followed the minor road to the wonderfully named Cocklawfoot and the set off up the hill to the Border Ridge thankfully with the North wind behind us. The Border itself was unsigned but delineated by one of the innumerable gates. My phone came back into action at this point so I celebrated with a call to Robin.
Leaving Cliftoncote
Leaving Cliftoncote
The Cheviots, as all hills and mountains do, have a character of their own. The best description I can think of is the Lake District (without the Lakes) meets the Scottish Borders. They are clearly very wild hills but the lines of the hillsides are soft and grassy with none of the vertical rockiness of more northern parts of GB.
As we came down the other side into England, the scenery softens gradually until the final bridle path of the day meandered through bluebell woods in full bloom beside a rocky river . What a contrast from the Border ridge!
We are staying with Janet Hall at Wellhouse Farm and Westy has a nice sheltered paddock with the seemingly inevitable view to die for! He seems to be no worse for his trip across the Cheviots but we have another shortish day tomorrow just to be on the safe side.
Westy at Wellhouse Farm
Nick and Honor only beat me by a few minutes and the lorry seems to be in one piece!
As you will see Nick has decided to do his own diary so you will see the "alternative" version of events this week!
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Nick Avery's "alternative"
Waved Judy off first thing. Westy's metatarsal has been passed fit and his blacksmith has been signed up by Sven. We wait an hour in case Westy changes his mind and then I and my fellow Lorry Wallies (being Honor and Judy's incontinent dog Trigger) pack the remaining things up and make like shepherds.
Driving the lorry turns out to be a real treat as the road clears in front of me as if I was Mrs A on the school run.
Judy gets a pleasant day's hack over some hills: we get to wrestle our big six wheeler all the way round the edge of the Cheviots. Trigger sits in his basket taking turns to wee and whine. Honor dances the I-told-you-so-dance as I reverse the lorry again having ignored her advice. Old habits die hard - she has the maps and the instructions: I've never been this way before but I've done too many pitches with Mark to start pretending now that I have no idea of what to do next.
We arrive and I reverse the lorry three times in to its parking space. Judy arrives shortly afterwards to say that there is a lamb down the road that looks as if it has fallen asleep and someone has run over its feet. I change the subject quickly.
Seems like Westy has been swinging the lead these past few days and is actually fully recovered. Or is he?
So now we are in England. God save the Queen!
Nick
End
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