Bellingham to Byrness
After an amazing night in the camping pod, I was ready to set off into Bellingham.
The campsite was about a mile out of Bellingham, so I started by walking along the Pennine Way to the village and to resupply.
It was a lovely walk to the village. I crossed over the River North Tyne, before walking along the river side.
On the way into Bellingham, I passed Cuddy’s Well, which is named after St. Cuthbert. I’m going to be walking part of the St. Cuthbert’s Way, after I finish the Pennine Way, so it was interesting to see how St. Cuthbert is also linked to the village.
In Bellingham, I stopped at the Co op to resupply, then went to the cafe for some breakfast.
After a great sausage butty, I continued along the Pennine Way and up to the moorland. By now, the sun was coming out and it was getting quite warm. It was lovely walking weather.
The path changed between boggy moorland and a stony path between heather. It reminded me a lot of the dark peak, which was nice.
I climbed over Whitley Pike and the views were beautiful. I could see out to the Cheviots and beyond across the Scottish border! It’s so exciting to think that tomorrow I’ll cross into Scotland!
I then climbed up to Brownrigg Head, along the edge of the woodland. This path was quite steep and boggy at times, so I had to keep an eye on where my feet were.
It was a good job that I was looking at my feet, as I almost stood on this little bird! It was sat right in the middle of the path! They sat and looked at me, long enough for me to take a picture, and only flew off when I carefully stepped over them!
On top of Brownrigg Head, I was once again rewarded with beautiful views! Then I continued along the stony path on the edge of the woodland. As I walked along I was accompanied by a cuckoo making its call.
I then turned into the woodland and followed forestry tracks, all the way to Byrness.
The campsite is right in the Pennine Way, so it was nice and easy to find. I made it more complicated by taking the long route to reception! It was funny spotting the extra footbridge, and realising that I hadn’t needed to walk all the way through the dog walking field!
I arrived at the campsite just before 4, which meant that I’ve had time this evening to do a couple of jobs, like clean my boots and catch up on my blog. Tomorrow is a big day, but I’m looking forward to some good hills!
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