Mounthooley to Kirk Yetholm
After a brilliant night at the bunkhouse, I was ready and raring to go on my final stage of the Pennine Way. I woke up to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. The valley was glorious and it felt like a wonderful place to be.
As I set off back up the path towards the Pennine Way, the clouds had come in slightly, but it was a beautiful day. Today felt like my final stage of the Tour de France. In the Tour de France the yellow jersey is not contested on the final stage, but instead the winner rides into Paris enjoying champagne and a cigar. I was not having champagne and a cigar, but it did feel like my procession into Kirk Yetholm. My time to really enjoy the fact that I have walked the Pennine Way. It’s something that I first dreamt of completing, whilst I was walking parts of the route during my Gold DofE expeditions. I think 18 year old Danielle would be really amazed! Today’s plan was to enjoy and savour every moment.
I rejoined the Pennine Way and started the climb up The Schill. Along the way, there was lots of cotton grass (also called bog cotton) that was starting to flower. I loved looking at the white balls of fluff.
The views from up top were truly beautiful. It was amazing to look out into Scotland and the terrain that I have to come.
I climbed up The Schill. I had great fun climbing up onto the top of the rocks (a mini little bit of scrambling)! The views were stunning. I felt so lucky to have such fabulous weather for my last day on the Pennine Way. I have had such amazing weather for the whole trail and it really has given me amazing memories for life.
After descending from The Schill, I crossed over the border and into Scotland. It was amazing to think that these were my last steps in England. Scotland is massive, so there is still a way to go, but it felt like a big milestone. I wasn’t totally leaving England alone, as it was now time to walk along the Scottish border on the Scottish side for a little while.
After skirting around Black Hag, I had to choose if I was taking the main high route, or the alternative low route. With such nice weather, I chose to take the high route.
I was so glad that I did, as the views were so amazing! I could see out to the East Coast. It was amazing to see the sea. It might not be the coast line that I’m aiming for, but it really gave me a sense of how far north I have gone up the country!
At Stob Rigg, it was time for me to leave the border behind, say bye bye to England and fully make my way into Scotland!
It felt amazing descending down into Kirk Yetholm. The sun was shining and my heart felt so full. On the way down I passed a runner who congratulated me on completing the Pennine Way. It felt really special that a stranger took time out of his run to congratulate me!
Before long, I was at the Border Hotel and the official end of the Pennine Way. It was so incredible to get there. Underneath the sign was a big pile of boots. I wasn’t leaving mine, they’ve got quite a few more miles to go!
I went into the pub, signed their Pennine Way book and they gave me a certificate. It’s customary that walkers get a free half pint for finishing the Pennine Way. It was originally funded by Wainwright, and is now a tradition that is funded by the brewery. They very kindly gave me a free lemonade instead. The pub really embraces their Pennine Way history and it was lovely to speak to the staff about my journey. He even put some Housemartins on for me to listen to!
After having a lovely lunch, they checked me into my room. During the planning stages, I’d decided to have a shorter 13km day and finish my day in Kirk Yetholm. I wanted to give myself the opportunity to really celebrate the fact that I’ll have completed a dream of mine. I celebrated by having a lovely bath, then an afternoon nap. I find myself quietly smiling to myself, every time that I remember what I have accomplished today.
Then I think about the walk to come and I’m so excited. The Scottish hills are ahead of me, with their rugged, remote landscape and probably testing weather! I can’t wait!
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