The Hadrian's Way walk goes from Wallsend to Bowness on Solway & I think it's 86 miles. We set off on Friday 28th August and hope to be putting our feet up by Tuesday. We'll be staying in hostels at night & carrying our gear (no hair straighteners or stilletoes) (for a change). My friend Gerri Dobbie is from East Sheen so is a right townie softie and is assuming I shall lead the way being a tough Yorkshire lass. I'm supremely confidant we won't get lost as I've been assured the Romans built a huge wall and we can walk alongside it. Gerri and I are like chalk and cheese. She's arty, cultivated & sophisticated and I'm ....... not. But we both talk an awful lot and this will be a great challenge and a great lark.
Gerri and I both know what it means to lose a son. She's walking in memory of Alex and I'm walking to celebrate the life of Sam. Sam was born in Airedale Hospital on June 20th 1978 and died in a rock-climbing accident when he was 21 years old. He was out at Arapiles in Australia having a wonderful time. In a letter home he wrote 'I shall pass into the new Millenium in the Garden of Eden' and on that New Years Eve he fell and never regained consciousness. Sam lived life to the full and was one of the most courageous people I've ever met; full of fun, loved loud music, and made better Yorkshire puddings than me.
I'd like to walk with Sam at my side(no moaning about sore feet or bad weather allowed). He loved the wild beauty of Wharfedale and had his early camping & hiking trips up around Grassington and Kilnsey. No young heart could travel the Dales and not be touched by the rare magic of nature and he revelled in it. So I'd like to raise some cash for the Wharfedale Fell Rescue.
Thursday morning Sept 3rd
We've done it! Back home again after a fantastic 6 days. This was much more of a challenge than I had imagined. I'm a regular walker but 15 miles with a rucsack and the most humungous blisters on my poor feet turned out to be pretty demanding. I'd recommend this beautiful walk from one side of England to the other to anyone who wants to try out a well-worn trail. It is extremely well marked and the scenery changes constantly making it an interesting, beautiful hike. The best days are the two in the middle when you get well away from the road as you head up to Steel Rigg -this is just stunning countryside that dazzles the eyes and delights the heart. We've been lucky with the good old english weather, most of the downpours were during the night and we've both come home browned by the sun (and the force 9 wind that lashes all the hardy souls who go from east to west). To read more please go to the Geraldine Dobbie page as her husband Peter has been writing a daily report. Gerri and I have had a great time together and we've been replenished by this special time dedicated to celebrate the lives of our sons.
Thanks to everyone for their generous support and the many messages cheering us on. What shall I do for my next challenge?
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