Day 1 Morning Rothbury - Felton

Day 1 dawns and its bright and sunny. Everyone is in high spirits as we set off fairly promptly at 09:15. The first leg of the walk takes us down the River Coquet towards the coast. The assumption is that this will be downhill all the way. The assumption is broken within seconds as we ascend the first hill of the day.

Down by the river the path is overgrown and by 10:00 everyone has been stung by nettles. The sun is still shining and the mood is good.

The valley itself is very pretty and wildlife abounds.

By 12:00 we are in Wheldon Bridge and making good time. Good enough time for a pit stop at the Anglers Arms.

And onward to Lunch at Felton.

Ilkley to Rothbury 4th July

Its raining as we set off from Ilkley - is this the shape of things to come?

The journey up to Rothbury is uneventful and we arrive at the Queens Head. Its no longer raining and the forecast for Thursday is good

As we settle down for a hearty meal in the pub we hear music playing in the next room. It transpires that the vocalist from Lindisfarne (Rod Clements) is playing to an audience of about 100 people in the pub.

We have a good meal and a quiet pint (or two) and get ready for day 1.