"It wasn't this steep last time!"

So said Alistair as we puffed and panted our way up "Marj's Hill". It is a short, sharp ascent on a route I used to use for Festival and Wednesday walks in the past. I don't know who christened it Marj's Hill - someone with a sense of irony I think - but the name has stuck.

Twelve of us walked for 8 miles, north of Hadrian's Wall today. The views back to Hotbanks Crags, where the Wall occupied a terrific defensive position, were excellent. It was very hazy; in fact the sun did not break through until we were back at Twice Brewed for welcome refreshments.

It was such fun. Some of us have not seen each other for months and we are rediscovering routes we used to enjoy. (Even Marj's Hill it seems!)

We walked on the boardwalk over Greenlee Lough, but were disappointed that more than half of it is closed to walkers. It cost a lot to put it in place and it makes a much better walk.