Day 8, Haltwhistle Walking Festival

Today's long walk was from Charlton to Leadgate, both so small you hardly knew you were anywhere.

Just after we got off the bus, a large four wheel drive vehicle stopped and the occupants wanted to know where we were walking. They were about to start a shoot. Marie cheerfully reassured them that we would be keeping to Public Footpaths! Five minutes on and a man on a quad bike appeared to check again and to take us round the back of farm buildings instead of through the yard. We saw no shooting all day and heard a few bangs in the afternoon. We did see a few hounds who had lost the pack, but they were from another activity altogether.

Anyway, our walk was a very pleasant one with a stop at the ruins of Dally Castle for coffee. We took tracks through the forest and there were delightful views to enjoy, like this one. It was misty all day but that did not dampen spirits at all.

Only one day to go now. I still have a few calendars to sell.........