Hadrian’s Wall: Once Brewed to Chollerford. Sun!

Day 7

I had a big full breakfast, then got off at my earliest yet of 8:30, my ankle flaring and tired but otherwise glad of the clear weather and good start. I climbed back up (some seriously steep steps) to Steel Rigg then set off east along the line of now grass topped Clayton Wall, with more stunning views.

Overflown by a groups of sparrows, passing the perfect remains of Milecastle 39 and beutiful reflections on Crag Lough, and warmed by the sun and slopes; then through the picture perfect Sycamore Gap.

The path climbed over the wall out of the gap on its left past lovely wildflowers. Birds swirled over the lough and I spotted swans on the water, the path winding through a calm rustling wood.

Climbing up to anther ridge the views were spectacular; the path of the glaciers clear in the landscape

Passing Housteads Roman fort I pressed on, anxious of the distance I had to cover. I stopped at the top of another hill -Kings Hill- to catch my breath, have an oatcake and put in headphones to cover the next miles

Passing off the ridge - spoting a very interesting medieval burial cist- and through woods the path came out into more open fields.

This next section I found very tough on my feet as I headed on straight over many kms of flat turf path beside the field boundary, little variation for entertainment. My podcast made passing over this page on the map more bearable as I put the miles behind me, intent on reaching Brocolitia Roman fort for lunch.

I actually stopped a little early, thinking the bend at Carrow farm was my destination, as it was not I decided the concrete raised platform was a fine lunch spot anyway, with the sun out, views clear and wide, and my feet pounding. My Apple Id taken from breakfast rolled out my bag. It is so hard to imagine the Reiver bainds and moss troopers who troubled this once lawless landscape, seeming so calm and Undisturbed.

I set off after a nice long lunch break, really hobbling on my sore feet. Soon after crossing the military road I came across the wonderful Mithras temple with some stunning alters, and a mouse scampering about to the entertainment of a group having lunch there.

Walking round the mounds of Bricolitia fort the route returned over the road. The next section was straight through large fields like the last, although with an interesting section walking inside the ditch, with large mounds and rocks on either side- feeling comfortably protected.

More fields took me past another wall stretch - with the holes in which the turret door sat evident.

The final long stretch was tough for me, but with headphones in I covered the ground.

The last kn was on roadside pavement and particularly bad on my ankles, but I came to the roundabout of Chollerford; asked in the cafe about my campsite and headed round the back to an empty field with a toilet/shower room. There was no one else here, but despite the road it is quite pleasant, particularly sitting on the sun warmed bench. Not having a £5 note, I hobbled back to the cafe, ordered a jacket potato with onion and cheese, brownie and tea as well as change. I then made a second order of apple banana crisps and a cold drink but stupidly used the £5 note - I am tired! Heading back to camp I set up my tent, sorted my stuff and sat down to eat my jacket potato. I just cobbled together £8 in change - pretty much used the last coin- for an envelope to put through the bungalow door (writing a message with my crayon from Abbeytown)

A bit chilly I left the rest of the food till later, hobbled to deliver the envelope and headed for the shower.

Afterwards I took my potato to eat in on the grass in the sun, thankful not to be cooking - Cold pita/tuna soup n

ot too appealing! The shadows quickly overtook me as the sun moved below the trees, rabbits ran over the field. It feels a bit weird being in a campsite without anyone around but it is very peaceful here.

I finished my brownie on a wicker chair in the bathroom