Day 1 – We have arrived, a preservation problem

We had a great day day as we drove to Northumberland. Much of the drive was through countryside that we had not visited before. From the East Coast to the spine of England along the northern Pennines. Once past Darlington it became more and more remote with many sheep, no people, and a few isolated farm buildings, many of which seemed desolate. A look in a local estate agents proved that this was indeed the case; an isolated farmhouse with 2.5 acres and no services was £20,000. It would suit somebody who really likes DIY and then complete isolation. It was difficult to see how anybody is making a living in these areas, however for the casual visitor the desolate beauty is impressive.

We stopped for lunch in Alston at, surprise surprise, a heritage railway. The railway line to Alston was shut in 1976 and part has been re-laid as a narrow gauge heritage line. For me however it posed some interesting questions about preservation, the station was a perfect example of a Victorian country building by the North Eastern Railway. However a modern canopy had been built over the station, a striking glass and steel construction. It completely spoiled the appearance of what was a lovely building. A great shame because it obviously cost a lot of money, which probably could have been better spent. I think that it shows what can be wrong with much preservation. Hopefully I will have a photo to accompany this so that you can make your own mind up. Anyway the lunch in the accompanying café was excellent.

So refreshed we drove on to the cottage that would be our base for the week’s walking. It has a great situation and will be very comfortable, although it is doubtful that any of the party will be using the Jacuzzi. In the field behind the cottage are two alpacas or llamas; in truth I cannot tell the difference.

Tomorrow we venture west for the start of the Hadrian’s Wall walk from Bowness-on-Solway. The first stage is a straightforward flat stroll along the Solway Firth. I will be attempting to tweet about this using the hash tag wallwalk. More tomorrow.