We had an early up and rise on Friday morning to catch the train to Newcastle. Breakfast was at Kingscross Station. The train ride was great, nice comfortable seating. The countryside was lovely, dotted with churches and quaint little villages shot past the window every now and again.
Was a little nervous pulling into Newcastle to meet a cousin I havent seen in 28 years, however as soon as we hopped off the train I recognised him and after introductions of Craig and Paula we quickly made our way to the car and started our new adventure! The four of us clicked very quickly and soon all sorts of conversations were had as we weaved our way across the countryside!
Hands up those readers who have heard of the Hadrians Wall?
Well, we received a history lesson very quickly about Hadrians Wall, over 900 years old stretching from one coast of Britain to the other to keep the scots out while the romans conquered England. This wall when built was in places over 15ft high. The countryside around where Richard and Paula live is littered with remanents of the wall. I asked a very intelligent question about ... how come there are only bits of it left here and there? Many of the houses and cottages dotted around the area are made from the pieces of Hadrians wall. Ok so, there you have a very very quick history lesson - more information can be found at this Hadrians Wall website.
Was a little nervous pulling into Newcastle to meet a cousin I havent seen in 28 years, however as soon as we hopped off the train I recognised him and after introductions of Craig and Paula we quickly made our way to the car and started our new adventure! The four of us clicked very quickly and soon all sorts of conversations were had as we weaved our way across the countryside!
Hands up those readers who have heard of the Hadrians Wall?
Well, we received a history lesson very quickly about Hadrians Wall, over 900 years old stretching from one coast of Britain to the other to keep the scots out while the romans conquered England. This wall when built was in places over 15ft high. The countryside around where Richard and Paula live is littered with remanents of the wall. I asked a very intelligent question about ... how come there are only bits of it left here and there? Many of the houses and cottages dotted around the area are made from the pieces of Hadrians wall. Ok so, there you have a very very quick history lesson - more information can be found at this Hadrians Wall website.
Our first tour stop was lunch! At a lovely little pub ... strangely enough called ... Hadrians Hotel!
After lunch we were given a tour of the countryside and that includes a visit to one of the many historical sites of the Wall. As you can see it was rather brisk - and just as we got out the car it started raining - however no snow in sight!
Richard and Paula live in a remote little village ... well its not even a village there are 7 houses in Spartylea! Most of the area around them belongs to Lord Allendale. The fells around them have many walking areas and this sleepy little place is well populated by walkers throughout the year. It was truely beautiful countryside.
The nearest pub is 3 miles down the road - now this truely was a country English pub. The locals had their dogs sitting under the tables with them.
Richard and Paulas cottage below - they've done an incredible job renovating it. We spent a lovely evening in by the fire and met their baby Sheba a 7yr old German Shepherd who wasnt quite sure what to make of Craig.
After a great nights sleep (and a "few" bottles of wine) we awoke to a bright, blue sky day! The second time we've seen blue sky since being here! After a warming breakky of sausage butties we drove into Hexam, their nearest town (about 100,000 pop) - a market town and very pretty. We spent some time in the beautiful abbey built 674AD - even ventured into the crypts below. After a wander around the lanes and shops we carried on to the railway station where we then caught a train into Newcastle to connect with our train up to Edinburgh.
The time went far too quickly, it was absolutely wonderful to have the opportunity to meet Richard and Paula and their hospitality was out of this world. Thanks guys!!!!
