In mid June, seventeen members of Ivel Valley Walkers set off for a five night break in the market town of Alston in Cumbria, reputably the highest market town in England. This was a new departure for the Group, which had not previously explored the North Pennines in its 27 year history.
The opening walk was in the Tees Valley, where, in dry weather, the members were fortunate in seeing the High and Low Force waterfalls in full spate after the recent rains, as well as being entertained by hardy kayakers shooting the latter.
The dry weather continued for a further three days and the members set out on alternative walks for the energetic and the less so. The energetic ones completed the 24 mile South Tyne Trail from the source to Haltwhistle over two days and on the third day did a 9 mile circuit incorporating Cross Fell, the highest mountain in England outside the Lake District at 2,930 ft. It was a bonus to have lunch, using the summit shelter cairn as a sun trap. The less energetic also spent two days enjoying the sights of the South Tyne Valley, including the waterfall at Ashgill Force and the Roman Fort at Whitley Castle.
On the third day, a visit was made to the lonely Cow Green Reservoir and the walk in the area included a short heart stopping scramble alongside the Cauldron Spout waterfall.
Unfortunately, a band of heavy rain was forecast for the last full day of walking, which was planned to take in stretches of Hadrian’s Wall. Undeterred, the whole party decided to tackle the five most scenic miles of the Wall between Cawfield Quarry and Housesteads Fort, taking in Whinshields Crags, at 1,230 ft the highest point on the Wall. In the mist and rain, the Group felt for the Roman squaddies from the Mediterranean, who would have been anxiously looking out for marauding Picts.
The break was rounded off by a hearty dinner together in the restaurant of the Alston House Hotel. All agreed that the North Pennines was a wonderful area to visit and walk and wondered why it had taken the Group so long to come.
