Alston Railway Station - Harbut - Whitley Castle - Kirkhaugh. Saga walkers returned to Alston by train (5.5 miles). Ashley, Bernie and George B proceeded to Small Clough via Slaggyford and Burnstones (total 8.7 miles).

Weather

Michael and Michelle - interviewing an architecht

Sandy - on a BGS course

Julie and Lance - getting wet in New Zealand

Philippa - DNR

Lots of lambs, including a Roman-nosed sheep with three lambs (Alex thought it was a llama). A crowd of sheep came to look at us. There was a lost lamb crying for its mother.

We followed Isaac's Tea Trail but didn't find a tea room. Crossed a Roman road, and passed a Roman fort. Alex and Beth had walkie-talkies with them. Lost the Pennine Way. We all had lunch together, then split up. Saga walkers visited Kirkhaugh Church with its needle spire, and saw a gravestone growing out of a tree in the churchyard. The girls persuaded Ron to do the Saga walk, as they wanted to return by train.

The others continued along the railway track, where they saw a spooky woman. Ashley discovered his compass needle points the wrong way. Saw a bath. Ultimately there were lots of phone conversations. The full-length walkers were picked up by car by Evelyn and returned to Alston.

Wildlife: Lots of friendly greyhounds at start. Lapwings, magpies, rabbits, heron, two oystercatchers, stoat, pheasants, heard an owl and wrens. At least two very big bulls. George G. mistook calves for a pack of dogs.

Tea and scones at Alston.

Black Bull, Corbridge. Joined by Michael and Michelle. Michelle's chicken was cold, otherwise OK.