Well here we are again visiting another beautiful part of the countryside. Not quite so many made the journey to Northumberland which is a pity because most of those who did go enjoyed another action packed weekend. Stuart was in charge and made a good job of organising the rooms at the hostel and ensuring we had chosen our evening meals.
We left Bradford on Friday evening and arrived at our destination at around 9.30 pm. A few were dropped off in Haltwhistle and the rest travelled on to the YHA Once Brewed or the very conveniently placed next door pub Twice Brewed. Apart from some not being able to find the way into the hostel we soon settled in and there was time for a nightcap at the pub before turning in for the night.
The weather forecast wasn't too good but Saturday dawned and although it was cloudy I think you could say it was damp rather than wet! Malcolm and Jackie had brought their grandson Joseph on his first weekend away with the club and he was jointly leading the 'B' walk with Malcolm. The 'A' and 'B' walks set off together to explore Hadrian's W
all and we soon discovered that the terrain was quite hard going especially in the damp weather. This was Malcolm's first 'B' walk for a long time and one he will certainly remember, as just before lunch he slipped and heard an ominous crack from his ankle. He tried valiantly to continue with the help of two walking poles but common sense prevailed and an ambulance was called for by a friendly farmer to take him to hospital. If only it had been in a more remote area then we could all have had the fun of seeing the air ambulance called out and Malcolm winched into the air!
all and we soon discovered that the terrain was quite hard going especially in the damp weather. This was Malcolm's first 'B' walk for a long time and one he will certainly remember, as just before lunch he slipped and heard an ominous crack from his ankle. He tried valiantly to continue with the help of two walking poles but common sense prevailed and an ambulance was called for by a friendly farmer to take him to hospital. If only it had been in a more remote area then we could all have had the fun of seeing the air ambulance called out and Malcolm winched into the air!
Joseph continued on the walk without Granny and Grandad but with the help of Ben and plenty of surrogate grandparents he found a football, toiled up the hills and made it to the end of the walk. 
Stuart then led the combined 'A' and 'B' walks until the hostel came into view at which point only four people decided to do the extension to Housesteads. We didn't quite make it all the way there but we did see some spectacular views along the way and this was an interesting part of the walk. Click on the link to see what we missed.
Once back at the hostel we discovered Malcolm encased in plaster and walking on crutches but still as cheerful as ever!
Sunday's walk took us a little further south starting at Allendale and finishing at Blanchland. The weather was a bit brighter but we did have a couple of showers along the way. This was a splendid walk taking in Hexhamshire Common and we hardly saw another person for the whole day. The photographs don't really do it justice as there was just so much countryside to look at in every direction. We arrived at Blanchland with plenty of time to spare for refreshments before setting off home tired but happy.
Thanks to all the walks leaders, Stuart for organising the weekend, and Jeremy the driver for getting us there and back safely. If you're reading this and you didn't go on the weekend.... well why not? We always have a good time whatever happens along the way and there's always someone to talk to and share the experience with. The next weekend in October at Castleton is the start of the Pennine Way project so book early and make sure you get a place! See you there.
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