Pennine Way Complete

We can't quite believe we have completed it, we have walked all the way from the Peak District to Scotland! We wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone who has supported us, Si and the crew at Mountainfeet, all the lovely people at the campsites, pubs and hostels who have gone the extra mile to help us out, all those who have donated bits of equipment and food, all those who have sponsored us, (£535 at last count) which is just truly brilliant, everyone who has given us words of advice and support and our brill support crew who have been excellent.

Final thoughts.
Rob "Don't let me do anything like that again!"

Kirsten "I think I've trodden through enough marsh and bog to last a lifetime! Right, new shoes needed, got a 25 miler in a week and a half. Who thought that would be a good idea?"

Pennine Way complete.

Day 18 Byrness to Kirk Yetholm

This was the biggie to end the trek, 26 miles. We set off at 6.30am, as we needed to make sure we finished to be able to get back to Byrness for the night. Really hard going at first, totally lost my walking legs, what a day to lose them on. The first 7 miles were really hard, mud, steep climbs and yes, a bit more marsh and bog. Stopped at the first mountain hut and had something to eat, picked up a little and the rest of the journey was better. Weather was dry all day, which was a blessing, very cold though and windy. We made it into Kirk Yetholm, where the support crew were waiting to take pictures. Rutherford and Beaty bear made it too, clean and dry, if a little squashed. Day 18 complete.

Day 17 Bellingham to Byrness

Very cold this morning but clear. Packed away and off we set to
Byrness. Terrain started out good, over fields and relatively dry
moorland. Sun came out a little but then overcast all day, however it
did stay dry. We then got to a section outside Kielder Forest that was
truly awful. Nearly went in the bog, thigh deep, a couple of times.
Apparently, no matter what time of year and no matter how many dry
free days there are that section is always bad, sorry no pics,
couldn't get camera out. Carried on to Forest View Hostel, we thought
we would treat ourselves to a night in a hostel before tomorrows
marathon. Journey nearly over, just one more day to get through. Think
I need my sleep. Day 17 complete.

Day 16 complete

We finally made it to Stonehaugh and fortunately it was very windy, which meant no midgies. Yey! Have to say though did not enjoy the walk, heavy going over Hadrians Wall and then more bog! Had a lie in this morning till 7am as it was a short day today over to Bellingham. Very windy again this morning, so no midgies, but very cold. Days walk was better, sunny spells and bits of drizzle. Feet, knees and ankles are starting to feel the last 16 days. Still going though. Day 16 complete.

Day 16 Stonehaugh to Bellingham

Kirsten's text message also stated that they had set off for Bellingham and although the weather was better it was very windy.

Keep going – not far now…

(more pictures added to Days 13, 14 and 15)

Day 15 Complete

Received a text message today from Kirsten to say that Day 15 (Greenhead to Stonehaugh - Saturday) had not improved from her previous post. They had very little battery on their phones and no signal but at least Day 15 is complete.

On our way

The rain subsided a little at 10am so we decided to start walking. We are just along Hadrians Wall, and the sun has made a little appearence, woo hoo!

Bears on Hadrians Wall