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The big trip
  • Karen Foster
  • John Foster
  • Karen Foster
  • John Foster

The big trip

A 94-day adventure by Karen & John Read more
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  • The big trip
    Terrible stuff

    Day 45 Horton in Ribbersdale to Hawes

    July 3 in England ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Today when we woke the wind had died down and it was a very nice morning at the camp. We set off walking at around 7:30am. Today’s walk was only 14 miles or so, not a long one. We got great views of the three peaks as we walked out of Horton. We had good views of Ribblehead viaduct in the distance. When we got on top of the fells the wind really picked up again, so we put a bit of a step on it to get across. The walk into Hawes was very nice. Hawes was bustling when we got there. There are cafes, shops, pubs, everything you could need in a very pretty setting. We went to the Wensleydale creamery where we tried their cheese scones (very nice), then tasted all their different cheeses before buying 3 types of Wensleydale cheese to eat later with biscuits. So today our diet really has been mainly cheese, so to balance this we are going to go out for a pint of Theakstons 😀
    PS it’s been 35 years since i drank my first Theakstons and it’s improved with the miles 😂    Read more

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    Day 46 Hawes to Tan Hill Inn

    July 4 in England ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Today was some wild weather walking. We set off walking over Great Shunner Fell and I couldn’t say what the views were like as I couldn’t see anything. It was just one foot in front of the other. We finally reached a wind shelter where we got a few minutes respite before setting off down off the fell and into Thwaite. Thwaite was a welcome respite. We went in the coffee shop, defrosted and refuelled. It was a really pretty village, we were not seeing it at its best in the poor weather but on a nice day it would be lovely. We took a high route between Thwaite and Keld (which in the weather might have been a mistake) and struggled and stumbled across the path. The falls as we came out of Keld were very nice though. Then in was another few miles of moor walking until we arrived at the Tan Hill Inn ( the highest in. In England). We are camping here tonight. We’ve pitched the tent more in hope than anticipation that by the time we return to it after a few beers it might still be there ( and not blown off across the moor). But it is lovely and warm and dry in the Tan Hill Inn, they have the fire going and a good selection off beer.
    PS Nice weather we are getting 😂 Whose idea was this 😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    Tunnel under A66The barn where we had coffee and snacks3Hannah's barn

    Day 47 Tan Hill Inn to Middleton in Teesdale

    July 5 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Last night our tent was still standing when we got back to it and I actually got a really good nights sleep. The wind had died down and it was nice and warm inside my sleeping bag. This morning we were awake early and we set off early after carefully dismantling the tent, before it could fly away. The weather was much better today. Great views as the cloud had lifted. We set off across Bowes Moor and came across a little shelter where we could take a break. Then we went through a tunnel that passed under the A66. As we were walking towards Blackton reservoir we came across a farm that had a barn with chairs and tables for walkers and offered tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks for a donation. It was really nice and great for a rest. We walked on past the reservoirs and passed Hannah’s meadow and called in to her barn to read more about hay making, then it was up over the top of the moor and down the other side into Middleton in Teesdale. This is a nice little Pennine town and tonight we are staying at the Teesdale hotel which is very nice and comfortable.
    PS Looking forward to a rest say tomorrow 👏    Read more

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    Day 48 rest day in Middleton in Teesdale

    July 6 in England ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Today we had a very nice rest day. After a very nice breakfast we set out to explore Barnard Castle. A very nice market town with a castle to explore. Then we went for lunch at the Rose and Crown in Romaldkirk. This was a lovely little village, we had a look around the old village church and then had a very nice lunch in the Rose and Crown. It has been a lovely rest day.Read more

  • The big trip
    High ForceHigh Cup NickHigh Cup Nick

    Day 49 Middleton in Teesdale to Dufton

    July 7 in England ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today was a long walk (over 20 miles) but it was enjoyable as there were lots of points of interest and the weather was kind to us, it was dry and not too windy. As we left Middleton in Teesdale we passed the very impressive Low Force and High Force waterfalls, then the walk took us along the side of the river on some very rocky ground, but it was a nice place to stop for a break. We then arrived at Caldron Snout where the Pennine way climbs along the side of the waterfall. It was very dramatic (and a little scary). There was then a long walk along deserted moorland before reaching the very dramatic High Cup Nick, wow that view was amazing. Then it was our descent into Dufton where we are staying at the Grande camp site, it has a little shed for shelter, which is where we are now sitting having our gourmet dinner of noodles.
    PS Enjoyable 😂😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    Leaving our campsite in Dufton
    Leaving our campsite in DuftonDuftonGreat views22Space station?!Trig point at the highest point on the fellGreg's hutGarrigillAlstonAlstonBeer and burger

    Day 50 Dufton to Alston

    July 8 in England ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today was another big 20 mile day. But we got really lucky with the weather. This was described as the most challenging day on the Pennine way, there was a lot of climbing to reach the highest point on the Pennine Way, but it is also notorious for poor weather, mist, poor visibility, but we got a great day, sunshine and magnificent views right out to the Lake District as we climbed across the fells. Then as we started our descent we stopped at Gregg’s hut (a walkers refuge hut) for a break. It was being painted and patched up by a couple of gents working there, but they kindly let us sit and make a coffee and eat our lunch. We then descended to the very pretty village of Garrigill where we stopped for a drink and ice creams ( it was a very hot day). A further few miles and we are now in Alston, a pretty village with cobbled streets. We’ve had a beer and burger and are now resting.Read more

  • The big trip
    Sunset over Alston
    Sunset over AlstonLambley viaductHaltwhistleHaltwhistle2Hadrians wall

    Day 51 Alston to Once Brewed

    July 9 in England ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today’s walk started off very gently along the South Tyne trail, passing the South Tynedale railway. The trains were not running today though so we didn’t see any steam trains. The walk was flat and nice though. We passed over the Lambley viaduct which was impressive. Then we walked to Haltwhistle ( the centre of Britain) where we had a very nice break. I had an iced coffee and sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Then we climbed from Haltwhistle on the Pennine Way on to Hadrian’s wall. Just before we got on the wall we stopped at the Milecastle Inn for refreshments. We then had a walk along Hadrians wall for a few miles, going up and down as the wall goes up and down, until we reached our stop for tonight Windshields farm, where we are camping. After a quick shower and clean up we are now enjoying dinner at the Twice Brewed Inn
    PS Love what Hadrian did with his garden fence, it will be great when he finishes it 😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    The brewery in Once Brewed
    The brewery in Once BrewedHadrians wallHadrians wallVinlandia Roman fortSt Cultberts We'llBellingham

    Day 52 Once Brewed to Bellingham

    July 10 in England ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today was shorter mileage than the last few days (16 miles) but it felt hard. Probably because we were tired from the long mileages of previous days and also it was very hot today. It was an interesting days walk through. We started off with a few miles on Hadrian’s Wall then walked through a forested area then over moorland and through farm fields. One of the farms had a ‘pit stop’ set up with hot and cold drinks and snacks and seats in the shade. We were very grateful of our break and refreshments there. Then we had a climb up the moor and back down again to get to Bellingham. We are now enjoying a beautiful evening in Bellingham where we are camped at Demesne Farm.
    PS it’s hot and can’t drink enough. I bet those Romans had it easier than this. 😂    Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 53 Bellingham to Byrness

    July 11 in England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today was not as warm as yesterday and the walk was shorted (15 miles) so a much easier days walking. We had quite a climb out of Bellingham onto the open moor, but it was a steady climb. From the top we had great views out to the Cheviot hills. We then climbed along the edge of Kielder Forest, there was a really boggy steep section here which was quite a challenge and I forgot to test the depth of the bog with my stick and nearly disappeared into it. Once we made it to the top it was then east walking on forest tracks before descending in Byrness where we passed an old church before stopping around the small village and arriving at our accommodation for tonight Forest View walkers inn. This place is great lots of other walkers here, all with tales to tell.Read more

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    Day 54 Byrness to Jedburgh

    July 12 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today we started with a very nice breakfast at the Forest View walkers inn. Then it was off on a big climb out of Byrness. At one point we were scrambling up a rock face. We got great views of the Scottish lowlands and the Cheviots from the top though. It was a long walk today (20 miles). It was lovely and sunny so very nice for resting. We passed the remains of a Roman fort and walk on Deere Street an old Roman road. This took us all the way to Jedburgh, where we are now camping
    PS Had to try the local scottish beer tonight. I wonder whether the locals will be friendly 😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    Kelso Abbey
    Kelso AbbeyKelso town hallThe Square in KelsoJedburgh AbbeyJedburgh AbbeyJedburgh AbbeyMary Queen of Scots HouseMary Queen of Scots houseJedburgh jail

    Day 55 Rest day in Jedburgh

    July 13 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we had a very nice rest day in Jedburgh. We also took a trip to Kelso, for a look around but also because my sleeping mat had sprung a leak and I needed to get a new one. I tried to fix my old mat but it soon became more fixing tape than mat and it was still leaking, I was finding myself sleeping right on the tent floor every morning. Anyway Kelso was very nice with its cobbled square and Abbey ruins. Then back in Jedburgh (with new sleeping mat acquired) we visited Jedburgh Abbey, Mary Queen of Scots house and the Jail. It was a beautiful day, the weather was lovely and we are now sat outside the tent enjoying a picnic.Read more

  • The big trip
    Scottish ThistlesMelrose AbbeyBagpipe playing pigMelrose

    Day 56 Jedburgh to Galashiels

    July 14 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today we left Jedburgh following St Cuthberts way then back on to Dere Street (the Roman Rd) before following St Cuthberts way again to St Boswells, which was a nice little village, where we picked up our lunch in the co-op. The carrying on along the Borders Abbey Way to Melrose. We had a nice break in Melrose, exploring the Abbey and then stopping off in the village for coffee and cake. We then had an easy walk into Galashiels where we are spending the night at the Monorene Guest House, very central to everything and very walker friendly.Read more

  • The big trip
    A bit misty leaving GalashielsThe farm cafe in Walkerburn it had warmed up by thenThe chickens were friendlyWalking by the river TweedInnerleithenOur camp in Glentress forest

    Day 57 Galashiels to Glentress forest

    July 15 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today it was a bit misty as we left Galashiels. We found a Greggs and stopped off in the for a breakfast of sausage muffin and coffee and picked up some lunch. We passed over Yair bridge and walked along the river tweed. We stopped in Walkerburn in a really cute farm cafe for a coffee and a break. The chickens at the farm were very friendly as they could hover up and crumbs that the customers dropped 😂 it was then back on to the river Tweed where we sat and had some lunch and just enjoyed the sunshine for a while. A further little walk took us to the village of Innerleithen and they had a great little ice cream shop and as it was very hot at this point we stopped to cool down. We then had an easy 4 miles going via stroll to our camp for tonight in Glentress forest. It is a great spot.Read more

  • The big trip
    It was a bit misty in the morningPeeblesHighland cowWest LintonWest Lothian

    Day 58 Glentress forest to West Linton

    July 16 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    When we woke up this morning it was very misty in the forest, we could barely see where we were walking. After a nice breakfast in the camp kitchen we set off on our walk. It was a slightly shorter day today (16 miles), which meant we could have a more relaxed start to the day. First we headed for Peebles, which is a very pretty town and we stopped for a coffee break. Then we followed the Cross Borders Drove Road up into the hills and they had a forest, through farm tracks and quiet lanes, all the way to West Linton, which is also very pretty. Tonight we are staying at the Gordon Arms hotel, which is very nice.Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 59 West Linton to Beecraigs country park

    July 17 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We had an early start this morning as our walk today was due to be around 22 miles. We had a nice walk out of West Linton along country lanes and then on to the cross borders drove road. We had great views of the Pentland Hills and passed the peaceful Harperrig reservoir. The walk got quite challenging as we approached Livingston. We passed East Calder and Mid Calder they seem as though they were quite nice small villages, but now a lot of new housing is being build on the edge of both of them, making the traffic very busy. The really big challenge was Livingston. I think maybe it was the route we took but we ended up in a very large housing estate that seemed to be set up in such a way that there was no way to exit it. We just seemed to be walking through it in circles for hours. Eventually we did find a way though and amazingly exited into a very nice country park. We then had a few navigation challenges when footpaths shown on our map were actually blocked, so we ended up adding an extra 4 miles to our walk to get to our camp for tonight. When we got here (Beecraigs country park) we were really impressed, it has great views, you can see the whole of Edinburgh and the facilities are lovely, so it was worth the walk.
    PS 25 miles, I am knackered. 😂    Read more

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    Day 60 Beecraigs country park to Falkirk Wheel

    July 18 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today was a much shorter days walk, around 15 miles, so we had a later start to the day. It was lovely at our campsite this morning the sun was shining and we had a nice breakfast sitting outside the tent. We followed forest paths through the country park and then on to the Union canal, which was very nice, easy walking. We took a trip into Falkirk centre via a very nice park, where we stopped for coffee and lunch, and then back on to the canal path to our camp for the night, the Wheel. It is a little unusual and when we first walked in looked a bit unnerving. However we found the owner and were pointed in the direct of the camping field, we seem to be the only ones here and to be fair the facilities are quite good and nice and clean. As today is our 39th wedding anniversary we are having a trip on the Falkirk wheel and then a meal in a restaurant overlooking the Falkirk wheel, so I have great hopes for the entertainment value of the Falkirk wheel.
    PS We were first tent on site and a load of kids from caravans came up to our tent and tried to go in thinking it was a plaything. I said that’s our house you can’t go in there, they replied No it’s not where do you sleep 😂😂😂😂    Read more

  • The big trip
    The Falkirk Wheel
    The Falkirk WheelNice marina where we stopped for lunchHaggis starter for dinner

    Day 61 Falkirk Wheel to Lennoxtown

    July 19 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Last night we enjoyed a trip on the Falkirk Wheel and had a really nice meal in a nearby restaurant. It was a very nice evening and our campsite was very quiet when we returned and so we were nice and rested for today’s walk. We set off early and walked back past the Falkirk Wheel and then on to the Antonine wall and past the remains of a Roman fort. It was then on to the John Muir way following the canal. We passed over a couple of viaducts and stopped for lunch at a really nice marina. It was a really nice days walking. We arrived at our accommodation for tonight The Glazert hotel in time for food and a beer.Read more

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    Day 62 Lennoxtown to Drymen

    July 20 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today we had a very nice walk. We stopped for a coffee in Strathblaine. Then we walked on to where the John Muir path meets the West Highland Way and we met our friend Karin who is going to walk the West Highland Way with us. We stopped in the Glengoyle whiskey distillery and tried some of their very nice whiskey. Then it was on along the West Highland Way to our camp for the night in Drymen. We then had a walk to Drymen village where we had dinner in the Clachan inn , a very old innRead more

  • The big trip

    Day 63 Drymen to Rowardennan

    July 21 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we had a nice slow start to the day. We had a nice walk into Drymen village where we got breakfast then we hiked up Conic hill. The views from there were amazing. Then we headed down from there into Balmaha where we stopped at the Mocha cafe for lunch and we stopped near the pier to dip our feet Loch Lomond. We then followed the banks of Loch Lomond and after a few miles of very warm walking we took a break to swim in the Loch. Then it was a walk on to our accommodation in the Ben Lomond hostel. It has been a lovely day.Read more

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    Day 64 Rowardennan to Beinglas

    July 22 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today we started off with a very nice breakfast at the hostel. Then we were back on the West Highland Way walking along Loch Lomond. We stopped for lunch at the Inversnaid hotel. We ate our packed lunch in their walkers bar and had a coffee, then we decided that as the weather was so nice we would have a beer and sit outside ( why not?). After our very nice lunch break we then set off again. The West Highland Way after Inversnaid gets quite challenging with a lot of rock scrambling, but we took it nice and steady and stopped to make a cup of coffee on the banks on the Loch. Now we have arrived safe and sound at our camp in Beinglas where we have had a nice meal and a beerRead more

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    Day 65 Beinglas to Tyndrum

    July 23 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today we had a shorter days walk (12 miles) so we had a nice slow start with breakfast at the Stagger Inn at the campsite. The midges were out in force this morning so we covered ourselves in Smidge, which seems to repel them. We followed a nice path along the river Falloch and got a great view of the falls. Then a climb up through the forest. The views were lovely today and we had plenty of time to rest. Now we have arrived at our camp in TyndrumRead more

  • The big trip
    6We had an experience with the wee beasties (midges)

    Day 66 Tyndrum to Glen Coe Resort

    July 24 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today was a long walk (18 miles). But the scenery was amazing. We set off early from our camp in Tyndrum and had a very nice walk to Bridge of Orchy, where we found a nice cafe to stop for a break. We then walked on to the Invororan hotel where we stopped for a drink and lunch. We then walked across Rannoch Moor until we reached our stop for tonight The Glen Coe resort. We’ve had a nice dinner and another couple of beers and are now settling down for a nights restRead more

  • The big trip
    Our pod at Glen Coe
    Our pod at Glen CoeWalking up the Devil's staircaseOur pod at Blackwater hostel

    Day 67 Glen Coe to Kinlochleven

    July 25 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today was a much shorter walk (10 miles). As the weather was very windy and wet when we woke up we decided to have a lie in and a late breakfast. Thankfully by the time we had finished breakfast the rain had stopped and the cloud was clearing. The views today were amazing walking through Glen Coe and then the long climb up the Devils staircase, but the views from the top were definitely worth it. We managed to find a sheltered spot out of the wind for lunch and then we had a nice gentle downward walk to Kinlochleven, which does go round and round in a spiral for a while. We have now arrived at our camp for tonight at Blackwater hostel and me and Karin have a very nice pod for the night (John is in a tent).Read more

  • The big trip

    Day 68 Kinlochleven to Fort William

    July 26 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today was the last day of the West Highland Way. It was rather wet this morning and there were lots of midges. We started the day with a big uphill climb, but after that it was walking mainly on the hill top, with great views. We found some shelter for a break in an abandoned building and in the afternoon the rain cleared up. As we approached Fort William we could see the base of Ben Nevis, the top was in the clouds. We walked to the end of the West Highland Way and had a celebratory drink. Then we found our accommodation Fort William Backpackers where we have now had a shower and a rest ready to celebrate with Karin her completion of The West Highland Way.Read more

  • The big trip
    The view from the sitting room at the hostel
    The view from the sitting room at the hostelBoat trip in Loch LinnheFort WilliamBen Nevis is there in the clouds ( you'll just have to believe me😂)

    Day 69 Rest day in Fort William

    July 27 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today we said goodbye to Karin as she heads off after finishing the West Highland Way. Well done Karin. We had a rest day in Fort William today so a very slow start to the day, late breakfast and then we took a boat tour to see the sights and the seals around Fort William. Tonight we are going to the cinema to see Odyssey so that we will be nice and rested before setting off on the Great Glen way tomorrowRead more