Bath to The Sill Northumberland

PengembaraIt was time for me to leave Bath. A bit of sadness though as I hadn't seen as much as I would have liked. The train journey was arduous from Bath to Newcastle. We had started off with eight carriages and the powers that be took four carriages off and people had to come forward into the already packed carriage that I was in. Much grumbling was heard and I had a lovely young man come sit with me who took up some of my seat as well. We then got to another station where over the loudspeaker we were told to get our bags out of the way, that the train was going to become very busy. And indeed people were standing in the aisles, sitting on the floor of the vestibules where the toilets are. Not happy!! I got to Hexham and unfortunately had missed what I was told was the last bus, so after advice walked up a steep hill to get to the bus station to catch a bus to Haltwhistle which is still four miles from the Sill Youth Hostel. I began to panic but decided to call the hostel and ask for advice. I had to tell them that if I had to walk I may get there after 10 p.m. which is when the hostel closes for the night. Michael the manager, suggested he come and pick me up which was just wonderful. I unfortunately was given a top bunk! My request for a bottom bunk not eventuating! Hopefully when I go back tonight I can get a bottom bunk...oh the vagaries of hostelling!!