DAY NINE

DAY NINE

Breakfast was waiting for us when we got up. For the first time in the trip we had been able to specify exactly what we wanted. I opted for scrambled eggs and Ash had poached egg and disgusting  marmite on toast. He had been so excited the night before to see Marmite on the table he almost ran in to breakfast. It took us about another hour before we were ready to leave. We said our goodbyes and thanked the owners for a very welcome stay.

The first part of today was up two hills and over to yet more reservoirs. We then reached a peaceful nature reserve disturbed only by Ash yelping as he got a cramp like pins and needles in his foot. We had to take his boot off and stop for a while before soldiering on. From here the path just went over fields and styles and fields and gates and on and on with the only distraction a big toad leaping about in the grass. He was well behaved and stood for a photo before leaping away.

By about twelve we had arrived at the bridge into Middleton although a little early for lunch we had nothing with us so walked into the village to see what there was. It was a small but charming place. Church had not long finished and there was a buzz to the place. Cyclists, walkers, day trippers, bikers and Pennine Way walkers were all exploring and looking for the perfect spot for a bite to eat. We stopped at the Conduit Cafe for a cheese, leek and potato hot pot and a large pot of tea. The glass table was some what slanted so our food kept sliding slowly away from me as I ate and towards Ash's lap.

From Middleton we set off up river for what turned out to be a lovely walk along the River Tees. The sun was high in the sky and dappled shade provided a pleasant walk up to low force and then high force waterfalls. The only pain of the trip came when I smacked my knee on a giant stile and yelped in pain long enough for Ash to capture the moment in a photo.

We soon arrived at Low Force where a thin suspension bridge crossed the river. "Only one person at a time" the sign said but what with all the weight we had lost walking we chanced it. A little swaying and alot of creaking but we safely made it to the other side to take some photos. Since it was a Sunday, now the place was buzzing with tourists. Ash spent ages seting up a photo only to have to wait even longer to get it without anyone in it.

Trying to find hotel at the end of the pennine way route was a challenge, not helped by exhaustion and not knowing for sure where it was.

We had been warned that this place was little more than a pub with rooms but infact it wasn't all that bad. They were clearly short staffed but did there best to help everyone. The room was a little strange when it comes to decor with purple carpet and yellow nylon bed covers. However we settled in very well and went for a drink in the garden.

After about only five mintues we were under attack! Midges were all over us making it difficult to enjoy a nice drink I'm the sunshine. Before long we could take no more and headed inside for some food. Here we bumped onto our Australian friends again and waited to see if our photograhper would turn up. He was due at 9:30 but in the end we were too tired to stay up so left a message with the bar man to say we would see him in the morning.