Day 7 - Sunday 13 June - Haltwhistle to Slaggyford

A great breakfast at the Yew Tree Chapel started us off well, and the early morning midges kept us moving. The odd bit of light rain in the morning didn't deter us, and the scenery just got better and better.

Featherstone Bridge and Featherstone Castle were beautiful and fascinating and it was great to walk along the banks of the Tyne again. Route finding was a bit, err, "challenging" at times but we didn't shout at each other too much. Steve & Maggie revisited old haunts as we touched on the Pennine Way, and Anne & Nigel were kind enough not to show their boredom.

The walk over Lambley viaduct is simply stunning, with breathtaking views - you definitely need a head for heights. Lunch time brought a return of the midges but at least they kept us moving.

Rain in the afternoon didn't dampen our spirits, although we did well not to divert to the Kirkstyle Inn to dry out and get wet all at once.

At least the finish along the old South Tyne Railway line (what on earth made them close such a beautiful railway line) made the walking easy so the rain wasn't too much of a problem. Ending at Slaggyford station was "different", but the hot drinks back at the car soon revived us.

The real climbs start over the next 2 days - Slaggyford to Garrigil - should be a good one.

Day 6 - Sat 12 June - Allen Banks to Haltwhistle

So, recovered from my birthday celebrations (a lunchtime/afternoon visit to the Boathouse at Wylam) we slapped on the suncream (the sky was clear blue!) and set off out of the carpark towards the river. Negotiating around a crop-planted field was a bit tricky but led into a field of cows and their calves (ahh!) with a huge white bull keeping his harem in check, so swiftly into the woods and out of his glare.

Along very quiet country lanes and tracks nearby the river gave us tantalising glimpses of the water occasionally leavened by the rush of trains to and from Newcastle and Carlisle. Into woods once more for our views down to the river for lunch and thence on towards Haltwhistle via the newly opened bypass (A69) and onto the totally unexpected Alston Arches Bridge - now a wildlife corridor and into Haltwhistle station.

Sweating profusely, we rested a bit to watch some of the locals try to catch the train to Carlisle and not! Mind you, dashing from the pub as the train arrives and wearing high-heels and short skirts and having to negotiate the platform bridge didn't help! Anyway, they went back to the pub until the next one came!

We, however, decamped to our overnight stay in Slaggyford - the Yew Tree Chapel - quite stunning!

Next time - Haltwhistle to Slaggyford - a damp one!

Day 5 - 5th May 2010 - Warden to Allen Banks

Another lovely spring day as we set off from Warden down a quiet country lane which turned out to be used by the locals as a race track! Luckily there was a footpath and after half a mile we turned off and enjoyed a lovely stroll along the river bank for a couple of miles.

We then plunged north off the riverside in search of Newbrough and, we hoped, loos (Anne & Maggie) and pub (Nigel & Steve). Sadly we were disappointed - the OS map lied as both public loos and pub were no longer there. Newbrough didn't disappoint however - a tiny village with amazing buildingd (including a Town Hall). Newbrough definitely boxes above its weight.

We climbed higher onto the side of the valley - quite a lot of huffing and puffing as this was definitely the hardest slope we have tackled so far - but we were rewarded with fabulous views to a snow topped Cheviot in the north and then, round a corner, an equally snowy Cross Fell to the south. The latter is actually beyond the final destination of this stage of the trail - the source of the South Tyne.

We picked up the John Martin Trail - hands up those who knew John Martin was Haydon Bridge's most famous son - hands up those who know who John Martin is! Relief all round as we made it to Haydon Bridge and, with unerring accuracy, Steve  Nigel navigated their way to the GBG, the Railway.

The rest of the walk was a lovely sunny yomp across fields and through woods (with only a few discussions about route finding!). We staggered into Allen Banks carpark for a cuppa after over 11 miles in 7 hours. Sadly no pub, but the loos were open!

Next time: Allen Banks to Haltwhistle - a short walk.

Day 4 - Sunday 25 April - Riding Mill to Warden

Off we went again from a damp Riding Mill station into an improving day. This was a real river day keeping very close to the river most of the way sometimes passing long stretches of quiet still reflecting water and sometimes listening to water burbling, rushing and swishing over stones.

Walking through woods on the river bank bursting with Spring greens we made our way to the beautiful arched bridge of Corbridge and passed underneath. Soon after passing the remains of the Roman bridge we spied a plume of steam rising from a factory, not the most picturesque of sights admittedly but a familiar landmark telling us that we were approaching Hexham. There was a handy bench in the market place and we rested for a while admiring the grand cathedral.

Then on we went with the railway line again coming into view. Lambs and daffodils on the way made sure we didn't forget it was spring. So we came to the mesmerising meeting of the waters.

There were the three Tynes in front of us. We took in the sight and sound of the North and South endlessly pouring into the Tyne creating the 'Big River' that has shaped more that two millenia of history in this valley. A beautiful 11 miles.

Ah well, now how about that cup of tea and bicci and we trudged happily back to the car at Warden.

Next time - Day 5 - Warden to Allen Banks

Day 3 - Sunday 21 March - Wylam Station to Riding Mill Station

My turn to get the creative juices flowing (oo er missus). This time we chickened out and used cars - which I regretted later on. Anyway another lovely day, fine sunshine all the way, spring was sprung and the grass was riz.

Lots of bridges today - criss crossing the Tyne so often we ended up dazed and confused - so no change there then. My favourite was the rickety bridge between Ovingham and Prudhoe - it was lots of fun watching the cars get this all wrong and bump into the sides. It made a great noise when we walked underneath it as well.

Spectacular views over the Tyne from high up - scary ants in the woods - and a lovely day in good company. We stretched it a bit at the end when we investigated some different routes. Of course I use the royal "we" here - muggings had to do the route finding - but it gave me the chance to stretch my legs. And the result is a much nicer end to the day - a really good 10 miles.

And as we had to return to Wylam Station to pick up the cars, that meant we simply had to go to the Boathouse pub again. But this time I had to be sensible and confine myself to a single pint.

Hmm - I wonder if we can end every day here?

Next time - Day 4 - Riding Mill to Warden - can we squeeze in yet another pub?

Day 2 - Saturday 27 Feb - Millennium Bridge to Wylam Station

So, it's my turn (Nigel) as threatened! Again another day without the cars - bus to the quayside and a lovely stroll under 5 of the bridges over the Tyne. The weather was a bit changeable, wet weather jackets were on and off all day! The history of the industrial Tyne is well covered by information panels along this stretch, so I won't dwell on that. More bridges at Blaydon and then the wonderful reclaimed Newburn Riverside development.

The Tyne Rowing Club were running a regatta down here so our swift detour to the Boathouse at Newburn saw us with no real ale - but some very happy rowers!!! Mind you, our lunch in Ryton Willows was really well sheltered from the breeze but not the horns urging the rowers on.

The golf course below Clara Vale made for an interesting section and the occasional train to wave at. Exiting from the track through Wylam Station car park led us straight to another Boathouse! This time 14 real ales on tap, smokers queued up outside and a real fire creating the most almighty fug inside. Steve and I managed some light beers and the girls were more appreciative of tea! Off to the station and onto the train back to Newcastle - a great day of just over 10 miles and good beer to finish!

Next time - Day 3 - Wylam Station to Riding Mill Station with Steve or Maggie

Day 1 - Friday 5th Feb Tynemouth to the Millennium Bridge

It rained! A lot - light but a lot and by the time we got to the end we were very wet indeed!

It was nearly 13 miles and took us all day but it was surprisingly interesting despite the rain!

list alert!!

The highlights:

• Cliffords Fort
• Royal Quays Marina (it has a lock!! - boating not turning in keyhole!)
• The Pedestrian Tunnel (altho not the works associated with the 2nd Tyne Tunnel)
• The Hawthorn Leslie Site
• Bill Quay Community Farm
• Kittiwake Towers and
• The end!!!

Oh yes! and the pub - the very wonderful Cricketers in Bill Quay - they took us in - made us warm and dry and provided Real Ale! Amazing we ever finished the walk really.

And we used public transport to get to and from the start/finish. Not a car between us!!

So over to Nigel for Day 2 - the Millennium Bridge to Wylam Station.

So off we go!

Time to let you all into a little secret! We actually set off from Tynemouth on the 5th Feb! 5 days of walking over the last 4 months have brought us to Allen Banks Picnic Site and next weekend we set off again. So far we have covered about 56 miles and are feeling quite proud of ourselves.

Now we want to start fundraising so over the next week or so we shall be telling all our friends, former friends, relatives and hangers on about our this walk and writing up the highlights to date.

I say we as Steve and Maggie have both intimated that they might blog and Nigel has been told he has to!
So day one - here goes.........

My list!

My list: I like lists; I'm good at lists; I have lists of lists and lists to suit every occasion; lists make me happy! I am a very sad person at times!!

So here we go:

2. Develop a wish list of features (and I don't just mean pubs enroute!)
- The walk needs to suit all abilities - from serious long distance people (who will do it over several days in one go) to those who like a good day walking out in the countryside (and then go home and have a bath, put their feet up, open a bottle of wine etc) to those who may only want to do 3 miles, find out something they didn't now about the area (and get kids/partner/aged parent off their backsides).
- The walk needs to have options to use public transport where possible.
- The walk needs to stick to the river whenever possible and stay within the confines of the Tyne Valley if not.
- Use river crossings as much as possible - bridges, tunnel, ferry?
- OK - it needs to pass a few decent pubs on the way!

3. Work out a route
- we can do that as we go along! - thanks Nigel, Steve and Maggie.

4. Walk it - thanks Nigel, Steve and Maggie.

5. Ask people nicely to give you lots of money for doing a walk with no name that doesn't exist.
That's not a problem - we have:
- a name
- a domain name - thanks Mark
- sort of a website - (ummm - more of this later)
- a logo - thanks Bryony
- official charitable status - thanks Breast Cancer Care
- a fund raising widget (or gadget if you are Google people) - thanks Just Giving.

So off we go!

PS - see what I mean about lists - they make life so much easier - now where is my master list......?

Number 1 - a name...

1. The name

What to call a walk along the Tyne - mouth to source? Problem - 2 sources! Solution walk to both. Ummm.. this is more complicated than I thought.

Then the penny drops - there are actually 3 Tynes - the North Tyne, the South Tyne and the River Tyne so obviously 3 sources. Ummm.. definitely more complicated than I thought!
- the North Tyne rises in Deadwater Fell (possibly)
- the South Tyne rises in the Pennines somewhere around Tyne Head (probably)
- the River Tyne begins at the Meeting of the Waters (definitely)

Tarrahh!

We have the ThreeTynesTrail!
Now for the rest of the stuff. Where's my list?

Me & my bright ideas!

So we are going to do a walk that doesn't exist - AND raise money!
No problem!!

1. Give the walk a name.
2. Develop a wish list of features (and I don't just mean pubs enroute!)
3. Work out a route.
4. Walk it.
5. Ask people nicely to give you lots of money for doing a walk with no name that doesn't exist.

Easy! :) ummm........

Now number 1 - a name..........

Where to walk and how to the raise money?

Where to walk?
Easy! the Tyne - Feb 2001 Nigel & I started to walk from Hexham to the mouth of the Tyne using public transport (train of course!) to get to and from start/finish - had a great day walking from Hexham to Riding Mill - then.... foot & mouth - countryside closed and we never did any more of it. Since then, with Steve & Maggie, we have walked the Hadrian's Wall Path (2005); the Innway to Northumberland (2006); St Cuthbert's Way (2007); the Weardale Way (2008) and St Oswald's Way (2009). Surely now it is time for the Tyne!
Problem! - there is no Tyne Way.
Solution! - create one! Me and my bright ideas!!

How to raise money?
1. Get all you lovely people out there to sponsor us - just click here or on the donate button to sponsor us right now! We made over £1000 when we walked Hadrian's Wall for Sam's college in 2005 - beat that this time!
2. Write up the walk; publish it on the web; publicise it; get lots of people to download the route maps & instructions and ask them to donate in lieu of payment.

Me and my bright ideas!!

In the beginning

When my friend Susie died, I wanted, indeed needed, to do something to mark her life and her passing. I also wanted to raise some money in her memory. I chose Breast Cancer Care as Susie lived with breast cancer for nine years and Breast Cancer Care is all about people living with the disease and about their family and friends.

See more at the Breast Cancer Care site.

On the day of her funeral in America, I, my husband and many of Susie's friends were in Newcastle, several thousand miles away. That day we had been going to finish our 5th long distance walk with our friends and fellow strollers Steve and Maggie (well Steve's a walker!). We didn't walk that day as it clashed with her funeral but a sponsored walk seemed a great way to raise money, get fit and have fun all at the same time. Nicely ironic too, as Susie had been known to get into her car to drive across a carpark!

So - where to walk and how to the raise money?