Day 1: Thursday, 30th May. Advance party arrives at Shellbraes Farm, Northumberland and for the rest of the afternoon / evening stragglers arrive. Tony & Christine arrive last, having foolishly relied on Chris for confirmation of travel dates (allegedly).
Day 2: Friday, 31st May. The big one! 9.5 mile walk from Steel Rigg to Gilsland. Some attrition on route, losing one at the Milecastle Inn and two at the Roman Army Museum. Survivors reach vehicle park at Gilsland and then reassemble at the Roman Army museum, to collect stragglers and head home for mammoth Indian take-away.
Day 3: Saturday 1st June: This was supposed to be a ‘rest day’, but the weather witches predicted bad weather for the Sunday, so Walk 2 was brought forward 24 hours. This leg was supposed to be 8 miles, out to Brocolitia, but somehow we end up at Birdoswald first, arguing with a group of Roman re-enactors! Some order restored, and with numbers slightly depleted (due to sickness), Eileen kindly agrees to relay the walkers up to Steel Rigg. Yesterday’s disagreements over the size and number of vertical ascents / descents was beginning to cause even more grumbling in the ranks, so planned march cut back to 5 miles. However, upon reaching Housesteads Fort (only 3 miles) morale really starting to flag, due to ‘gap’ fatigue. Finally the sight of the support vehicles down in the car park below causes a mass breaking of the ranks and a flocking to the café / gift shop!? Treated to Australian lasagne in the evening!
Day 4: Sunday 2nd June: Open revolt! Break away group commandeers one vehicle and heads off for a ‘nice day’ looking round Cragside house / gardens and Belsay Hall. Two others barricade themselves in the house. However, the stalwarts assemble for duty and head off to Heavenfield Battlefield site (633/634) and then onto Corbridge Roman town. Eventually Mel is pulled away from the ruins (Roman, not Dave) and we head for Arbiea Roman Fort in South Shields, via Prudhoe Castle. The Roman garrison at Arbiea appears besieged by a local council estate, but the recreated gate is excellent. Visit, only slightly marred by some members “forgetting” to make a donation to this free museum. Team finally recovers back to base, via Aydon castle, for a feast of Tesco ‘yellow label’ pizzas, courtesy of Simon. Monday, 3rd June: Thoughts of travelling home restores morale and amazingly the team are ready to leave by 9am, but end up kicking heels until Vindolanda opened at 10am. A good look round and a quick raid of the museum and then home.
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