The Long Road to Allendale

Can you spot the lonely runner making her way down it? You might just recognise her from other blips?!

Yes, Jenny & I were still rubbing the sleep from our eyes when we donned our running shoes & padded off down the street in the rain-shine. The calls of 'you must be mad' from Jen's dad ringing in our ears. We went down the Peth, ran past the old flour corn & cake merchants, the Allendale Brewery & then all the way along Station Road between Catton & Allendale. Jen retired after tough 3-miler, due to her commitments for a hair appointment, & I carried on up Shilburn Road, past the fire station & the recycling plant, all the way up & around to the top of the very steep hill on Lonkley Terrace (No HGV's aloud) where fantastic views of Allendale town & the surrounding countryside can be had.

Along this stretch, as you can see, I did stop to take a few shots. As I was taking in the panoramic views of the scenery I heard some squawking & cooing coming from the field directly in front of me, I have to admit, I did attempt a few replies in garbled field animal. It took a few moments, there was some rustling & movement, & then this long beaked bird popped it's head up. It appears to have been a Curlew & was quite sweet. It was calling to its pal in the field on the opposite side of the road, most likely saying how stupid this runner with a camera looked trying to communicate in bird!

After a wash & freshen up, we met Jen in Allendale Tea Rooms for scones & caramel short bread (or breakfast as Jen & I liked to call it). After our delicious drinks & eats, while Jane & Ian went off to prepare lunch (it's food, food & more food up here. Fab!) we went to the Forge shop, the post office, the butchers (to buy provisions for our journey tomorrow) & the Allendale Gift shop. The village is very well kitted out for a tourist invasion I must say.

Following lunch we made our way into Hexham where we had a bit of a wander in the sun, which had decided to stay out for a prolonged spell thankfully. We made our way back via Haydon Bridge, Haltwhistle & the snaking, rollercoaster roads that lead back to Allendale.

Us children on the back seats were having a whale of time, & at times we really did have to hold onto our stomachs, but it really is very picturesque, especially today with the beautiful fluffy clouds scattered across the blue skies. We've had a relaxing & enjoyable day, which for some was quite tiring, & so in the latter stages, was also somewhat nap-filled.

Like mother like daughter I say.