A long walk

Our village is about three-fifths of the way along the 97 miles St Oswald's Way. This runs from Holy Island (Lindisfarne) to Heavenfield and Hadrian's Wall, near Hexham, in Northumberland, linking some of the places associated with St Oswald, who was a king of Northumbria in the seventh century. I've not done the walk in its entirety, though I've walked most of the coastal part. St Cuthbert's Way, a mere 62 miles, runs from Melrose in the Scottish Borders, where St Cuthbert spent his early monastic days, to Holy Island, where he died. I did this walk some years ago. It is a beautiful route with varied scenery every day. It starts at the abbey then climbs through the Eildon Hills before meandering along the River Tweed. After passing Cessford Castle (and the village where I went to primary school) it climbs into the Cheviot Hills from where there are stunning views. Timing is crucial on the last day as the causeway to Holy Island can only be crossed at low tide. Many visitors to the island have been caught, resulting in dramatic rescues.

Feeling cross with myself - got a speeding ticket - a very naughty Granny.