Haydonian highlights

What a beautiful day for an eight mile circular walk from the north bank of the South Tyne in Haydon Bridge, up through the village into farmland, across field and along farm tracks. 

There was a lot to see along the way: lambs and wild flowers in the meadows, birds overhead, and a hare racing across rough land. Towards the end of the walk we called in at the twelfth century Haydon Church, named for St Cuthbert whose body was (allegedly) brought to this site (amongst others) following the Danish invasion of Lindisfarne in 875. The church is also interesting because it is here that artist John Martin and his family worshipped. 

We also loved meeting the other people on the walk, particularly a couple called Al and Heather, who have just retired to Northumberland. We got on so well with them that one of the walking guides asked me at the end of the day how we knew one another. She couldn't believe that we had only just met for the first time that day. We have exchanged details with our new friends and hope to see them again.

There was another treat in store this morning when we visited walkingMarj at her house for a lovely supper of Greek salad, baked salmon with a delicious spiced breadcrumb crust, and cherry ice cream. There was also much talking and Mr hazelh delivered a short Mac tutorial. We always feel so at home with walkingMarj - almost to the point that if someone told me that I was related to her, I could believe it - and enjoyed our great evening together. walkingMarj blipped a selfie of the three of us.

We're going on another walk tomorrow...

Exercise today: walking (24,657 steps).