Unleash the Hell Hounds

Date: 20th June 2014

Route: Barnard castle - Cotherstone circular

Distance: - 8 miles

Weather: - Hot & Sunny

The timing of this walk was based around the two latest additions to the Dennis household. I’d lost my Springer Spaniel, Jess, to cancer at the beginning of the year but after a couple of months of mourning (and not just us but Cass the Westie also) had decided to get another puppy. So welcome to Amber my German Short-haired Pointer and her pal, Ella, the Floodle! I know what the hell is a Floodle? - A Poodle crossed with a Flat-haired Retriever (my wife loves to be different).

So this was their first walk out with us and I’d brought Cass along as well as even at 12 years old she was fit and I thought might show the other two how to behave!

So after driving to Bob’s and unloaded the dogs we walked through Barney down to the river to begin our walk through the forest and along the river. Once again we were blessed with a glorious sunny day and there is no better place to be when everyone else is working than in the great outdoors! We gained some height, climbing up above the river and heading towards the couple of farms that lay on our route. 

An interesting experience man-handling the dogs over a style, particularly given Bob had recently undergone surgery on his arm and wasn’t supposed to do any heavy lifting! Then through a field of cows which again posed a challenge for the hounds and us! 

Having negotiated our way through farmland we hit the river trail again and began our descent towards the Cragg and a well earned rest. we found a seat and broke out our lunch while the dogs collapsed in the shade.

The regulation Garton 15 minute lunch break was back but little did I expect the surprise he sprung on me. As we packed up our bait and began the walk into Cotherstone, Bob suggested a stop for a pint - didst mine ears deceive me! Was this the medication affecting his judgement? Not one to miss an opportunity we hit the beer garden at the back of the pub and partook of a well earned drink. This also allowed us some time to review FC’s season (which could be summed up as “pants!”) as again the dogs had collapsed in a heap.

All too soon it was time to leave and begin the walk back. We headed through Cotherstone and picked up the railway track. Some coaxing of the dogs was required as they had passed their previous best for distance (though Cass was still going strong!).

We followed the railway track back to Barney - another cracking walk and a good run out for the dogs who got to experience cows, styles, sheep & beer gardens!