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!

Teesdale Jaunt

Date: 15th May 2014

Route: Langdon Beck -High Force

Distance: - 9 miles

Weather: - Hot & Sunny

So breaking with tradition the Jolly Boys (FAC) decided to swap their Summer camp at Kettlewell and spend a couple of days in Teesdale. Due to work commitments (bad planning on my part) I was only able to make the first days walk and even then only the afternoon part.

However, I duly arrived at Langdon Beck at 12.30pm, grabbed a pint from the bar and sat to await the arrival of the Hull lads. It wasn't long before the first of them appeared around a corner with the rest of the gang snaked out behind them.

Suitably knackered after a mornings walking they hit the bar for liquid refreshment and a tirade of abuse for the youngest person there who could only manage half a walk! After a couple of beers, some dubious exchanging of money (for what favours I shudder to think) they were ready to leave. Their high spirits had been slightly dampened by the Victor Meldrew attitude of the bar man reluctant to top up flasks with hot water!

So off we set heading to High Force, following the lovely river Tees and drinking in the beautiful Teesdale countryside. We soon arrived at Whatgarth Bridge, and began the short but tiring climb up to the tops where we settled for lunch. This has to be one of my favourite views around here and the weather was superb. So out came the plastic bags to sit on, various butties and cakes and another opportunity to abuse the half-dayer! 

From here it was a sort walk back to High Force, which was as impressive as always followed by the descent down to the bridge. Then the killer steps up to the High Force Hotel which had chosen to close its doors - so no refreshment for us then!

To scupper our evening plans there had been a serious accident on the road to Barney and the police had shut it off. The only route back to Barney, and in my case Bishop, was a long detour through Alston. The upshot of this meant I was unable to join the gents for their evening meal (which they had to put back to allow for the drive time back).

So after hitching a lift back to Langdon Beck to collect my car I began my scenic extended ride home. Despite the end to the day it had been another spectacular and beautiful day.

Breaking in the Boots!

Date: 21st March 2014
Route: Willington - Brancepeth - Brandon - Broom Park - Brandon - Brancepeth - Willington
Distance: - 13 miles
Weather: - Dry and bright

Was it really nearly 6 months since we were last out for a walk? The great British weather had produced a seriously wet Winter and as such had not really availed itself to us fair weather walkers! So eager to try out my newly purchased walking boots (bought in Ambleside during a 3 day walking break during Feb half term with the missus) Bob picked me up and drove the short distance to Willington to park near the Co Op where we picked up the old railway line.

We set off from Willington at 10am and must have looked a sight hobbling away, kitted up with rucksacks & waterproofs -  Bob was carrying a leg injury and I had pulled my calf muscle the day before so this was going to be a long walk!

On the rugby front we once again had the highs of a Bradford victory followed by a poor performance against Cas where FC did a great job of losing the game! Who'd be an FC fan........oh us!
With the good weather I thought I would get a few snaps but as this was our first jaunt in a while I had forgotten the full kit list and left the camera at home - muppet!

Despite only having 2 good legs between us we made good time and practically ran on auto-pilot having done this walk so often.

On the work front we had a pending Training course in Cardiff which was actually a good gig as we were getting paid for 2 days but actually only delivering for a couple of hours each day - result! We were also doing our bit for the local community and were working with Penny's tea room in Barney - the result of them winning a raffle prize of a day with the Lean Team.

With our usual non-stop review of rugby and work we were surprised at how quickly we arrived at Broom Park. A decent stop for lunch, Bob obviously forgetting his reputation for 15 minute breaks!, and we were on our way back.

Everywhere was starting to look greener and Spring was definitely here. It always surprises me how a bit of sunshine and some greenery around you can make you feel so much better.

Anyway our non-stop talking and putting the world to rights not only made us feel better (and believe  me we would make great Prime ministers!) but meant we were back at the car before we knew it. So at 3pm we gratefully sat in the car, massaged our sore legs and headed back home - a good run out.

Dog Tired!

Date: 12th September 2013
Route: Stanley Crook - Waterhouses - Esh Winning - Ushaw Moor - Broom Park - Brandon -  Brancepeth - Willington - Stanley Crook
Distance: - ~17 miles
Weather: - Bright & sunny, cool breeze

After the issues with buses on our last walk Bob decided to come up to my neck of the woods for a walk. Still wanting to keep the distance element we decided on a walk along the old railway tracks to and from Durham. So at 9.30am Bob rolled up and we loaded my car with our walking gear and my 2 dogs (Cass the Westie and Jess the Springer) before heading to Willington to park up.
It was a cracking day (how lucky have we been this year with the weather) as we walked just over a mile along the road from Willington to Stanley Crook. From here we were able to pick up the Deerness valley Way, a disused railway track, that would eventually take us to Durham. The bushes and trees were awash with berries and fruit and provided a fantastic colour contrast to the green foliage.

Deerness Valley Way

Berry abundance!

Old Railway Bridge

As usual our conversation turned to rugby and a long review of Hull FC's season. Without the Wembley appearance you would have to say it had been a poor one. The only real progress, the blooding of some of our youngsters - Crooks, Lineham (selected in the Dream Team!) and Shaul. Having witnessed the awful last home game against St's I'd spat my dummy out and refused to go down for the play-off game (which Hull subsequently bloody won!).
Anyway having vented our spleens we were able to take in the scenery as we headed towards Waterhouses through a beautiful woodland walk and then on to Esh Winning & Ushaw Moor, picking up the river. At one point we just had to stop and utilise the dog poop-a-scoop bags to collect Brambles as the track was abundant with the fruits. After 20 or so minutes filling our bags we decided we had better continue - though there were still plenty left to pick.

Meandering river

Cass & Jess

Bob filling his poop bag!

Brambles - what its all about!

At 12.40pm we came across our usual lunch stop by the river and sat for a well earned rest and our lunch. The vegetation and flora were fantastic, a combination of sun & showers over the last few months.

We got to the halfway point at Broom Park about 1.50pm with the dogs beginning to tire - I was beginning to ponder the wisdom of a 17m walk with two 11 year old dogs!

River at Broom Park

Half way girls!

As we began a short climb (the last between here and the end of the walk, hooray) we were overtaken by a senior rambler much to Mr Garton's disgust; still bet he hadn't already done 9 miles!

Got a feeling we're being watched!

She may have found a ball but doesn't have the energy to chase it!

The remainder of the route was straight forward, along the railway track, through woodland heading through Brandon & Brancepeth on the way back to Willington. We needed another couple of short pit stops to allow the dogs to get their breath back, otherwise I'm sure I'd have ended up carrying them back!

 As we hit Willington we stopped for an ice cream, after all it was a scorcher, and walked through the town back to the car. Another 100 yards and I'm certain Jess would have given up.
Another beautiful day and scenic walk and we managed 17 miles without blisters :-)

Buses and Blisters!

Date: 29th August 2013
Route: Barnard Castle - Whorlton - Winston - Gainford - Merrybent - Darlington
Distance: - ~21 miles
Weather: - Bright & sunny, cool breeze

So with a long break for the Summer holidays this was our first walk out since the Jolly boys trip in July, and what a route to pick. Although Barney to Darlo is only around 16 miles by road, our route followed the river Tees which with all it's meandering and turns added another 5 miles! To sweeten the deal we decided to have a beer (Hoegaarden in No 22's!) and a curry once we arrived in Darlington - an incentive was certainly required.
So it was at 8 am I left the house for the 20 minute walk to Bishop bus station to catch a bus to Bob's. First I got the times wrong so had an extra 30 minute wait and then when my bus did finally turn up he drove right past the bus stop I wa standing at! Having wasted an hour and feeling somewhat peeved I walked back home to drive to Bob's - thanks Arriva!
Arriving at Bob's at 10am somewhat calmer than 30 minutes previous, we headed off down to the Demenses and picked up the Tees. No map was required for this part of the route as we'd walked it too many times to recall. As we passed Egglestone Abbey heading towards Whorlton we vented our spleens on FC's woeful performance at Wembley. Although a great weekend was had the rugby left a lot to be desired and once again the Hull FC Wembley hoodoo continues. To add to our mood of despair we were then treat to a brief downpoor and so took shelter in amongst the trees just as we were leaving Whorlton. We took the opportunity for a quick brew and very soon the sun was back out. However, the rain had left the vegetation wet and our boots, socks, feet and trouseres soon became sodden.

Boardwalk through dense vegetation

Green Teesdale

We squelched our way to the holiday lodges at Winston and on towards Gainford.
As it was now very sunny and we happened to spot a couple of seats by the river, we stopped for a lunch break - it was afterall 1.25pm and stomachs were rumbling.

Rain stopped, time to move on

I see no ships!

River Tees

Bridge at Gainford

Refuelled we set off for Gainford were our route took us briefly away from the river, along the road and through the village of Gainford. As we left Gainford we cut across a field of horses back towards the river, stopping to chat to an ex GSK colleague mucking out the horses.
By now our trousers and boots were drying out but alas my socks and feet were still damp and I was beginning to feel a couple of blisters form.

 By 3.10pm we had reached the old roman village of Piercebridge where we once again stopped for a brew. The legs were beginning to feel like they had done a walk and we still had a fair distance left to go. This was the worst part of the walk as the river takes a real winding path through the countryside and although Darlo was close our route still had some distance left.

Pimk house at Piercebridge

Roman Piercebridge

We followed the river into some woods and under the A1 at Merrybent - the blisters were making themselves known!

Farmers at work

The meandering Tees

Ford on the Tees

Hay bales

As we cut across a field and hit Conniscliffe Road near the Baydale Beck pub the end was in sight. However, the blisters decided that now was the time to "pop" and it was a surreal experience which very quickly became unpleasant. I was now considering a letter of complaint to Arriva and also asking the makers of 1000miler socks (no blisters, gauranteed!) for a full refund. This last part of the journey along the road to rendezvous with Mrs Garton in the car park took forever as the pace was slow, due to me walking like John Wayne with hemaerhoids! It was with great satisfaction that we finally arrived at the car. A quick change of footwear and a couple of Hoegaarden's later I was feeling slightly better. Note to self - always carry a spare pair of socks!