Monday 3rd May, Heddon on the Hill to Chollerford

We all met outside the Three Tuns, feeling a bit stiff from the day before. Heading off west along B6318, built upon the old wall, taking advantage of the original foundations in place. Weather was marvelous, sunny for nearly all day except two showers. One included hail stones causing a mad rush for additional clothes.
Michaela and Kirsty looked like twins except for different colour tutu's delivering on her commitment to wear them all the way as we achieved target before setting off.
Great to get on the grass after leaving Heddon Hill after a gruelling day on tarmac yesterday, but nobody warned us about the stiles, it felt like hundreds of the buggers by the end of the day. As the tutu's were very short we always insisted on Kirsty and Michaela going first, like true gentlemen!!

The four boys were still reminiscing about the night before in the Black Bull at Wylam, in the great company of Paul and team who graciously allowed us to eat chinese take away in his pub. What a great pub and Paul is clearly a landlord committed to fund raising and very proud of it. Eric is was still raving about Wylam magic!!!. Couldn't believe how much beer he can drink!
After 3 hours of spectacular scenery we arrived at the next Hadrian's Wall stamp point only to find someone had stolen the stamp. A strategy meeting was required in the Robin Hood, which happened to be selling Wylam Magic (Eric was like a kid in a toy shop). Over lunch we met more friendly locals like Zoe, Lauren and Michael who generously sponsored us.

We again bumped into our Dutch friends Vincent and Cor who also donated to our charity.We parted after a joint photo session.

At Whittle Dene Reservoir the girls were whittling on about their bladders again!!! After this wee stop we carried on west over stile and stile and stile and stile.

We have met many people coming the other way. It was great meeting Jackie and Mandy from the Hadrian's School who were walking to raise £200,000 for specialised equipment for their school for children with multiple learning difficulties. We wish them all the best and hope they raise the money as soon as possible.

After a total of 26 miles, from original starting point, we finally came across the original wall at Planetrees. We were really excited to at last put our hands on a wall constructed 2000 years ago to keep the Pict's out.

We then crossed the battlefield of Heavenfield with a beautiful church on top of the hill. This is where St Oswald had a famous victory in 734.

At last we headed downhill on the last stretch to cross the most amazing bridge with fabulous views up and down the North Tyne river.

We then separated to go to our B&B's and had a to wait in The George Hotel for a taxi
Our accommodation, turned out to be the most charming picture post card village called Simonburn where we met Ann Madison, our gorgeous hostess. Anne's Tea Room, Village Shop and B&B (all in one) oozes charm and character.

A great team meeting followed by dinner took place at Hadrian Hotel at Wall before Patrick tucked me in for night before sneaking downstairs with Eric and Adam for another bottle wine with Anne and Dave plus Dexter the teddy bear Westie (dog).