Greenhead to Bellingham-Hadrian’s Wall
What an incredible week we’ve had. Several hidden prizes were found in Egypt and England. We covered nearly 1,930km in just 12 days! We’ve crossed the highest peak on the Pennine Way, and seen more interesting ruins and tombs along the Nile. Most participants have reported this week.
The Pennine Way teams
We have 4 teams, one solo and one team in progress starting the Pennine Way again this week. This week, we passed a number of interesting places including Bronte country in Yorkshire. If you haven’t read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte this might just be the month to give the Brontes a try or a re-read as we tromp through their region of northern England.
En route this week we’ve done some serious climbing with stunning views. Fortunately, no one was trapped mine shafts and sinkholes that linger near the path in the area Fountains Fell. Pen-Y-Ghent is part of the Yorkshire 3 peaks and was another highlight this week. We had some easier kilometers too and most of us have passed some great waterfalls and have really experienced the Yorkshire dales. We also hit the highest peak of the trail Cross Fell at nearly 900 meters. Can it all be downhill from here?
Everyday I’m Shuffling team was the first to report in this week. They led the charge through the route with Robin finding a non-fiction book on a Britch Spy in Tan Hill and Jill finding a lovely Yorkshire Dales tea towel at a souvenir shop in Dufton. They ended their week just past Aliston.
The Quick Quacks were delighted with all of the snow on Cross Fell. They are still there playing. There are rumours of a snowball fight and perhaps a snow fort. Kayla has temporarily lost her signal and couldn’t report in this week. Look out Every Day and Shining STARRs, you might get passed by this ambitious group!
The Shining STARRs maintained their lead. Joyce found the hidden snow balls through the fell (Ferrero Rocher Raffaello treat bag) but pushed the team on. Although it was a tough week, they made it to the epic world Heritage site of Harian’s Wall, Britain’s largest Roman archeological feature. They are camped out there for the night.
Solo Man continues to inspire us all as he’s reached 200km solo, following the teams, and ending his week between Tan Hill and Middleton in Teesdale.
Team 1 is catching up in their reporting, ending the week in Ickhornshaw, a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales national Park. The most interesting feature of this village is the 12th century St James Church, known for its stained glass windows and stonework.
The Nile teams
More magic moments were in store this week for our two Nile teams although last week had more highlights. The teams crossed the Nile at Al Faruqiyyah. At El Amarna, they were able to experience more ancient tombs and ruins. Another gem is the town of Asyut, on the caravan route and noted for high quality textiles, grains and fruits.
The Dream team’s Tory, found the peppermint treat bag in Salaqus while Barba managed to find the licorice treat bag. The team has just passed Asyut and more importantly passed It’s a Long Way… team.
It’s A Long Way.. team had a decent week. Ian managed to find a citrus treat bag before catching the ferry across the Nile. While waiting for the ferry, Bri found a little book shop and the hidden book. Although passed by the Dream Team, they are exploring the fascinating desert and find themselves in the middle of no where close to Al Kawamil.
Where we are as of January 12:
Pennine Way
Solo Man – (Danny) – 200k, half way between Tan Hill and Middleton in Teesdale
Shining STARRs – (Joyce, Georgia, Joldine, Leslie Ann) - 329km, Hadrian’s Wall
Every Day I’m Shuffling (Jill, Robin, Jackie, Rick) – 295km, just past Cross Fell/Aliston
Quick Quack (Maggie, Kari, Kayla, Shawn) - - 272km, almost in Aliston and past Cross Fell
Team 1 (Stephanie, Karla, Venice, Michelle) - 88k (not all reported) - Ickhornshaw
New team in progress (Ken, Liz and possibly Vanessa) – 44k, Standege
Nile
It’s a Long Way to Aswan, Damn (Andy, Ian, Dave D, Bri) – 331k in the desert near Al Kawamil
Dream Team – (Sarah, Tory, Barbara) – 370km, just past Asyut
