1) We've just returned from an amazing journey interrailing across Europe from Newcastle to Sardinia! We were away for 2 weeks, but it felt more like 2 months: from snow to sunshine, architecture to archaeology, cathedrals to canyons. I'll add a day at a time to this THREAD... 2) DEPARTING NEWCASTLE (14th April)
After months of planning and cramming all our possessions into 44L Montane backpacks, Tracy and I arrived at the ferry terminal in North Shields, just a few miles from home, to be greeted by a baby elephant.

ALLEN BANKS WALK (with a twist) - 5 miles:
If you're planning a walk to #AllenBanks in Northumberland this autumn, I would recommend this walk variation that takes in Morralee Tarn and Morralee Fell for superb views of the Tyne Valley.
See 🧵for details /1 Park in the NT car park, and walk back to the road. Turn right, cross the river on the road bridge & take the gate on the left, which doubles back under the bridge & follows the east bank of the river. Don't forget to admire the magnificent beech tree in the car park. /2

1) Following a last minute job cancellation this week, I'm on the train to Cumbria for a few days hiking. Planning to walk up the remote Eskdale from Ravenglass, over a few tops and down to Keswick. I've never been camping this late in the year before, so wish me luck :) 🧵 2) I have a few new/extra items of kit to help with the longer nights and potential cold. I always get cold legs at night, so Montane microfleece pants; a headtorch to read my Kindle; and Zamberlan boots (to replace the pair that killed my ankle this summer).

A retrospective thread of the first leg of my
hike around Northumberland in July 2019. #ANorthumberlandOdyssey

Inspired by my late friend, Dorothy Pearson.

Part 1: Coast and castles 🧵 Day 1a:
This is the first long-distance hike I've done since Uni. I borrow a bivvy bag from a friend, pack my old Trangia, stagger to the Coast Road & catch a bus to Blyth.

I'm greeted by sculpture 'Spirit of the Staiths' that represents the old and new of Northumberland.