The End of the Adventure

Friday, September 27th, I walked on the cold, windy, rough North Sea beach.

Then we caught a train to Newcastle, ate lunch in a greenhouse hookah bar, and enjoyed a beautiful train ride up the North Sea coast back to Edinburgh.

Saturday we shopped yarn, fabric, and pretty Scottish woolen clothing. We walked into a Turkish restaurant that was full and got seated alone in a loft with kilim rug covered benches. It was a cool experience, and we enjoyed delicious food and a good chat with the server/proprietor.

Sunday we returned to the Unitarian church, and then saw a Lavery exhibit at the art museum. Neither of us had heard of him but enjoyed his paintings and his story.

Monday Cathy left and I visited Edinburgh Castle. Mostly used for defense with wild stories of Scottish/English fighting and all the usual Scottish/English fighters, the site is large and sited on the end of a ridge.

Occasionally soldiers stay there but the royals stay at Holyrood Palace when they are in town. King Charles stayed at Holyrood Saturday night. Edinburgh Castle does not have the feel of luxury.

Here’s a picture of the Great Hall, site of many significant events including dinners, and restored after Cromwell trashed it. It’s still used for formal state events.

Saint Margaret of Scotland (1045 - 1093) died here and her son had this charming little chapel built in her honor.

Tuesday, I walked to the Royal Botanic Garden. It was a treat, as were these two Andy Goldsworthy pieces.

Lastly, I thought the Le Creuset bowl was a nice touch.

Fly home tomorrow, 10/2. An awesome experience.

Last day. Newcastle to Wallsend.

Only 5.5 miles but strong wind and a bit of rain. A bit more industrial than we’ve previously seen. Arrived at Wallsend shortly after noon. Note the signage.

There’s a sculpture of a Roman soldier with a fake name.

A tower with elevator, thank goodness, for viewing the foundations of the Roman fort.

We caught the train to Whitley Bay, a delightful seaside town with a good Turkish restaurant and an amazing yarn shop, Ringorosie’s.

Our B&B in a Victorian row house was our last accommodation provided by our trip coordinator, Contours. Paying for their services was a good decision.

Newburn to Newcastle

Rained a bit off and on. Only 6.5 miles and these flatter, shorter walks have allowed hips and knees to recover. Great hiking socks don’t offer much cushion when wet, though.

We are walking along the Tyne into coal country and the multiple bridges make a grand entrance.

An old mine entrance

Sculpture along the way

Our hotel was posh enough I felt a bit embarrassed to be walking in wearing hiking boots and backpack. However, they knew we were coming and treated us as celebrities and we were appreciative.

We had things we wanted to see in Newcastle but really, we’re just a bit tired and the hotel was pleasant and had good food so we just relaxed.