Chris and I adopted the famous military ‘buddy buddy’ system this morning by checking each other’s feet and applying blister pads.  We then set off on a hilly section with some spectacular scenery.  But first we collected our friend Dave Taylor who was walking this tough section with us.

The forecast rain didn’t arrive until around an hour into the walk and then another hour after that it was time for waterproof trousers.   Pretty rough underfoot with plenty mud and damp grass.   Stonework was in some places dangerously slippy.  I fell once, fortunately I managed to miss landing on the ubiquitous sheep droppings!

Some of the scenery was absolutely outstanding but the weather was not too good for photography.  For much of this section the wall is routed along a ridge and goes up and down, up and down, up and down (you get the message!).  There were fantastic views both sides of the wall, this section must have been easy to defend, the drop facing north was almost vertical in some places.

Dave Taylor was excellent company today and once we had finished swapping ‘war stories’, we started jointly reciting the words of Life of Brian followed swiftly by The Holy Grail, both Monty Python classics.

Had two interesting phone calls today.  First was from Hope FM in Bournemouth where I did a 10 minute live on air call as a follow-up to my 1 hour session in April.

The second call was a Consultant appointment for one of my routine tests asking if I could make it this morning as a slot had become available at short notice.  I took great delight in letting the secretary know I was on Hadrian’s Wall and wouldn’t therefore be able to attend!  The caller told me it was the best excuse she’s ever heard!

Looking forward to tomorrow’s equally tough walk with Jim Waterson.

Some photos attached, hope they come out OK.