Holiday Running: Kielder

Well, I was very excited for the first run of my holiday and I set out nice and early (for me). Forgot to bring the running lead so the dog is pulling me along faster than I wouuld like to start off. Ran (too fast) in the wrong direction for 5 minutes (Google said go east, I went west) and then realised that I hadn't started Mr Garmin. . .Turn around and pretend that never happened.

Running in the right direction now, we reach the castle in 5 minutes and the dog is off sniffing and tearing about as we pick a trail at random and start to ascend. The paths are very well maintained and meander back and forth , rather than going straight up the hill. This suits me fine and I am enjoying running up through the woods, stopping every now and then to read the information boards. I meet the Gruffalo in the arboretum.

Out onto a forestry commission road but there is not a soul about. I miss a sign and just run on in a hopeful sort of way. I always get lost at least once, on holiday runs and this time is no exception. (In Wales I had to ask a man which town I was in). I stop to consult maps but of course, Google has left the building. Decide I should turn around as I have no idea where I am going. I do see some of the tougher trails, which we will no doubt walk at some point this week.

I see the sign where I must've gone wrong and start the descent, back on the other side of the castle and on to the road. 4k up and down (plus a bit that I dropped in the bin at the start).

Home, shower and bacon sandwich and very happy with that excursion. Dog had a fabulous time too, he said. Tomorrow, now that I have my bearings, I shall go a little further.

Happy running all!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I am so envious! I’d love to visit Kielder-it looks like a beautiful part of the country. Great run too. It’s amazing how difficult finding starts of runs can sometimes be. I bet that shower and bacon sarnie were super satisfying!

[Hidden in reply to MissUnderstanding]

It is very beautiful in Northumberland and running is a good way to explore.

[skysue16 Graduate10]

That really sounds wonderful - getting lost adds to the fun 😂 I hope the Gruffalo didn’t give you too much of a fright - what did the dog think (my spaniel sometimes barks at carvings/statues!).

[Hidden in reply to skysue16]

Yes I like the jeopardy of getting lost! The dog was following other pursuits and didnt notice the Gruffalo!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Oh that sounds perfect, Google's not always right so it was a 50/50 chance that you were right first time. The Gruffalo? You lucky lady

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

He had terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh my goodness I'd have run like the wind, we found owls and things when running in Lancashire which were amazing

[Roxdog Graduate10]

That sounds exciting. How lovely to be on holiday!

[Hidden in reply to Roxdog]

It is lovely indeed to be on holday, especially after 4 days back post Christmas😂

[TimeInNature Graduate10]

What a beautiful place to be running.

We called in on the Forest last September when we were driving from Dundee to Newcastle.

So tranquil.

Enjoy every moment

[Hidden in reply to TimeInNature]

Yes very tranquil, except fot the MTB's and runners everywhere today! The Kielder duathlon was on😄