It's been a great week of holiday. Rained nearly all the time but this has not stopped our intrepid heroine! 3 runs - 4k, 5k and 6k and many many walks; covering an average of over 10 miles a day in total activity time.
Sunday we set off along the Northern shore of the lake just as the runners and riders were facing down the Kielder Duathlon. This made for an interesting walk as the trails are shared. But everyone was lovely and almost all said good morning or 'thanks' for walking single file with the dog on a short lead. The field looked competetive and the elite runners and riders were impressive!
So, come Monday- now I know where to go- off I set out of the village and down the lakeside path, along a disused railway line, over the viaduct (sqaushing down my vertigo) and along a muddy path before rejoining the path that circumnavigates Kielder- 26 miles altogether. The bridge is a triumph of Victorian Engineering. The railway carried the trains from Hexham up to Scotland until the line closed in 1958. The valley was flooded in the late 70's and now much of the line has disappeared under the waves. I imagine I am pounding along like the elite runners, and luckily there is no one here to disabuse me.
I have to say that I am hugely impressed with what the Forestry Commission and Northumbrian Water do here - the paths are so well signposted and maintained and all free to access. In January too, there is barely a soul to be seen. So, after a time, I turn back towards the village, picking up the circular path and home for breakfast.
The following day we walked the 'deadwater trail' behind the castle. The scale of devastation caused by the 2020/2021 storms is evident everywhere. I can only imagine how terrifying the storm must have been for those who lived here. Enormous Scotch Pines lie prone with their mossy roots exposed. Many of the forest paths have been cleared and made safe but up here there are still some diversions in place.
My legs are tired and so I take an extra rest (from running) day and we walk the Southern side of the lake for a few hours. It is very rainy and it is good to head to the pub for a late lunch/early tea.
So today, my run was 6k, I nearly turned back at 4, when the heavens opened with those big, solid, wetmaking drops, that soon had me soaked to the skin. However, it moderated somewhat and I wanted to do 6, so I emersed myself in my audio book ('the Seven Moons of Maali Almeida'- very engaging!)
So I got home to find a big bubbly hot bath had been drawn for me. Mr HW is a treasure. The mobile coverage is terrible and I think he gets worried when I am out in the middle of nowhere. I am sure that the dog would help ('what's that you say Lassie, the old mine shaft?') but I think I am deluding myself!
I would highly recommend a trip to Kielder, particularly out of season. Great running, biking and walking. You might want to wait for the summer to partake in the water sports!
Happy running one and all.😃😃
Holiday run 
Interested In A Lands End to John O Groats Virtual Run/Walk? 
From one end to the other
1st run away from home for 10 months
