Day 9: Whitley Bay to Newbiggin

The school is on the inland-edge of Whitley Bay, so unless we went into the town centre last night, the first time we reach the coast is lunchtime today. First opportunity for a swim? We set off early in order to beat the Sunday lunch rush at the pub but before that have a prayer stop at a church which is a hidden jewel of Northumbrian history. We are not yet clear of the industrial North-East, and have to head inland again after lunch to avoid the port of Blyth, but we are back on the coast at the end of the day; the hall is on the sea front.

The shared look of concentration on their faces can only mean one thing; Match of the day is on the television.

The bidding prayers are being read at this morning's eucharist.

Tea and coffee are offered and Maurice urns his keep by telling terrible jokes.

Catherine waits until no-one is looking to pick a new chair for her office.

We popped into the Methodist church for our morning DIY prayer stop.

We did our best to help him, but Patrick still got lost!

Claire and Doug enjoy a drink at our first stop.

The sausages from breakfast are put to good use.

Howard and Annie are enjoying their walk.

The 'grumpy old men' lead the chasing pack.

Joyce discusses today's theme at our first prayer stop.

On our travels, we passed a grand manor house.

Mother and daughter walk hand-in-hand.

"My cat's better than your cat!"

After lunch, Mike and Ania run into the sea.

Ania dries off in the Northumberland sunshine as her fellow pilgrims remind her that she has no other clothes!

After lunch, the pilgrims chat, allowing the frontmarkers to get a head-start.

The horse saw everyone chatting and couldn't wait to join in.

Keith leads the first prayer stop of the afternoon.

The 'grumpy old men' re-unite to have a good moan.

Patrick found a nicer 'Roseberry Topping'.

Mike only ordered an ice cream cone.

The pilgrims took shelter from a short downpour.

We walked past many examples of the local wildlife, including this.

The pilgrims attend a service at St. John's, Sleekburn.

We were invited to join the parishioners for tea and cakes after the service.

Today's walk took us over a railway...

And alongside a busy main road.

As the sun was setting, the pilgrims cast some interesting shadows.

The group walks through a caravan park, each person looks longingly at the small chalets wishing they were staying there tonight!

"The couple"... look closely. Can you spot an orange arrow?!

The pilgrims reach the hall and form a chain to take the luggage inside.