“Today’s walk is a breeze: relatively short and flat. A short morning stroll takes us to Newbiggin Point for prayers and to appreciate the fine views across the bay. Retracing steps, we cross a golf course, pass a power station, an aluminium plant and go through a wood before emerging at Ellington for lunch. After lunch, we emerge into fields with panoramic views of the Northumberland coast, hills and distant Coquet Island (just off Amble). A long afternoon, we traverse the shoreline and dunes; walk up the Northumberland Coast Path, stopping briefly at Hadston Country Park Visitor Centre for refreshments (assuming the queues are not too long) and later for prayers at Low Hauxley Methodist Church. The path continues round the coast into Amble past ‘The Granary’ Leisure Centre, which is about ½ mile from the hall.”
Well, last night proved a bit difficult, split between two cramped halls 1/4 miles apart with dining in another hall again.
Having risen rather early, Ania and Aid show that it is possible to wash your hair in the kitchen sink.
Meanhile Mark is on tea duty.
A human chain gets the kitchen stuff from hall to roadside.
In a change to the published schedule, we celebrated our Eucharist at St Bartholomew's, with our enlarged music group.
Howard dozed off before the service until Patrick sang a chorus of "Laudato Si" in his ear.
The vicar, Judith, welcomed us to the church and led the service for St Bartholomew's Day.
New pilgrims, including Jean, were given their crosses.
Claire offered her family on the 33rd anniverary of her meeting Nick.
Front markers prepare to set out
Afterwards, there was a second breakfast of sausages before we set out.
New joiner Carolyn gets the idea.
Looking back at the church.
Michael and Joyce set out.
Colin and John follow the coast path.
We head towards the Alcan power station at Lynemouth.
Jean's getting into her stride.
Pilgrims walk round the power station.
The power lines carry electricity to the adjacent aluminium smelter.
Off along a combined footpath / cycleway
The youngsters keep Godwin moving,
Ania and Jonny find the pilgrimage's first serious mud.
At lunchtime, Keith falls asleep and pays the penalty.
The pub had few seats but a spacious garden...
...with trees to lean on.
Shady ladies at the front of the pub.
Louise and John mid-afternoon.
For a while we followed a road.
A long stretch along the beach.
Pat goes nearer the water.
Mark on the higher ground.
Ania tries to jump a stream as we prepare to leave the beach.
Clare makes sure we go off at the right point.
Carolyn, David and Annie walk along a long gravel track.
Howard's not yet met his end.
Peter warns anyone against interfering with his "99 with Roseberry Topping"
The four Kiwis and their friends.
Colin and Roger at the visitor centre's cafe.
A friendly seagull
Ann with her ice cream
Up over the dunes.
Approaching Low Hauxley church.
Inside the church - a crush for Maurice's prayer stop...
...and a welcome from Tim, a member of the local church
Tea was provided in the adjacent hall
Lois talks to the minister
Alison is chuffed at the welcome sign.
Tea lady!
Coquet Island, just offshore.