Most photographed tree in the country

 Another very windy night and another night of broken sleep. What was that clattering from outside? Still not a 100% sure so this morning Ian taped up all the grills 'just in case'.

Dull, dismal start to the day. The reservoir had white horses whipping across the water and looked very uninviting. We had planned a bike ride but with that wind and drizzle the idea was abandoned. Instead, we decided to walk to Sycamore Gap.

 We drove through Bellingham again. Just a bit of shopping needed and on the walk to the Co op we spied Bellingham Station. Carriages were at the station and the thought of a train ride appealed. But these carriages had been changed to a café and the smell of bacon butties irresistible. 

Sycamore Gap was where part of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves was filmed, made famous by the clip of a boy up a tree having to be rescued by Kevin Costner. Apparently it's the most photographed tree in the UK. It stands in a dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall in the Northumberland National Park. We had no idea where to park although Housesteads looked like a good a place as any. But then looking at the map I found a car park at a place called Steel Rigg, right by part of the wall. Probably because of the bad weather we had no trouble in parking even though the car park was small. Price for 3 hours was £3, not bad we thought. Wet weather gear and stout shoes put on and we set off along what I thought was quite a difficult route. At first just gentle terrain, slightly slopping downhill but then we hit the stone steps!  OMG how difficult were they! For me who falls over a blade of grass this was a nightmare. Being wet  slippy and very steep didn't help and I'm sure it took us twice as long to reach the tree. These photos show the route.

Crikey I'm never going to get my bulk through that!

Very tight squeeze but managed...just.

Yes there were steps going down from this point. Uneven and steep!

The tree at last.

  By the time the tree came into view I was all but done in! The drizzle had started and I'm sure the wind was getting stronger by the minute. After the compulsory photo shoot, a sit on a very wet rock for a drink and biscuit, we found a much easier route for the way back. 

 

That's Ian sitting on a boulder to the left of the photo.

Taken on Ian's phone and yes that's me by the tree.

The only downside to this easier walk was how very exposed to that wind we were. Ian demonstrated for me.

A late lunch was had on our return. Nearly every part of Hadrian's wall has been explored back in June so we were at a loss as to what to do next. In the end we made for the campsite tonight. One that has all facilities including a washing machine. We had booked it yesterday and the owner said it was easy to find down a lane off the B6318. Well this lane was not what we expected. Turns out we turned up the farm track instead. Anyway not many caravans and motorhomes on site and we had a choice of where to go. The electric hook up was on a slope, not the best place for a motorhome. Even with the levelling blocks we are arse up and listing slightly. Cooking the meal tonight may be interesting.

 Someone has a great sense of humour

And wildlife