Day 12: Garrigill to Greenhead
32.7km along the Pennine Way
Today I accidentally took the wrong path, which is considered ‘cheating’ in the guidebook, but after the distance I covered and the state of the terrain in the second half of the day, I’m glad I took the easy route earlier on. I set off early from Garrigill and stopped briefly in Alston to buy supplies for lunch. In doing so I accidentally got onto the wrong path, inadvertently following the South Tyne Trail instead of the Pennine Way. That serves me right for following the AllTrails app instead of the guidebook! Of course I didn’t know this for quite some time and it was too late to turn back so I just kept going.
I followed the South Tyne Trail all the way to Lintley, where this trail crosses the Pennine Way. Back on the right path, I passed through fields, over many stiles, until reaching Knarsdale Hall. After following the Maiden Way for some time, things started to get a little damp underfoot. Crossing Lambley Common was more like wading through a grassy swimming pool. I was definitely off-path as there was no path to be seen, but I trudged onwards.
Some time later I crossed Hartleyburn Common and Blenkinsopp Common, both equally wet underfoot. Eventually I crossed through one final field of cows before reaching the main road into Greenhead. It was quite possibly the most miserable day on the Pennine Way but there was nowhere notable to stay to make it shorter. What I would say is the worst is behind you, the next and final few days are something to look forward to by comparison!
Check out my walk on Relive to see the elevation »
I stayed at Greenhead hostel, again enjoying a room all to myself. The hostel has a huge kitchen to cook in but there is also a hotel over the road serving hot food.
Happy walking!
Kate x