Trip out to South Shields, Carlsile, Gretna & Todhills

Sorry for the recent lack of blogs but I was back to work last week and only managed one 5k trot up the old railway lines and back. I had a headwind on the way out and a tailwind coming back. The line was wet / muddy in places and some massive puddles / flooding after recent heavy rain. It was my first 5k in a good few months and I forgot to wear my Garmin Forerunner so timed it off my normal watch- 35mins and I also forgot to take my puffer so lungs were struggling on the way out.
Last Saturday Angus had a day off work so we headed to South Shields for a walk around the shops then to Coleman's for dinner. After that it was a walk along the beach into a gale force head wind and got blasted by sand. The return leg was a lot better.
Then we had a short break over in Carlisle / Gretna / Todhills area. It was very cold with the van reading minus -6 degrees on Monday morning but lovely and sunny both days. We also called in past the massive garden centre just outside Carlisle and had an expensive cuppa/cake. We also crossed the Scottish Border and called in past Gretna Gateway (equivalent of our Dalton Park) and spent a few bob. We had our teas at Gretna Inn Pub opposite and they do a canny meal if you are up that way. Back to work now and well and truly skint!
Below are  few snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon -

Snow on the A68 on the way over to Carlisle on Sunday

New Years Day Hike around Weardale / Stanhope

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have only had the bank holidays off so not too much spare time on my hands. Angus has only had one day off in the last 17 days from his second job! Anyway the sun was shinning, the wind was blowing and it was not too nippy so time for a hike around the moors surrounding Stanhope. The tracks were very soft / muddy under foot after the recent snow fall (see bottom of blog for a couple of pics) had all melted. There was quite a few others out and about getting some fresh air. Back to work tomorrow then to Sir Bobby Robson Centre in the afternoon - oh the joys.
Below are a few snaps from the hike, enjoy and hopefully more soon -

I think the tree is still drunk for New Years Eve party, its got some lean on it

and some snowy pics of Durham from Friday morning (pleased I was at work lol) -