On the way to Durham

Left the hotel at Carlisle about 9 and took the A65 towards Hexham then turned off onto a smaller road towards Alston. The countryside is very hilly and the road quite winding. We stopped at the Cumbrian Pantry in Alston for a coffee. The locals were very friendly and a mine of information.



Wandered a bit round the corner and found some really old buildings and a lovely little town.

Drove back to a lookout where you could see a great panoramic view. Lots of bikers there and a little cafe as well. Apparently very popular place.


From here we passed back through Alston village and took the road to Durham. We passed through another few villages and stopped for lunch at Crook in The Butterfly Cafe. The food was wholesome and good.

Not too far from there we found Gina's cousin's house. It was lovely to meet them and Sheila played us with tea and a scrummy carrot cake before Cousin Roger took us on a guided tour in the centre of Durham. Went to the Cathedral and wandered around looking at the different parts of the place,
Including St Cuthbert and St Bede!





Wandered back through the town and back to the car which Roger had parked on a small side street.

Back to Almoners Barn where Sheila and Roger live for drinks and a beautiful meal cooked by Sheila. Gina enjoyed looking at Roger's family pictures and even found some of herself.

After a good nights sleep and breakfast, set off for Carlisle and Gretna Green about 10am.
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