6th day Wednesday 8th March

 Lincoln to the Pennines

Stopped at Blyth services for coffee and a bun, and largely also to make calls to ensure I had a place to stay for the night. I finally managed to get a response from The Inn at Brough, confirming that my attempts to book here on the correct date with Pitchup have succeeded.

I had one odd little stop on the road at an unexpected toll on the county border (I think). A man in an old fashioned wooden  booth charged me 60p, and gave me change from the £1 coin I fortunately had in my pocket. 


Diverted to see  Barnard Castle along the route and explored the pretty traditional market town. Sadly, English Heritage don't open the actual castle until April. There's also the Bowes Museum in the town, but I didn't pay them a visit either. 

The Inn must be one of the best Pitchups in the book, as it includes electric hookup and the key to separate toilet, shower, and even bath.

Had a good evening meal, listening to Richard Osman book on wireless phones. Chatted to a TV film crew who are making a series on dog walking coast-to-coast. (They were off early next day, anticipating snow across the Pennines.). I retired early (for me) for a comfy, warm, night. 

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