Slow Ways

Slow Ways – Jarsou one, Hebjar two, Gatheb one. – South Shields to Gateshead

Distance 19.7km / 12.0mi

I woke up with a sense of excitement this morning, this was my final day of walking. My excitement was tempered by the weather forecast which was forecasting heavy rain but I didn’t have any choice. I had let everyone know my itinerary for the day but didn’t know for sure who would be walking and which sections. This was another route I had walked before so I knew what to expect.

When the start time approached I had been joined by Lynn and Diane from church. Today wasn’t just about me finishing my walk, this was about us finishing the walk together.

Thankfully the rain had just about stopped by the time we set off.

It was interesting to see familiar places through others eyes.

We stopped in Jarrow as we were well ahead of schedule. Diane left here as she had to get to work so I continued on with Lynn. WhatsApp messages were flying back and forth and we agreed to meet with Rev Danie at the Bill Quay Farm Café. When we got there Russ was there too and we were joined a little later by Arthur and Christine. I was a bit overwhelmed that friends from church who had supported me all the way were with me on this final stretch. We had plenty of time so it was quite a relaxed walk into Gateshead along the river.

I was a bit concerned to try and get my timings right. I had said I would arrive at 14.30 at the Gateshead Basis Drop In and I reckon I was only 5 minutes late which after setting out over a month before wasn’t bad.

And then I was there to the shouts and cheers of the workers, staff and service users at the Drop In and friends who had managed to get time off work. There was congratulations tea coffee and cake. I think I was definitely overhelmed by the welcome and the realisation that I had been and done it. This mad idea to walk from London to Gateshead raising money (£1540) and awareness of the wonderful work of Oasis Community Housing.