Tuna
Thursday 13 June 2019
Time to head a bit further north. However, the first stop was just a few minutes down the road, another cold war bunker. This one was run by the Royal Observer Corps (ROC), all locals and volunteers. It had a different focus to Kelvedon Hatch. The York bunker was a central point to take readings from all the little location stations when a bomb was dropped to work out where it landed and what the outside ‘atmosphere’ was like. They were volunteers all and fully understood that they were dispensable, but they still chose to do it. Unfortunately, in the mid 1990’s the government decided they didn’t need the bunkers (or people) anymore and let go all of the ROC. According to our guide, the government didn’t do this bit very well and apparently most of the ROC found out about it on the 10 o’clock news. They were a little bit annoyed at this. We were the only ones on our tour, which was great as we could pester the guide with questions. The next tour had many more attendees.
Back in the car to dry out and warm up we scooted off down the A6108 to Richmond. We passed quite a few groups of cyclists going for a late morning ride through the lovely rolling hills of the countryside, in the rain. They didn’t look very happy.
After a very disappointing burger for lunch at a local pub in Richmond we went to Richmond Castle. It was built in the 11th century and has been added to as a range of new owners took possession. It started to fall apart in the first half of the 16th century but was still used by variety of different groups. It was lovey to wander around, but it was wet and cold. My feet got rather wet as I decided today was a good day to not wear my walking shoes but my super breathable sneakers.
Back in the sportswagon (gutless 1.6lt Hyundai Tucson) and on to the A1(M) speeding towards Newcastle-upon-Tyne. No, we are not stay there but it was quicker to go on the multi-laned freeway than on the scenic, windy A roads. We did a quick stop at the supermarket to stock up on food for a few days.
We are staying at a cute little cottage at Walltown (not sure that it is actually classified as a town and there are only three buildings, one of which is out cottage). It should be nice and quiet and it is apparently not too far from a section of Hadrian’s Wall. As we were checking in (in the consistent light drizzle) a couple also turned up. They obviously are walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path and this was were they were staying the night. They were wet (drenched) and didn’t look like they were having fun. Car is a good way to get around.