Day 62: Pennine Way - Cottonshopeburnfoot to Kirk Yetholm

Day 16 on the Pennine Way, the final day. I’ve walked the equivalent of a marathon today, and I’m definitely feeling it now. 

• Date: 21 May 2024
• Start: Cottonshopeburnfoot
• End: Kirk Yetholm
• Miles: 26.2
• Total miles: 827.9
• Accommodation: Friends of Nature Hostel

I had a pretty sleepless night last night, mainly from the anticipation of today. My alarm went off at 4am, and I had no choice but to get up and spring into action. 

I couldn’t really complain I was that cold though, given how the group of cyclists that turned up last night were camping. 

I set off from the holiday park at Cottonshopeburnfoot at 5:30am sharp, aiming for a huge ascent over Byrness Hill. 

At the top of the hill, I was treated to some great views as the sun rose. I also bumped into Ruth and Alan and their dog Bessie, walking with them for a bit. 

I spent the next few miles admiring the views of the Cheviot Hills. 

With great fanfare, I reached the Scottish border, which consisted of a gate. No flag, no sign, just a boring gate. 

After crossing into Scotland, I headed to the first hut on this section, and had a bite to eat. 

I then headed off up and down hills for the next few miles until I reached Windy Gyle, the half way point. Here, I bumped into some people who had camped the night before, and also a couple who had been dropped off down the road by their hotel. 

The next stage involved climbing up to the Cheviot itself, which was a huge climb. 

On dropping down from the Cheviot, there was another hut which I took a good long break in, then I continued until I saw a sign that the day was almost over. 

The final push wasn’t too difficult, knowing that the finish line was close. Just a few more hills to climb and I’d be there. 

I saw an adder as I was walking along the path near to the end. I quickly took a photo and scurried off before it could bite me. Who knew Scotland had such dangerous animals.

After successfully running away from the adder, all that was left was a big road hill, and Kirk Yetholm was in sight. 

On arrival in Kirk Yetholm, you are told to make your way to the Border Hotel, which is the official end of the Pennine Way. They also give you a free beer and certificate for your efforts. Some people also leave their boots here. Not me though, even though mine are an absolute wreck, I’ve still got 500 miles to walk. 

With that, the Pennine Way was complete, the toughest but most enjoyable trail I’ve done. This was also probably the best and most memorable day of my journey so far. 

I headed to my hostel around the corner and checked in. It turns out I’m the only one staying tonight. I’ve finally unlocked that achievement. 

I headed back to the pub for dinner with Ruth and Alan after freshening up, but we didn’t last too long as we were all so tired. 

After a much anticipated very long sleep tonight, I have a rest day tomorrow. I was always planning on having a rest day at the end of the Pennine Way, but the timing is excellent as there’s warnings of heavy rain for all of tomorrow. I’m more than happy to spend the day indoors.