Wanting to spend more time exploring Britain’s fine range of abandoned houses (aka ‘bothies’) along the Pennine way to serve as potential rest stops, saw me trek to the Haughton Green bothy building, located near the now infamous remains of the Sycamore gap tree.

Choosing to hike from the nearby town of Haltwhistle, I traced a path northward, and arrived at Cawfields quarry, a beautiful lake with an odd rock formation that looks like a small mountain.

It was there I picked up the Pennine way and began following in the footsteps of Roman legionnaires along the legendary Hadrian's Wall.

Along the way, a familiar landmark emerged thanks to recent news, the remnants of the Sycamore Gap tree. Pausing briefly to pay homage to the remains of this now destroyed natural wonder, I pressed onward towards my ultimate destination.

Next, I the Pennine way ascended up a rocky staircase and I passed by the stunning Crag Lough, another beautiful lake nestled in the Northumberland national park. After half an hour to enjoy a snack and some water in the beautiful surroundings, I set off east.

Crossing a few quite boggy sections meant a few stops to avoid walking through ankle-deep water, but soon afterwards, the Houghtongreen Bothy loomed into view amidst the stunning wilderness. Its weathered facade whispered tales of bygone eras, yet its history remained shrouded in mystery, a testament to the passage of time.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the rustic charm of the bothy, with a built-in wood-burning stove and fabic-covered wooden beds.

But once inside, it was clearly marred by signs of human presence, a sobering reminder of our impact upon the land. Empty beer cans and discarded alcohol bottles were strewn in bright orange plastic supermarket carrier bags.

Throughout the night, rustles of animals (that turned out to be small field mice) kept me awake for more hours than they should. As a millennial that had a bizarre fascination with horror films such as the ‘Blair Witch Project’, I wished I had bought ear plugs to avoid spooking myself, however will remember that lesson for the next Bothy adventure in the coming weeks.

As dawn broke the bothy lit up with stunning, warm sunlight and I bid farewell to Houghtongreen Bothy, carrying with me memories of a micro adventure well-lived as I retraced my route back along Hadrian’s wall in search of a coffee at Cawfields quarry and my train back to County Durham.

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