We
spent ten days with our son and his family in the lovely Northumberian village
of Rothbury. It is a popular walking
area, which suited us fine. There are
four good walks we can do from his house.
A short walk up the hill and we have this lovely view of the village and
his house.
Our
first walk was the very popular Cragside Carriage Walk. Uphill through a very English woods with
masses of Rhododendron on either side of the track. We stated in bright sunshine, do did not
bother to wear our coats.
This
walk is 13 km long and has a total ascent of 437 metres, but all on a very
gradual track. The first and last hour
is through dense woods, with two hours of open track and spectacular views to
the Coquet valley below and the Cheviots in the distance.
This
large rock is well situated for a short break.
Generations of visitors have carved their initials and dates on the
rock. The earliest we found was 1890
and the most recent 1992. Perhaps too
much like hard work for more recent visitors?
As
we reached the open part of the walk we could see the rain clouds approaching
from the Cheviots. We still had two
hours ahead of us whether we continued or turned back. So we carried on, but regretted trusting the
weather forecast and leaving our coats at home.
We
try to walk each day, whatever the weather, except when we visit the shops in
Morpeth and Newcastle. Our second was
the 10km to Thropton along the winding Coquet river. This is a lovely, but not very well known
walk. There is no official footpath,
but locals use it often enough to leave a well-defined track.
Thropton
is a small very quiet village. It has
recently lost its only shop, which was also a petrol station. But it still has two pubs. The Three Wheat Heads Inn is our preferred
stop, casual enough not to feel uncomfortable in dirty walking boots. It was closed today and we visited the more
upmarket Cross Keys. Really more a restaurant
than a pub. We usually use the garden
as we feel a little uncomfortable in the spotless lounge and bar, both with
their tables laid for meals.
Today
we were the only visitors and we had the garden to ourselves. The views from
the garden show the start of our walk back to Rothbury, with Simonside (another
favourite walk) in the distance.
This
is typical of the path back to Rothbury.
Even on a cloudy and chilly June day it was easy to see why this is such
a popular walking area. A little tame
for our Spanish mountain walking group perhaps, but I am sure that they would
love the peace and quiet just as much as we do.
We
spent a long time watching these proud parents with their young family. They kept to the far side of the river, and
put themselves between us and the cygnets.
We thought there were only three, but then we spotted a fourth riding on
the back of one of the adults.
After
two warm and sunny days normal English summer was resumed. It was mostly dry, but it was also overcast
and quite cold. Fortunately we had
brought our winter coats with us, as we regularly visit the area in June.
On
Sunday the whole family followed a popular local walk along the river to Ladies
Bridge. Jack (11) would rather have
been at home with his tablet. Georgia
(6) was fascinated by the sheep droppings.
Chloe (2) was like a little puppy, full of energy and then suddenly
demanding that her dad carry her on his shoulders.
Chloe
was also fascinated by the kissing gate, which was similar to the one in the
play area in the village.
Jack
brought up the rear with his mum and dad.
I suspect he is getting a little old to admit that he enjoys playing
with the younger children.
On
the way back we stopped at the picnic area.
Chloe was tired enough to enjoy a cuddle
But
then she realised her mum was taking the photo (see bottom left of photo)
The
picnic rested and refreshed the younger members of the group who took full
advantage of the play area near the village.
A
lovely day, despite the less than perfect weather. And the children were in no hurry to get
home. Except for Jack who passed on the
play area in order to get back to his tablet.
