Coquet Valley

Weather Report

Wind, wind and more wind ! Very rough night - surprised tent still in one piece. Encountered quite a few showers although some sunny spells. Apparently the campsite experienced frequent showers so I made the right decision to go inland.

Set-off about 7:15 and found my way to Chillingham - home to the famous wild cattle. Unsurprisingly the grounds were not open at that time and despite peering under / through / over a number of hedges could find no sign of the beast. Continued onto Charlton Moor which is a small upland area north of Alnwick between the A1 and the A697. Very attractive barren landscape with some gorse in flower. Saw one hare and a Sitka close to the road. It disappeared into a mass of gorse so I parked and crept silently around the edge playing the big game hunter. Well actually I fell over a fence and cursed loudly so the quarry took flight with me desperately firing off some shots. Sadly once again these were predominantly of the rear end of the beast ! Descending the moor I enjoyed delightful views across the Till Valley towards the Cheviots.

Crossed the A1 and worked my way along the Aln valley, over a pretty moor and down to Rothbury. Thereafter followed the Coquet westward and then turned north arriving in Harbottle where I parked and climbed a small hill to investigate the ruins of a twelfth century castle - I last visited some twenty years ago. Little change !

Arriving in Alwinton I entered the valley which has always been my favourite part of the county. The red flags were flying so eyes open for tanks, armed sheep and the like. This is a beautiful valley that receives few visitors because of its remoteness. I parked near a waterfall, snacked and had a brief rest.

Refreshed I drove the length of the valley across the watershed into Scotland and found my way to Carter Bar which is the famous viewpoint on the border. Not much of a view today - dull sky. From there I drove south along the A68 past Catcleugh Reservoir and the edge of Kielder Forest. Eventually turned onto the Elsdon road and stopped in the village of that name. This is an attractive settlement and boasts one of the best preserved pele towers of the borders region. A few miles beyond Elsdon I spotted some fallow deer the other side of a wall. I parked up and from a hidden vantage point managed to take some reasonable photos.

Continued into the Coquet Valley where the river has pronounced meanders and then headed back to the campsite across Alnwick moor.

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