Simonside

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Weather Report

Overcast with sunny periods. Dry - well I at least avoided the forecast showers and the wind finally died away.

Prompt departure as the campsite gates opened at 7am. Hurried (within speed limit of course) down to Alnwick where I spent best part of an hour taking photographs particularly of the castle and river. Also of the flat where I lived briefly in 1975. Leaving Alnwick I took the road heading south west through delightful moorland scenery. In a couple of miles I pulled off and parked close to some crags where I used to lunch while teaching in Alnwick. Lovely views to Edlingham with its castle, eleventh century church and railway viaduct (latter now disused). Then drove down to the village to inspect more closely.

With time pressing I headed off for Rothbury stopping at Cragside on the way. Here I followed the drive tour around the landscaped gardens - the house was closed, and is closed for the year. Presumably restorative work. Fascinating temporary feature was the four poster bed in the middle of the lake. Don’t ask !

Continued the short distance to Rothbury where I parked and wandered around for half an hour before picnicking by the river. Later drove up to the Simonside Hills overlooking the town and briefly explored the fells (hills), heather moorland and conifer forest.

I then motored south west towards the A68 and found various places of interest including the eighteenth century folly on Rothley Crags and the gibbet on the moors above Elsdon. A bleak place to be executed. Descending the moor to Elsdon provided excellent views of the village and in particular of the motte and bailey (early Norman castle) which is difficult to appreciate when in the village.

Finally worked my way to Wallington Hall where I photographed the outside of the building and wandered down to the nature hide where a red squirrel had kindly waited for me. Some good photographs of a squirrel which has disappeared from most of England in recent years. Perfect end to a lovely day.

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