Bamburgh castle, seen from Bamburgh Beach AD547-1066
I spent nearly a week in this part of the world last month and I wish I had spent more time there. Breathtakingly beautiful with Roman ruins, 9th century Anglo-Saxon churches and majestic castles dominating dreamy coastlines and sitting up high on hills. With silky sand beaches and soft feathery grass dunes and well kept roads which wriggle and curve, then dip and shoot up into the sky when you least expect it, like a fairground ride or a scene from Mary Poppins.
Northumberland has a timeless quality. I’m definitely going back.
You can see the above photo on BBC News, England’s Big Picture week of 17th July. It was taken on an iPhone. I liked the position of the castle from the beach.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-66217730
Northumberland is like this everywhere. Your eyes do all the work. Spoilt for choice stunning scenic photo opportunities with perfect composition almost at every turn, for you to capture.
The people of Northumberland are like perfect porridge – hard to beat. The lovely people I met were friendly, courteous and seemed to bounce along with big smiles, getting on with their lives. They go with the scenery. A perfect melting pot.
Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island
Idyllic. A short drive across the causeway (tip! check tide times) to Holy Island and you are there walking along the coastline with the stone wall here leading you to the most beautiful 16th century grade 1 listed castle with a captivating story about a wealthy Edwardian bachelor. This was my favourite castle by far and it took less than an hour to investigate. Not the best photo, but it gives you an idea. Closed Mondays fyi.
Loki, our miniature schnauzer enjoying the tranquil view in Hexham, at the foot of Hadrian’s wall before his attempt to climb. A few squeaks later, he thought better of it! The walk up is easy enough, but the steps narrow at the top and some can be a little steep. My daughter tells me the view at the top is worth seeing, but the herd of cows there were a surprise and might be a problem for travellers with small dogs in arms or bags!
Loki enjoying the blooms at Clumber National Park, Nottinghamshire. A stop off, half way to Northumberland. A must see! Much loved and cared for gardens. I wish I had taken a photo of the hardworking friendly gardeners there.
Flowers at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
The descent from Lindisfarne Castle …
and then a rest in the dunes or a walk along the shoreline into the village for a cuppa and a small crowd of friendly faces (humans and dogs)!
Next… the mystery of the little hamlet, Edlingham near Alnwick.
A welcoming 9th century ancient parish church and the remains of a castle barely standing, dating mainly from the 14th century. First, I want to research the story of a Northumberland heiress, Ms Constance de Pontrop. With a name like that she might have a fascinating story to tell. I will investigate further …
Remains of Edlingham Castle, a fortified manor house. The remains are those of the solar tower (living quarters).
See you soon!
Wild Swans Photography 