The Green's Christmas Walk

 The Green's Christmas walk. December 15th.

The Greens are a friendly group of walkers that some of us gadgies have attached ourselves to. Walks every other Sunday, similar to gadgie walks and they usually end in a pub.

The Christmas walk is an annual event, usually a walk round the town of  Morpeth and a feast in the Tap and Spile. A map is not necessary but should you wish to follow the walk closely use OS Explorer 325 Morpeth and Blyth.

We met, about twenty of us, in the car park between the bus station, Home Bargains and the shopping centre. It is free but requires a time of arrival card.

Having assembled and appointed a leader and back marker, just like being at school, off we went.

Down the hill of the main street, across the road, past Wetherspoons (old cinema) and over the river Wansbeck.

Once over the river (and checked) we turned left and followed the river bank for a while before crossing again to the north side.

Leaving the riverside we crossed a road and entered Bluebell Wood which is well worth visiting in spring for the carpet of, amazingly, bluebells, but British not Spanish.

                                  Spot the difference.

             Walking through Bluebell Woods

Once ou of the wood we walked round the perimeter of the hospital, down a road passing King Edward VI School, (known as KEVI) and almost into town.

Turning right down the nicely named Beggars Lane we crossed a stream, turned left, crossed the river and followed footpaths through open land to the next bit of wooded land. A series of steep steps took us to the remains of Morpeth Castle. All that is left is the gatehouse and some bits of wall remain from the 14th century stronghold. The gatehouse is run by the Landmark Trust who restored it. My wife and I had lunch there in summer with friends who had taken it for a short holiday. Magnificent view from the roof of Morrisons supermarket, and the rest of the town.

         Walls are vertical, I was not.

Having admired the gatehouse we walked to the next roundabout, crossed the road, passed the station and at a safe crossing went over the railway.

East coast main line from London to Edinburgh and beyond.

The last part of the walk was down a lane which eventually morphed into a road. Passing the back of Morrisons Supermarket we were soon back at the cars. 

As requested we changed our boots for something lighter like  trainers and headed for the Tap and Spile pub nearby.

The pub had provided a fine buffet, far above the standards of the gadgie Herbie Spot. Not only was there ham, salmon, chips, sausages, sausage rolls, olives, crisps, bread and a cheese board to delight. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten free were all provided for. And they had Timothy Taylor's Landlord on draught. Happiness is a Green walk.

Contains OS data copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024.

The walk is about 5.5 miles, easy going.

Apart from the wonky castle and one of the group photographs, credit goes to Andrew. Thanks.