Hot time in Biddlestone. (Northumberland)            July 17th

Another extra walk with the Greens. A total of  12 walkers, possibly the largest party I have walked with, excluding school trips, for a long time.The UK is suffering a heatwave, causing more panic in the government than the people, the powers that be giving out endless warnings of the problems heat can cause. Today it might reach 30 in the north of England.

Well provided with extra water, sun cream and a selection of hats we met in the village of Alwinton.(North on A1, turn off at Morpeth to A697, turn off at Weldon Bridge for Rothbury. Through Rothbury and turn right at sign post, eventually reaching Alwinton. There is a car park charging a generous £2 or park for free on the grassy verge as you reach the village bus stop which probably never sees a bus)

The OS map OL  16  Cheviot Hills covers the walk.

This week's car park , the free one at Alwinton.

Leaving the grassy area we crossed the stream by means of a footbridge, turned left and headed up the track called Clennel Street. Someway up this track we turned through a gate on the right, crossed a field and reached the very minor road that follows the River Alwin.

                                Alwin River valley.

We followed the road, crossing and recrossing the river until we spotted the finger post that pointed the way to Old Rooklands. 

We were now on a footpath clinging to the valley side, knee deep in ferns. We turned north at one point then east until we reached a gate that made it clear we were not to go through it. Fortunately 100 yards away there was a stile and soon we were at the tumbled down remains of Old Rooklands where we stopped for an early lunch.

                Old Rooklands. I have been doing this walk for about forty years and the ruin gets a little worse every time. A few more hard winters before it is a pile of stones.

Lunch over we continued east, passing a small hut, before reaching a track, turning south east. Not far down the track we turned north towards Puncherton but before we reached that farm we spotted a marker and followed a footpath across Loundon Hill.

Somewhere down the hill we joined a track to Biddlestone Home farm.

                             A hazy view across the Coquet Valley to Simonside.

Reaching a road we turned right and continued on our warm way passing Rooklands farm, crossing fields and reaching the caravan and camp site at Clennel.

                        

Rooklands and Clennel Hall.

Not far beyond the hall we crossed the Alwinton river again and followed the track back to the cars.

Taking government advice we went to the Rose and Thistle in the village to take some liquid on board.

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

The walk is about 7,5 miles with a couple of stiff climbs.