Land of far horizons

That is what the historian G.M.Trevelyan called Northumberland.




Cragside is ablaze with rhododendrons in May/June but it is a joy any time of year; National Trust so rather expensive for a family. We lost our lot in the labyrinth up beside Nelly's Moss lake. I like autumn there too especially Halloween events and Apple Day.



Lord Armstrong is my favourite Northumbrian- well so is Admiral Lord Collingwood-and Sir Bobby Robson- and St Bede-and Gertrude Bell- and St Benet Biscop- and Basil Hume and Grace Darling..... Armstrong was so clever- a water wizard and appreciative of others;so as well as Joseph Swan being first to create the incandescent lightbulb Lord Armstrong invited his pal Swan to Cragside to light his bulbs by hydro electric power.


We walked with friends above Wooler on Humbleton Hill- iron age camp , Gleadscleugh hill farm, Harry Hotspur raining longbow arrows on the heads of the Scots in the Battle of Homildon Hill; 'all around the purple heather' purpled for miles; buzzing and scented with honey.


If you visit National Trust Souter Lighthouse sup the broth and prepare yourself! Just when you think you have conquered your fear of the stairs winding up the wall, you realise the light still eludes you up the last ladder. We spelled our names in flags, tapped messages in Morse code and inspected the foghorn; peacefulness descended as we progged mats, embroidered and knitted in the lighthousekeeper's cottage. Ooh! and try Minchella's icecream at one of the kiosks along the Leas.