April

Bernie

Rothbury – Jacob’s Ladder – Sharpe’s Folly – Lordinshaw Car Park – Simonside -  Great Tosson – Summerville – Rothbury.

Bright sunshine throughout, warm in sheltered spots but a bit chilly higher up.

Bernie, Ashley, Michelle, George, Ken.

Michael - man flu

Sandy - working

Ron - dog sitting

Diane and Richard - holiday

Comments

Overall a very nice walk in perfect conditions. Ashley joined us for part of the walk. There were stunning 360 degree views, slightly spoilt by a smoke haze to the north caused by heather burning. Later on we saw two fire engines heading out of Rothbury, possibly towards the fires.

It was a very steep start out of Rothbury up a flight of stone steps (Jacob’s Ladder). We passed a stone tower built by Archdeacon Sharp in the 18th century as an observatory. The archdeacon also had an interest in astrology.

Lordinshaw Car Park was very busy. We ascended Simonside ridge along the newly stone paved path, which was very busy. Our lunch stop was at Dove Crag (359m) – supplemented with mini chocolate Easter eggs, thanks to Bernie.

We found a lost child’s coat on the rocks – Ken found the owner further on along the path. Luckily we were not spotted by the Duergar (dwarves) on the ridge. Many of the sandstone rocks had been sculpted by the elements over time into interesting shapes, i.e a dog, and a shark’s mouth.

There was a lot of discussion after coming off Simonside as to which was the desired path down to Great Tosson – mainly due to almost all the trees having been felled. We passed several forts and Tosson Tower. Coming back into Rothbury along the river, we saw two fields, with a notice stating that they should have contained some zwartbles sheep (black and white sheep originating from the Netherlands), but none were at home.

Wildlife / Flora / Fauna

Lambs, peacock butterflies, pheasants, grouse, mallard, moorhen, buzzard, oyster catchers, heard a woodpecker.

Twin Farms – nice meal, good service.

Click on Camera Image to see Video link

Simonside

Rothbury

Panorama

Michelle

Group on top

Engravings

Steps

Dwarves

Group of walkers

Ken and Michelle

Look, no hands!

Gorse