Leaning tower and lots of dust.

 We had no plans today, none at all! Most of the NT and English Heritage sites had already been done in this part of the world. We debated whether to go to Alnwick Castle. Some Harry Potter scenes had been filmed here but when we checked the price, wow it was astronomical! Just to see the Castle was £15.75 each (concessions)  Oh I know the castle has been used as Hogwarts in Harry Potter, and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey's 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials but really, how can the average person be able to afford those prices! And then for the honour of going into the gardens, another concessionary price of £14 30 each.  If my maths are correct, that makes a grand total of £60.10. and that's just for the over 60s.  Just imagine the cost of a family of four to both attractions! We both agreed it was too much!

So where to go? I fancied walking somewhere and Ian notice a waterfall at Hindhope Linn. It was in a place called Blakehopeburnhaugh. Quite a mouthful, isn't it! It's at the Northern end of Kielder Forest and as a bonus, we can also stay overnight in the car park. First we had to get there.

On the way, another castle was spied. What made it special was the imposing viaduct towering over the ruins. Noting it as another English Heritage and one we hadn't visited, we made the detour down a very narrow lane. A right-hand turn took us to the entrance, but we hadn't realised there was no turning area at the end. All Ian could do was reverse all the way back up the lane, turn MB around and reverse once more back to the entrance. Good job we didn't meet anyone!

Edlingham Castle c 1300 to 1600 was a small-fortified tower house, its ruins has a unique feature that one of the towers have come away from the main structure and now leans quite away out. Only metal rods appear to be holding it up.

The viaduct was part of the disused Cornhill Branch line  In short, it was a 35.5-mile (57 km) single track branch railway line from Alnwick to Coldstream and was opened in 1887 by the North Eastern Railway Company to link its Kelso line to its Alnwick Branch.

There was also Edlingham church next to the castle. Not that we are not religious by any means, but churches fascinate because of the history and buildings, and very surprised when the door opened as we tried to get inside. There must be a lot of very honest people around this small village. There was one fact we found out when reading some of its history. Apparently today there are more cattle in the village than people!

Blast, I got bitten by a horse fly while wandering the grounds. Felt the bite and wasn't quick enough to swipe it away. I always have a bad reaction to these blighters, so I'm expecting a swollen calf and a lot of itching. That will teach me to get the shorts out!

For some reason any biting insects just love me so when we arrived at Blakehopeburnhaugh, the Jungle, extra strong insect repellent came out. I wondered why Ian wrinkled up his nose. It does pong a bit, but if it stops any more bites, then so be it. 

What a lovely small picnic area and it also has loos. Not composting which I expected because of the isolation of the place, but a proper flush with water. That was the only water mind, no sinks just hand sanitisers to freshen the hands after one has been,

The Forest walk to the waterfall was slightly disappointing because recent storms had brought down a number of trees and the main circular track was closed. We only had a there and back to do then. Roughly a mile, nonetheless it was a very pleasant trek through the trees. I expected more water cascading due to the recent rains, hmm maybe this was the result after the rains. Anyway, it got us out for a walk and with the sun beating down, the chairs came out for an afternoon of relaxation.  

So a slight downside to being in the heart of a forest.... loggers! Several huge lorries came over the small bridge, fully loaded with logs. In their wake...dust. The doors were shut pretty quick.

I think we may go into Scotland tomorrow. Jedburgh to see the castle, jail and museam.

And wildlife

Young trout

 

This could be a Garden Dart Moth