Summer Walk No5, Rothbury Circular - Tuesday 10th August 2021.

The fifth Tuesday evening walk on Morpeth Camera Clubs summer programme took place on 10th July
at the market town of Rothbury. Thirteen members met in the Cowhaugh Car Park off Whitton Bank Road
for a circular walk that included the riverside and main streets.

The group set off in an easterly direction, crossed the stone bridge over the Coquet, and dropped down
to a footpath on the north bank of the river. Now heading west in the warm sunshine, some of the group
stopped to photograph an unusual flock of domestic sheep called Zwartbles. Originating in the Friesland
region of the northern Netherlands, these animals have a striking appearance: a black/brown fleece, a
white blaze on the face, 2 - 4 white socks, and a white tail tip.

Continuing along the riverside this location highlighted the fact that the town is made up of terraces on
the stepped hillside with many properties having large gardens and strips of land running down to the
river. After half a mile we climbed north into the Beggars Rigg car park and out onto the Thropton road
with views across the coquet valley towards Simonside.

Turning east, our route led us past Rothbury House and the old Coquetdale hospital as we joined the
high street. Rothbury has retained its character with the many old buildings and alleyways and these
provided a good hunting ground for images. A short break for takeaway fish & chips occupied some of
the group whilst others continued down to Town Foot and Bridge Street.

As the light faded the last few images were taken around the war memorial, the Market Cross, All Saints
Church, and graveyard before we crossed the metal pedestrian footbridge over the river and returned to
our starting point. Thank you to those who attended for making it an enjoyable evening.

  

Davy Bolam.