A wondrous wander through Haltwhistle

Haltwhistle is a fairly little Northumbrian town, close to the Cumbrian border. In its heyday, it was a bustling town, the end of the Alston railway line. Now, it's claims to fame include being the Centre of Britain and a great start for walks to Hadrian's Wall and it has a fabulous outdoor pool in the Summer!

Others in my acquaintance aren't so fond as I am of this town, but for me, Haltwhistle holds only happy memories, thoughts of people I love and sublime views.  I quite like a little wander along the High Street too.  I always enjoy a walk around Haltwhistle so when on Tuesday, I decided to take a walk, I asked WOMOTM, my illustrious Father-in-Law and CBC, my overworked husband to join me.  The latter was overwhelmed with marking and the former hasn't been feeling his best.

The sun made a much-appreciated appearance to allow us to bask in its golden rays as we walked around.

 I took a close up of this iron gate near the hospital.

 This church is very old, possibly 12th century I believe (correct me if wrong WOMOTM!)

 WOMOTM looked at me askance when I showed him the picture of this gravestone but I thought it was very unusual in its decoration.

 There were my pleasant companions who tolerated me stopping to take photos every minute!

 Continuing on past the church along the back of the high street, I was delighted by the ebullient shades of the leaves.

 My first sheep of the visit.

 We enjoyed the structure and appearance of this fine stone house.

 Late blackberries lined the path.

 And there were still signs of flowers.

 I enjoyed these pretty wall flowers. I'd be pleased to know what they are named.

 We reached the main road out of Halthwhistle and crossed the busy road.  Light shone gently through the leaves.

 I do love looking and noticing the translucent beauty of these green garments.

 And here, the light shone like a beacon on the two central leaves.

 Under the railway bridge, we came out straight onto a bridge over the river.

 Even an inconvenient puddle had attempted to offer some natural art for us.

 Hello WOMOTM!

 The Tyne was flowing fast and the burbling and rushing sound was a pleasing accompaniment to our meander.

 Look at the froth and motion!

 I noticed this brilliant moss growing on the wall which was almost furry in appearance. Would it purr if I stroked it?

 I recognised the dulcet tones of a merry little songster as a Robin and lo and behold, there he was performing above our heads.

 Are these wild Orchids?

 Even a humble leaf was donning its finest hues for our delectation.

 As we approached this old railway bridge, WOMOTM told us they were called the Alston arches.

 They are so named because of these mysterious arches which appear like a paradox throughout the bridge. It is presumed they were to be a footbridge originally but were never connected.

 I always enjoy reaching this part of the river because it the odds are favourable, you may see Salmon jumping. None today but we saw them one Christmas day.

 On our way back, the sun, lower in the sky shone through these high trees.

 These leaves took on a bluish hue, most unusually.

As we returned home, I collected bread and soup for our lunch and all three of us felt very satisfied and happy that we had seized the opportunity to walk and enjoy the sights in and around Haltwhistle.

xxx