Under the leadership of Ann, her first leader role for a number of months following a major operation, we left left the coach at the Morpeth bus station on an overcast morning.  Thirteen of us made our way past our destination (Weatherspoons) and across the footbridge beside the former leisure centre.  We headed eastwards along the south bank of the R Wansbeck until we reached the A192 at which point we turned south for just over 100 m and then entered the park towards Morpeth Castle.  After climbing up to the castle and stopping for a look around, we proceeded NW, zig-zagging along footpaths, finally joining a path leading down to the river.  As the river, and the path, turned to the north we stopped just before the road bridge for our morning coffee.  On our way again, we passed the stepping stones which were partially covered by the fairly fast flowing river.  Just as well these were not part of Ann’s route.  After rounding a bend, we crossed a footbridge, made our way to the A192 leading north out of Morpeth and after a short distance up the road, we turned right onto a narrow path heading ENE.  This crossed a small burn and after a few more metres, we turned slightly west of north and headed on a road and then a footpath along the edge of a wood (Peacock Gap).  At the top of the path, we turned NE along a rather muddy and rough area.  After passing thro a gate we walked along the top of Cottingwood Common.  We were rather surprised to see a new road had been laid and there were fences all over the place.  Ann realised that it was likely we would have problems following her planned route, so we followed the new road SE heading to a road on the north side of the old hospital.  As we headed towards the road, it was obvious that with the exception of the tower, virtually all the hospital had been demolished.  However a 6ft high fence with a locked gate prevented further progress to the road.  Backtracking a short distance, we found a small gap between two sections of fence with a possible exit route on the other side.  So we all squeezed through the gap made our way past the new hospital building and joined the path leading SSE through Bluebell Wood.  While there are no bluebells in December it was still quite a pleasant downhill walk.  Reaching the B1337 road at the bottom of the wood, we crossed the road and made our way eastwards along the footpath next to the R Wansbeck.  On a decent path through the trees and with the fast flowing river nearby this was another pleasant part of the walk.  Along the way we saw a heron in the water and another large bird which was unknown to me.  After passing under the huge arches of the east coast railway bridge, we arrived at Chapel wood to find Peter O’H’s group sitting at the tables which Ann was hoping to use for lunch.  However, Peter’s group were ready to leave, so we quickly took their places and sat down for an enjoyable lunch.

After lunch, we continued along the path eastwards until we arrived at the road from Bothal.  This led us onto the bridge over the River Wansbeck and, after crossing it, we started the climb to Northstead Banks.  At Northstead Banks, where the road turned left, we effectively went straight on (W) along a track.  Soon,  we were diverted off the track and after crossing a stile we continued on a path along the side of a field.  The path then turned S towards Shadfen Park and then we dropped down to cross a stream.  After the stream, the path climbed towards Park House.  Here we turned right (N) on a track and after crossing the railway line, a path descended to  a footbridge over the R Wansbeck.  This led us onto the B1337 near to where we had crossed earlier in the walk.  Turning left onto a pavement alongside the road, we headed west until we reached a lay-by on the north side of the road near the entrance to Bluebell wood where the two coaches were parked.  After changing our footwear etc. we then had a few minutes to wait before the buses headed off to Morpeth bus station.  A short walk then took us to Weatherspoons.

While not great weather (although no rain), it was a very enjoyable walk, except for the part around the north of Cottingwood Common.  In all my visits to Morpeth it was the first time I had seen the castle which is well hidden.  Thanks Ann.