Day Five - journey's end at last - in the very attractive village of Warkworth. Built on a loop in the River Coquet, the village is dominated by Warkworth Castle, with its medieval (14th century) keep, towering walls and gatehouse. The castle belonged to the Percy family for a large part of its history. The first Earl of Northumberland's son, 'Harry Hotspur', became a legendary figure. Shakespeare's Henry IV Part II begins at Warkworth Castle: "this worm-eaten hold of ragged stone, where Hotspur's father, old Northumberland, lies crafty-sick." These days the castle, reflected so beautifully in the river, has a lovely air of tranquillity that belies its colourful past.And so we packed up our boots and headed home...but I always feel I leave a little of myself behind in the fresh air and wonderful space of this part of England. I'm grateful for the beautiful weather we had. (Nothing short of miraculous, some would say! - not a drop of rain for five whole days, though it did rain the day we came home.) No blisters, no injuries, lots of photos and some lovely memories of a wonderful time with friends. Aren't holidays great?
Ah well, back to Saltaire tomorrow, folks....Hope you enjoyed the vacation.
I had to study Henry IV part I for 'O' level. I remember 'Harry Hotspur' (though, not with a great deal of fondness).
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I am sorry - I managed to delete everyone's comments today! Thank you for them all anyway. I had some of that annoying Chinese spam and in the process of junking that, junked all the lovely things everyone said as well :-(
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the journey very much!thank you for sharing!I hope the return to Saltaire was not too hard. There are some places like this in the world, where we lose some parts of our hearts..
ReplyDeleteI too am back from vacation getting caught up. You had a rather healthy one with all that walking and all the amazing sights you got to take in while enjoying the sunshine and great weather. What a beautiful journey you have taken us on. ~Lili
ReplyDeleteI have very much enjoyed reliving our Northumberland coast path journey again! Thanks for all the fascinating info about the places we visited, and of course your gorgeous photos! A
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip, thank you for sharing and inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteYou have been quite lucky with the weather thos year with your British vacations!!!
ReplyDeletemay be it's the year to come and visit! ;~))