Awaiting the hangman!

For some time, MrM has had a hankering to go down to Allendale, and I wanted to find a gibbet that I'd heard about. So we took advantage of the 'extra' hour and, armed only with a flask of coffee, some chocolate and a couple of apples, headed south after breakfast.

First stop was Branton, for a short walk with Louie. There were hundreds of Canada geese on one of the islands, and an exotic-looking duck (that we haven't yet identified) and lots of other birds on the lake. Then down to Elsdon, a very pretty village, for a look round and, not far away, to Winter's Gibbet. While they waited to meet their end, William Winter and his two accomplices at least had a good view (weather permitting!).

Allendale proved worth the trip, and we wandered round for a while before finding refreshment at the village tearooms. Then MrM drove us south to Allenheads, and over the wild moorland of Northumberland and County Durham. Evidence of a rich industrial heritage - lots of quarries and mines. We passed Groverake fluorspar mine (near Rookhope) and then headed back north through Blanchland and up to Corbridge, where we stopped by the river for a while.

Then back home - we were treated to a fabulous sunset as we travelled. 'Twas a grand day out!

(Extras show Groverake Mine and the river at Corbridge.)