Ford, Nothumberland (an english walk)

My first walk of the year in England and what a beautiful place, Ford in Northumberland

This used to be the school and is now an art gallery

The Blacksmiths house of course.....

This is the avenue down to Ford Castle

Victorian Post Box. I was shown one in Gairloch. Wonder how many there are

The colour of this rose was so beautiful

thought the seeds from this tree looked like beads of a necklace

Just to prove I'm still walking

The castle in the 1950's became an outdoor centre for children. It was recently taken over by another company and was supposed to be opened in 2012 but work is still being done on it. Doesn't look open at all.

 

Its a fabulous building. Great fun for children. Looks a bit like Hogwarts

 

They believe, Ford is where the monks crossed the river on their journey between Iona and Lindisfarne

 

I believe there is a connection with James IV of Scotland and the Castle

 

The view from the castle

 

Kingstables Lane to Stirling Castle

I parked today beside this inn in Stirling. Great name for a pub. Its been there a long time

I took the path up beside Conways Pub which is called Kingstable Lane. Its steep, but I managed it fine. I must be getting fitter.

The path is made from cobble stones. Wonder how long they have been here?

 

We thought about buying this house before we moved to Dunblane. It was in a really bad state and there was no road to it. Too many things put us off. Its looks like who ever bought it have made a good job.

 

There is a high wall on either side all the way up

This looks a nice place to live...... Castle Court

 

The lane came out on Ballengeich Pass. I crossed the road and walked up another path on to the Castle Esplanade

 

This is the view from the steps

Almost there

View over the chimney pots

 

 

The Castle towering over the Ballengeich Pass

 

This was a great wee walk with nooks and crannys