Amazingly we are here at the end of another year and another programme of walks too. Our traditional Christmas walk followed by Christmas lunch is always one of the highlights of the year with a good turnout guaranteed.

Today was no different as twenty of us gathered in Corbridge to start our walk. Due to the ongoing flooding we were forced to miss out the first leg of the walk as it took us along the banks of the Tyne  – it was underwater! Nonetheless we struck out along the bank on the south side of the Tyne having crossed the bridge. Peering over we could see just how high the water level was with huge sections of driftwood lodged against the arches.

We walked through woodland that looked like the everglades as the trees were festooned with grass and vegetation swept in by the earlier December flood waters. Along by the Tynedale sports fields there were picnic tables, patio heaters and lengths of fencing that had been picked up and transported by the power of the Tyne in spate.

Crossing the railway we climbed a steep set of steps cut into the woodland bank that took us up to the A695 and then on up to Prospect Hill. It’s a steep and winding road that is a bit of a testing walk for a mile or so but we reached the top without any casualties! After a short break for snacks we continued onwards and upwards for a bit, continuing on little used country roads and passing handsome Northumberland cottages, estates and barn conversions.

The final stretch plunged down through heavy woodland and down a footpath that doubled as a winter stream! It was certainly a bit squelchy underfoot and we experienced a few slip ups but made it down safely to Dilston and from there back to Corbridge village.

As with last year’s Christmas walk, lunch was taken in the excellent Black Bull pub – highly recommended.