Fog on the Tyne...

Head across the Pennines to Northumbria but stop off on route in Newcastle to catch up with a friend. I've been to Newcastle before but pass the 'usual' locations on the way as though I'm doing some sort of travelogue – the Angel of the North (yet more Gormley!), the Tyne Bridge and St James Park (which completely dominates the sky line). I'm in full 'tourist mode' and we head down to the quayside where we spend a excellent few hours pottering ending up at a tapas restaurant. Again, really good to catch up with people and a thoroughly enjoyable few hours.

Finally, I head further north and end up in Alnwick, my intended destination. Always a little interesting when you first turn up at a holiday location you've never been to before – what will it be like? Will be OK? First impressions of Alnwick are very favourable – it feels right.