The best road cycling routes around Glanton

Absolutely stunning! Alnwick Castle is one of those rare places that feels both grand and welcoming. The architecture is jaw-dropping, and the setting over the River Aln is gorgeous. The staff are friendly, and the guided tours add a lot of colour to the history — from medieval battles, to its military museum, to its modern fame as “Hogwarts” in the Harry Potter films. The state rooms are also beautifully preserved and reek of state level opulence. It can get busy and the tickets aren’t cheap, we paid £19 for being in the 60+ dementia category, down from £22 for normal adults, but it’s worth every penny for the experience. Don’t skip a walk through the nearby gardens (closed for us today because of winds)or a look over the castle walls — the views of Alnwick town are fantastic.

Jammed with bumper-to-bumper traffic on a Monday afternoon—no fun. Next time, I'd come during off-peak hours.

Good spot to refill water bottles if you’re running low.

Good book shop, nice cafe.

Avoid on your summer bike, potholes, mud, gravel. Other road round here are pristine, not this one.

Heading west you start to see the scale of the hills climbs ahead. There are some good viewing points in this area, where you can see in many directions. The scenery is very nice on a good weathers day

Evidence of prehistoric settlements suggests Rothburys importance stretches back millennia. During the medieval period, it became a vital part of the Barony of Warkworth, changing hands between various noble families like the FitzRogers, Claverings, Percys, and Ogles. A key turning point came in 1291 when King Edward I granted Rothbury a market charter. This solidified its position as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, particularly for cattle and wool. The town's newfound prosperity, however, attracted unwanted attention. The 15th and 16th centuries saw a period of unrest as Rothbury became a target for Border Reivers. These Scottish raiders were notorious for plundering towns along the Anglo-Scottish border, and Rothbury, situated at a crucial crossroads with a ford over the River Coquet, bore the brunt of their attacks. Despite facing these challenges, Rothbury persevered. Today, the town's historic core reflects its layered past. Buildings showcase diverse architectural styles, each whispering a tale from a different era. The impressive All Saints Parish Church stands as a prominent example. This church, with its Saxon cross nestled beneath the font and Victorian restorations, embodies the town's enduring legacy.

A castle's outer bailey, also sometimes called the outer ward, was the first line of defense you'd encounter before reaching the heart of the castle. This outer space was typically less fancy than the inner bailey, where the lord and his family resided. Instead, it housed the working parts of the castle. Here you might find stables, workshops, kitchens, and living quarters for servants and soldiers. In some grand castles, the outer bailey even bustled with markets!