Despite this years obstacles, firstly floods and then limited walking due to lockdown I have eventually reached 500 miles in my #walk1000miles challenge. I am so pleased that I am half way there

As luck would have it my 500 mile reward (only ordered on Sunday) arrived today. I am looking forward to trying these summer weight socks when the sun decides to put its hat on.

After a bit of trial and error over the past couple of days I have planned a new walking route to explore.

The 9th September was the 500th anniversary of The Battle of Flodden which took place in 1413.  We visited the battlefield straight after breakfast whilst it was still quiet and there were only a few other people about.  One of those people was a kilted Scotsman with whom we got into a discussion.  We talked about the battle which led onto discussions about politics and politicians.  We agreed that politicians have a tendency to behave like overgrown school children.  He commented that he would like to think that we had learned from the battle and that we (and our political leaders) wouldn’t make the same mistakes again.

Access to the field itself has been refreshed and a zig-zag path has been added across one of the fields to allow easier access for those who are less mobile.  This is good in one way but it detracts a little from the atmosphere of the place.  As we made to leave the hill where the memorial stands it was starting to get busy.  In the distance the first bus pulled up and I saw someone with a very long flag pole sporting the English flag.  As we made our way down the hill they were making their way up.  As they came close I heard ‘I am Justin from the BBC’ and as I turned I noticed Justin was talking to the flag bearer and his two companions.  They looked at me and asked the quickest way to the monument.  I answered and then we beat a hasty retreat to the car park where we noticed some people dressed up ready for re-enactment of the battle.

We left them to it and made our way to Holy Island to visit the ruined priory.  The museum explaining the history of the site is much improved since my last visit many years ago and we also took the opportunity to visit St Mary’s Church which is right next to the priory.

Unfortunately our chosen tea shop wasn’t able to provide any sandwiches that day due to staff shortages so we settled on lunch in the local pub where  I had a very delicious crab sandwich.  The weather looked a little uncertain so we decided against a stroll along the beach and departed the island to visit the churches of Ladykirk and Norham.  Before arriving at the first church there was a slight detour through Berwick for shopping list pads…  I decided to stay in the car!!

After visiting the churches we had a leisurely drive in the countryside near the hotel before returning there for afternoon tea. We had convivial conversation with some of the other guests, which we all continued over dinner as well.

A moments silence is in order…

This photo depicts the monument that was erected on Piper’s Hill to remember the fallen of both sides.  The memorial cross is positioned approximately where the English formed their battle lines.  A plaque on the north side of the monument states:

FLODDEN
1513
TO THE BRAVE OF BOTH NATIONS
ERECTED 1910

More information about the battle can be found in my Flodden index.