George Stephenson’s birthplace in Northumberland

Perhaps George Stephenson, the engineer who’s best remembered for his pioneering work on steam locomotives and for overseeing the construction of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, would deem it a tad foolhardy that I’ve walked 10 miles from Gateshead to take a look inside the cottage where he was born?

Things to do in Warkworth, Northumberland

In The Companion Guide to Northumbria Edward Grierson describes Warkworth as “one of the most exciting small towns in Britain.” After a stroll through this settlement of 1,000 people I’d probably have chosen the word ‘relaxing’ or perhaps ‘picturesque’ rather than ‘exciting.’