Ex British Army and now and old git🤣. What a lot of people don't realise is the British Army is very Tribal. The Regiments are all very local to there own areas of the UK. Or use to be. The saying was if the Regiments were not fighting the enemy they would fight each other. And in any large Garrison town this does happen in pub fights. Most Regiments were raised by local Lords who paid for them. In time of War they came together to form the British Army and to smash any Enemy. However we are more civilized now. But most People in the World do not understand the British. We are 4 Nations England Ireland Scotland and Wales. And the British are Very Tribal, They fight each other. The English fight each other in the North Vs South Each County has a dislike for its neighbour. Lancashire/ Yorkshire Each County Town can dislike its Neighbour as well. Like i said Very Tribal. Same with language. The Brits don't talk or sound like you may hear on the TV. You can go as little as mile or two down the road in the UK And people talk with a different accent and use different terms. I will give you an example. A bread roll, Is a Bread roll or is it a muffin or is it a barm, or a bap. Same thing different name. However if you attack the Brits they come together and will give you a very good beating, and we are such nice people we will pick you up, even if you are now half dead, and say are you alright mate, and dust you down. Then say cheerio.😋

@@grezjoseph6257 Thanks for the reply. I know the general nature of the UK, but being aware of it isn't the same a living it. The UK is, like every other nation on Earth, more than a location, it's a state of mind. I'm a lifelong military historian, so I was aware of the proprietary nature of the beginnings of many British regiments... that Gordons were originally raised by Duke of Gordon and his wife recruited throughout shire offering 'a kiss and a guinea'. But again, knowing the historical factoid isn't the same thing as sweating, bleeding, and possibly dying with that badge on your chest. As for localized biases and hatreds, I understand that one VERY well. I live 50 miles from the largest city in my state and we learn 'EFF THEM!' in pre-school 🤣

It is within easy walking distance of the town centre and car parks, although you can usually get a space in the lay-by. The first part of the walk is a short uphill stretch in steps, but it then flattens out. There are uphill paths branching off in the area bordering the former St George’s Hospital site, but you can walk on relatively flat areas and extend the walk by crossing the Pegswood road and travelling along the riverside beneath the railway viaduct towards Bothal. The bluebells are at their best just now. Some of the paths are a little muddy after recent rain, but not too bad. The Bluebell Wood area has an interesting history which is mentioned on a couple of signboards.

Thank you very much for your helpful reply

It reminds me of school days when I lived in Morpeth in the late 60s. I’m visiting the area at the end of May.

It must smell lovely