Engaging in a typical touristy routine, exploring the National Trust’s Cragside near Rothbury. Roaming historic houses is fine, but truth be told, on the reopening day, only partially mind you, the crowds had me hitting my limit. Imagine the chaos on a bustling day.
I’m more in my element outdoors, so we first took the chance to meander through the vast wooded grounds. Woodland makes a pleasant change to moorland, but parts that were a rhododendron jungle felt downright suffocating. The National Trust’s risk averse ways are what irritated me the most. I don’t need to be coddled and corralled. I reckon I can judge if a path is “dangerous” without being constantly hand-holded. Not wanting to sound too arrogant but crying wolf too often is a real issue.
Walking through woods is a welcome departure from the wide open moorlands. However, I resent the overbearing safety measures. The outdoors, after all, are meant to be embraced with a touch of untamed adventure, not confined like a theme park ride.
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