Yashicamat in Coquetdale

Just a few shots from a  short cycle ride recently in the upper reaches of the River Coquet in Northumberland, all taken with a Yashicamat 124G loaded with Kodak Tri-X. All the shots here were taken with a green filter.

The Yashicamat is one of my favourite cameras to take cycling, because apart from being a generally nice camera producing good quality images, it fits comfortably into a Carradice saddlebag, which is lined with foam to reduce the effects of vibration.

I set off from Alwinton and had planned to go up to the end of the road at Chew Green, which is almost on the Scottish border (mostly uphill) and return by the same route (mostly downhill). It’s only 24 miles and a route I’ve cycled before, but I’m sorry to say I was somewhat fatigued / totally knackered and cut the route short to 16 miles. I don’t think I’m ready for the Tour de France yet !

As a cycling trip it served to demonstrate how unfit I am, but at least I enjoyed stopping for photos along the route.

Finally, if you’re “not from round here” (i.e the North East of England) you may be wondering how to pronounce “Coquet”. It’s one of those local place names which you can’t really get right unless you here someone else speak them first. Here’s a few examples:

• Coquet – say “Co-kit”
• Ulgham – say “Uffum”
• Cambois – say “Cammus”