Category: Northumberland

Quick stop off in Alnmouth.

Then a long 300 miles (6 hours, lots of traffic) down the M1.

Loved Northumberland. Scenery – coast and inland, house was terrific, animals were friendly and so on. And it was daylight until 11.00.

But first a morning walk around the house. It has taken a few days to work out a circuit, but managed it today.

Brinkburn Abbey

Newton-by-the-Sea

Same as yesterday but from the other end. So pretty much a repeat!

Haven’t been doing too many selfies – perhaps these explain why not!

Happy – lunch is on its way (curried cauliflower pie, since you ask), and the sun is coming out.

Visited Dunstanburgh – can you spot Eileen?

Then a walk along a fantastic beach to Newton-by-the-Sea:

Flowers are called bloody crane’s-bill.

And a rest.

Decent views of the castle on the way back.

And tea at home and another new friend!

It’s a wonderful place – Northumberland in general, and also where we’re staying. But the weather over the past couple of days has not been kind – and worst of all means no decent photos!

Bamburgh castle looked magnificent, but a really cold wind.

Alnwick was decent enough for lunch, but not for photos.

Warkworth was interesting and diverting (until it rained).

And a nice walk by the river before it rained.

On the way home we were right in the clouds with almost no visibility – a bit like you can see in the distance.

But a surprisingly decent Italian restaurant and a better forecast for the rest of the week give us hope.

Forecast to be (and was) wet, so decided to see Durham. But before we left we met our cute neighbour again.

Popped into the house at Cragside.

As it was a wet Monday, we had anticipated it might be quiet, but clearly it’s one of the few places it makes sense to visit in Northumberland when it’s raining.

And then a trip to Durham.

It’s 8 years since we were in Durham checking out the university – a lot has happened since then!

But first let’s talk bovine. I’ve noticed that the cows are incredibly curious or friendly. As we walk past their field, they often come rushing over to have a look (or a chat).

Sheep are different – they run away!

Then to the main event of the day which was a visit to a local NT property – Cragside. Absolutely enormous – 40 miles of footpaths and a 6 mile perimeter road.

Coffee.

Bit of an uphill walk and a break with a view.

Lovely gardens – seem to be quite a few weeks behind us in the south.

House looks interesting.

However, heavy rain forecast for tomorrow so decided to defer the house until then.

But first of all we met more of the neighbours:

Plus a view back across the valley to our house:

Then off to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The tide was out ….

The island is much bigger than I remember. The priory:

And the castle – turned into a holiday house designed by Lutyens about 100 years ago.

And finally, as we were only a few miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, thought we would see if it lives up to tourism billing – sadly, not really.

After a lot of thinking and looking at the (variable) weather forecast for next week, yesterday we bit the bullet and decided to book a holiday in Northumberland. Both up early, so hit the M1 about 7.30.

And 4 hours later:

Another hour and we made it to Alnmouth for lunch and a fantastic walk on the beach.

Then inland, close to the national park to find our brilliant little house – with decent views from the conservatory.

We’re up north, and it’s mid-summer’s day, and sunset comes at 10.00pm, so broad daylight and beautiful views.

And met the neighbours!