Having had a few health problems over the last few weeks Chris decided we both needed a bit of a booster.Last Monday she contacted the agency we usually book through and got us a last minute cottage in Embleton in Northumberland. Up and away early Tuesday morning we were soon on the coast near to Druridge Bay and the Drift Cafe near Cresswell. Well fed we headed to the reserve at Hauxley where we could start our hunt for Terns. The Terns on the large lake are mainly birds that breed on nearby Coquet Island and they come across to wash and preen in fresh water to get rid of the salt in their feathers. There were Arctic, Sandwich, Little and the odd Roseate Terns as well as all the usual water birds. A shortish drive took us to our cottage, a beautiful old stone built spot with a wonderful garden full of Sparrows. Wednesday we walked to the Tern colonies ar Long Nanny where Little Terns and Arctic Terns are looked after by the NT wardens
Thursday was a pilgrimage day to Holy Island or Lindisfarne to pay our respect to St Cuthbert. We also wanted to visit a remote spot called The Snook which watchers of the tv programme Vera may recognise as her supposed house and the causeway to the island features often in the programme. Best birds here were Common Tern on the lough and a couple of Rock Pipits that posed well for us.A quick stop on the way back at a roadside pool got us both Sandwich and Arctic Terns sat together on a fence
After packing on Friday morning we called in at Hauxley again for lunch and a walk on the beach before the driver back down the A1,usual Friday traffic and the first rain of the week.
A great few days that did boost me up as Northumberland usually does
Sounds a fabulous break Pete, for both of you.
I've not managed to do much in Northumberland, apart from the drive from N Yorkshire to Lindisfarne, and once past Tyneside, it did look fabulous.
Lindisfarne is a fabulous little island, though I've only spent a day there, and cram packed a lot in, not something I'd be able to do today. That included Lindisfarne Castle (Nat Trust) and a good wander around the village and surrounding country. Also, on the drive back, timed to allow a stop and not be caught by the tide, pulling in to a layby on the Causeway to take in the awesome views, and finally, back on the mainland to watch the tide come over the road.
It was a fabulous day, and one I'd love to try again, or more likely, a long weekend, because there is so much to see on the island alone.
I still have those photos online in my Lindisfarne Album, which you're free to peruse if you want.
Wendy S said:It's so true Mike and it is so easy to get away from the hustle and bustle around the castle area. We actually stayed on the island for three nights a few years ago for our 40th wedding aniversary. The atmosphere was so different when all the day visitors had left, pure magic
Though it wasn't a cold day as such, there was that easterly har coming in from the North Sea, which was blocked out nicely by the buildings in the village, but one part that did make the whole day seem cosy, was a small hotel on the outskirts of the village, that had a nice log fire burning whilst we enjoyed lunch.
I've just done a search, it's called The Lindisfarne Hotel, only because I'd just been discussing it with Ang, my wife.
Another on the ever growing list.......