November

George

Wark – Thorneyhirst – Countesspark Wood – Redesmouth – Buteland – Pitland Hills – Birtley – Wark

Sunny throughout. Some heat in the sun early on but it became much colder mid-afternoon.

George, Ron, and Sandy.

Michael - injured back

Michelle - injured ankle

Ashley - in Thailand

Comments

A good autumnal walk of about 10 miles. The trees had a variety of colours on them, and there were lots of leaves on the ground. Ruby met a friendly dog called Ava at the start. It was pleasant walking along the old railway line and alongside the river in Countesspark wood. There were several good looking stone houses en route.We saw a stone summerhouse at the foot of a garden by the river. We passed the hunting lodge owned by the Duke of Northumberland, and although there was no-one there, a few cars were parked up beside it and we heard a loud gun go off in the woods.

The going was a bit harder after Redesmouth with a lot of broken ground which was quite muddy. Grass was covering the evidence of old buildings and enclosures.
We had lunch in a small wood just outside Redesmouth. It was dry enough to sit on the ground against the trees, and Ruby had a good roll on the ground.

The hounds were out with the horses, although we did not see them. We encountered lots of cows and even more cow pats – George managed to put his foot in one. There were plenty of sheep as usual, as well as a couple of donkeys and a metal horse at Buteland. We also passed a newly converted holiday home, which had been originally a wooden hut, but was now looking very cosy with painted walls and a wood burner set within a gravelled garden.

Wildlife etc.:

Badger setts, Magpies, Blue tits, Great tits, Wheatear.

Hawthorn tree covered in berries.

The Highlander, Belsay. Joined by Evelyn, Michael and Michelle. Nice atmosphere, reasonable food.

Wark from bridge

River North Tyne

Green walk

North of Blindburn

Old Railway at Heugh

Sandy's height

Fisherman's Log House

Former Engine Shed at Redesmouth

Horses by farm

Sandy and Ruby at lunch spot

Smart new holiday home

Looking towards Buteland Farm