Walking with Shepherds Walks

Kielder

Day 3 – Kielder Forest – 01/08/07

The third and final day, but what a great few days we have had.

This last day we were going to explore Kielder, both the forest and a lovely walk along the north shore of the reservoir.

After two days of superb weather today was not as good, but the planning could not have been any better. Much of the time was in forest so we would not get the chance of the great views that we have been having over previous days, so visibility was less important.

We started with a short morning walk from Kielder Castle just to get everybody’s limbs working again.  It was a pleasant walk following a waymarked trail. After that a bit of retail therapy in Kielder Castle gift shop was called for. 

After lunch at Tower Knowe we drove across the dam to the north shore. From here we could discover this lovely area of the forest which is well away from anybody else and as we only passed one couple enroute it speaks for itself.

The weather had been kind to us although we had to wear waterproof coats in the afternoon but to be honest we could have managed without them.

So what a great few days we had all experienced. A truly varied three days walking in glorious Northumberland. From the wild and bleak area around Hadrian's Wall to the heather clad landscape above Rothbury. Then this final day in the forested landscape that surrounds Kielder Water.

Well done Johnsons, I wish more tour operators could plan such a good itinerary!

Rothbury

Day 2 – Rothbury – 31/7/07

Ever since I received the schedule for this trip I had been looking forward to this our second day. As I now live in Rothbury it was going to be showing the group what I think is some of the best scenery in Northumberland, but of course I am going to say that. Starting in Rothbury and climbing up to the Carriageway Drive you pass through some spectacular varied scenery.

We climbed up to the North of Rothbury and with the sun shining for the second day running the views were breathtaking. Simonside to the South, the Cheviots to the North and the coast to the East could all easily be made out.

After yesterday it was a more relaxing day and far easier, with just one steady climb rather than the up and down that we had experienced the day before on Hadrian’s wall.. The sun had joined us again and the heather was just starting to turn purple on the hill tops it was truly breathtaking.

We dropped back into Rothbury and after a visit to Rothbury Tourist Information Centre to buy yet more socks we ended up in a wonderful tea room (Harleys) for much deserved refreshments.

To view more pictures from this days walk click here.

• If you would like Shepherds Walks to guide your coach party please contact us.

Hadrian's Wall

Day 1 – Hadrian’s Wall – 30/7/07

This was going to be a good gig, showing 22 people from the Midlands around beautiful Northumberland, over three days.

The first day was Hadrian’s Wall and a 7 mile walk taking in Vindalanda, Housesteads, Sycamore Gap. Classic Hadrian’s Wall walking and by making it into a circular walk it gave us a great opportunity to do what very few people do, explore the lovely countryside that surrounds the National Trail.

The Johnsons Coach was already in the car park waiting for me and I think we were all surprised by the weather. A strange glow was coming from the sky.  It can’t be. but yes it was, the sun was shining. The group was in high spirits as we started off and they kept good pace.

We reached Housesteads for our lunch which gave for a wonderful vantage point to eat our sandwiches. After lunch we followed the line of the wall west taking in the most famous section of the National Trail. Lots of photos were taken and even though we had climbed nearly 1,500 feet throughout the day everybody had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

There was just one thing left to do and they did not let me down. They all piled into Once Brewed Tourist Information Centre and bought lots of Capricorn Mohair Socks. Now I like walkers like that!

To view more pictures from this walk click here.

• If you would like Shepherds Walks to guide your coach party please contact us.