28 February 2008 - Druridge Bay Nature Reserve, Northumberland.

This afternoon we visited Druridge Bay Nature Reserve, on the Northumberland Coast. There are a number of lakes behind the dunes on what was once the Radar Site opencast mine. One of the biggest ever blots on the Northumberland landscape, it destroyed the villages of East Chevington and Radcliffe.  

The national cycle route runs along a track between the dunes and the lake which is also popular with walkers as it makes a good circular walk if you go to the beach as well.

Below are two views of one of the lakes which has a number of huts for bird watchers to use. The third photo is of a flock of sheep who ran across their field and kindly posed for a picture!

24 February 2008 - Amble, Northumberland.

Today we visited Amble again for a walk around the harbour and pier. It was mid-afternoon and the Sunday market was packing up for the day. Some of the fishing fleet were tied up at the quayside while others were returning from sea, as seen in the view below. The second view shows a yacht moored between the old jetties and the north breakwater.

In the third view the Puffin Cruise boat was returning from Coquet Island and what was probably a very breezy trip. Later, we took the last view straight into the setting sun along the pier.

18 February 2008 - Rothbury, Northumberland.

Today we visited Rothbury in the Coquet Valley on business. Afterwards we took a few photos around the village and then stopped at Weldon Bridge on the return journey to take a few more.

Below is a photo of All Saints Church in Rothbury which dates back to the ninth century.

The middle photo is of Weldon Bridge and the Anglers Arms Pub on the north side of the River Coquet which the bridge crosses. The last photo is of a sheep with her three black lambs that were grazing in a field near the bridge.

17 February 2008 - Warkworth Beach and Amble, Northumberland Coast.

Today we walked south along Warkworth Beach to the north side of the River Coquet at Amble. More clear skies - the weather this February keeps on getting better. This beach is rarely busy which is why we like it and dogs like the freedom to run and enjoy themselves, like the pair in the first photo below.

In the second view a fishing boat was moored on the north side of the breakwater, cleaning his catch by the look of it. He certainly attracted plenty of birds for a feeding session.

The third view shows a yacht entering the River Coquet, with Coquet Island in the background.

16 February 2008 - Hauxley Beach, Northumberland Coast.

Today we walked from the north end of Druridge Bay to Hauxley and on towards Amble. It was another beautiful February day with clear blue skies.

The tide was a long way out as can be seen from the view below of the beach and the white chalet houses at Hauxley, which always seem to gleam from a distance in late afternoon sun.

There is still a lot of coal dust washed up on beaches in this area and today the dust was left in patterns on the sand by the waves, seen in the second photo. There are plenty of rabbits too and the third photo shows the dunes at the north end of Druridge Bay, riddled with rabbit holes.

13 February 2008 - Bolam Lake, Northumberland.

Yet another lovely sunny day so we headed for Bolam Lake for an afternoon walk. The walk around the lake is short but always interesting and the Swans are always entertaining in their never ending quest for food.

In the first photo a pair of Swans and a pair of Geese cruise up to the camera looking for food, they turned away quickly when they saw we had none! In the second photo the Swans were out of the water waiting for passers-by at their favourite feeding place.

The third photo is a view from the east end of the lake where Holly berries were still plentiful.

12 February 2008 - Blyth South Beach and Harbour, Northumberland.

On yet another beautiful day of bright sunshine we visited Blyth South Beach and walked along to the South Harbour and West Pier.

It was so warm people were commenting that it felt like early summer and young children were even paddling in the sea (which certainly was not warm!)

Today was one of the biggest tides of the year and at low tide the sea was a very long way out from the shore, as seen in the bottom two photos.

When we were at the harbour a yacht was leaving the River Blyth and gleaming in the sunshine as seen in the view below.

11 February 2008 - Goatscrag Hill, North Northumberland.

Today we went for a walk to Goatscrag Hill in North Northumberland. This area is known for it's ancient cup and ring markings and recently for plans to build a wind turbine power station at nearby Barmoor.

The views here are stunning in all directions - the Cheviots to the west and Kyloe Hills to the east.

Below is a view along the ridge towards Ford Moss, while the second photo looks over Barmoor to Kyloe Hills, imagine a power station here with huge wind turbines!

The third photo is a view to the Cheviots with a large fire in between and mist in the valley beyond.

11 February 2008 - Old Bewick Church, North Northumberland.

Returning from Goatscrag Hill we stopped at the tiny Holy Trinity Church at Old Bewick beside Bewick Moor. At this time of year the churchyard is covered with Snowdrops and the church itself takes on a golden glow in the low winter sun.

Below is a view of the church from the entrance gates.

10 February 2008 - Bothal, Northumberland.

Today we went for a short walk to Bothal on a mild sunny afternoon. Bothal can be a sun trap, down in the valley of the River Wansbeck. This horse was still well wrapped up though and looking as if he was waiting for his knight in armour in front of the castle.

Down at the stepping stones over the River Wansbeck a little later, the rays of the setting sun were shining through the trees, creating a misty appearance and strong reflections in the river, as seen in the second photo.

09 February 2008 - Amble Harbour, Northumberland.

Today we visited Amble Harbour for the first time this year. There were quite a few people fishing on the pier as well as others out for a walk. In fact it was quite busy at times, as seen in the photo below.

Most of the fishing fleet were out at sea with only a handful of boats tied up at the quayside including the brightly painted Adella seen in the second photo.

04 February 2008 - Cambois Beach, Northumberland.

This morning we visited Cambois Beach as the sun was rising. Although the low clouds obscured the sun there was plenty of colour in the sky.

The first photo below is a view along the beach with the sun just behind the two wind turbines in the sea.

The second view is a zoom shot through the spray a little later to Blyth. On the left of the pier a cargo ship can just be seen passing by.

© Copyright - All photos on this website are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced on any website or in print without prior permission. To use any photo please use the enquiry form at les-bell.com

© Copyright - All photos on this website are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced on any website or in print without prior permission.

To use any photo please use the enquiry form at les-bell.com