Day 8: Cragside

Left our cottage in Lowick in the morning. Walked around Wooler. Did a brief detour into the Breamish Valley and visitor centre there. The Cheviot hills are beautiful as is the river valley. Saw thrush, bullfinch, heard tits and chiffchaff.

Then we went onto Cragside. National Trust Property with over 40 miles of woodland walks (!) Drove around (a necessary option) and stopped off for walk half way round. Alas saw no red squirrels (am rather obsessed with seeing one). Saw a baby rabbit. House impressive and very well presented.

From there we went to Barter books in Alnwick. Wandered around before popping into Sainsbury's for supplies. Arrived at our cottage in North Sunderland, a village adjoining Seahouses, about 4.30pm. Fish and chips from Seahouses for tea. Put a film on from the shelf to watch - The Green Mile.

the Vyne

Here are some pictures from Wednesday's outing (Andy's day off). We went to a National Trust place called the Vyne. We didn't go in the house as Andy got something on his shoe and didn't want to tread it into the carpet, but we had a nice time wandering round the garden and some of the woodland (and there was plenty we didn't explore).

Special thanks to the swan who agreed to pose so beautifully...

It's that time of year again....

At one point I spotted a field of calves and simply had to go and say hello - they were equally fascinated by me...

Soon attracting quite a crowd...

I loved their curious expressions!

Energy rating: 3-4/10
Headache: high/medium