SUNDAY 16th May Chatton Park, to find the various rock carvings - Richard & Jane Poppleton
Chatton Park, north east of Chatton village, has some excellent rock carvings and offers a good moorland walk. We’ll also encounter wildlife opportunities on the way. Max. c. 3 miles. Dress appropriately for Northumberland moorland and the weather. A camera will be useful for when we find the carvings. Meet at 10.30am in the roadside lay-by on the B6348 going east out of Chatton, just west of the Belford turn-off.
OS Landranger 75. OS Explorer 340. Grid Ref NU 080 287
SUNDAY 23rd May Boulmer headland - Stewart Sexton
Late May is often good for migrating waders and other birds. There should also be some interesting coastal plants. We shall walk from Seaton Point along the shore to Boulmer Village then on up to Longhoughton Steel. Return by similar route except following the coast path. This is 4.25 miles in total. If this is too far, there is an option to reduce it to 2.5 miles by returning from Boulmer Village and missing out Longhoughton Steel. Flat and quite easy walking. Wear appropriate footwear. Binoculars (and/or telescope) more or less a necessity.
Meet at Seaton Point layby at 8.00am (note the early start). There are two laybys here so if one is full, park 200 m along the road west (towards Lesbury) in the layby adjacent to the golf course and walk back to the meet point. We should be back at the cars by 12.00 at the latest.
OS Landranger 81. OS Explorer 332. Grid Ref NU 2614 1263
SATURDAY 12th June Burradon Windyside Farm hay meadows – George Dodds
Burradon Windyside farm lies south of the hamlet of Burradon, north west of Thropton. The farm is approx. 66 ha and has a number of interesting habitats including 6 species-rich traditional hay meadows. These were created 12 years ago and are now used as a source of seed for restoration projects across Northumberland and beyond. The hay meadows are complemented by excellent hedgerow, dead wood habitats and Longhorn cattle. 2-3 miles with lots of stops to look at flowers and other wildlife. Walking boots should be sufficient but wellies and waterproofs will be required if wet. Meet at 10:30 am at the farm.
Directions: Thropton B6341 to Warton. At Warton turn right and take the minor road to Burradon. The entrance to the farm is on the right, ½ mile south of Burradon. There is a rough track to the farm. For some it might be easier coming from Netherton. Netherton to Alwinton road. Take the first left once you are through Netherton. Follow your nose through the hamlet of Burradon. The farm entrance is on the left after sharp left and then sharp right bends.
OS Landranger 81. OS Explorer OL16. Grid Ref: NT9877 0559
SUNDAY 20th June East Chevington coast and reserve – Ian & Keith Davison & Richard Poppleton
A walk of c. 2 miles and lasting up to 4 hours to look at the Flora and Fauna of this wonderful coastal reserve. Most on good tracks but stout shoes are recommended and due to the timings a light snack may be needed. Bring binoculars and a telescope would be useful as some of the bird may be distant. Meet at 10.30.
Directions: Follow A1068 south of Amble and take 1st left approx. half a mile past entrance to Druridge Country Park, follow rough track to its conclusion. Park without obstructing gates.
OS Landranger 81. OS Explorer 340. Grid Ref NZ 270 984
SATURDAY 3rd July Road verge survey, south of Wark-on-Tweed – Janet Chubb & Richard Poppleton
This area of farmland has particularly wide and flower-rich road verges. Janet is keen to get a full species list and this will be a good chance for us to practise plant identification skills. The trip could extend into the afternoon for those who want to stay on, but the option of finishing at lunchtime will be OK. If you are staying, bring lunch. Bring a plant field guide and a hand lens if you have them. Meet at 10.30 – details of meet point are still to be confirmed. Distance not great, but meandering, as many botanical walks are.
OS Landranger 74. OS Explorer 339 (west sheet). Grid Ref NT 817 365
SUNDAY 18th July Ratten Row/Alnwick Moor circular – David Turnbull
From Ratten Row near the Hulne Park gates, the walk goes up past the allotments on to Alnwick Moor; across to the Rugley Road and back into the town via the golf course. Distance c. 3 miles. David says there could be time to stop for a coffee. Meet at 10.30 on Ratten Row (park on the left as you approach Hulne Park).
OS Landranger 81. OS Explorer 332. Grid Ref NU 180 137
SATURDAY 11th Sept Craster/Dunstanburgh circular – Michael & June Drage
Through the Arnold Reserve, along the heughs, up to the castle and back via shoreline. Plants, birds, geology, seashore, maybe dolphins etc. Meet at Craster main car park at 10.30am. Pay and display (no mobile signal so best to bring coins). Distance approx 3 miles. Easy walking but can be muddy after rain so boots advisable. Binoculars useful and you may want a camera to capture the cetaceans if they appear.
OS Landranger 75 & 81 split the route, but it’s all on OS Explorer 332. Grid Ref NU 257 197