Northumberland trip, shorter than planned.

[Happy Jack]

Off to Northumberland today.
Much shorter trip than planned due to hospital appointment to get back for and other things that put a big hole in April.
Packed all we need the day before.
Set out at 1100, filled with diesel, it would have been good to travel early on a Sunday morning; not too much traffic.
But, my wife had poor sleep; didn't get out of her pit until 1000. Anyway, journey was good, no congestion and took just 1 hour.
Was sunny and just breezy when we got to our pitstop.
Belsay hall & Castle.

Castle and grounds were well worth the visit, spent 4 hours there including having lunch in the van.
The hall is intact, has very little in the way of furniture and furnishings and not particularly photogenic.
Castle was more interesting even though ride a semi ruin.




Left Belsay at 1500, took 45 minutes to get to Bellingham  ccc.
Lovely quiet drive through rolling countryside, mostly moorland.
Still sunny and breezy on arrival.
Site itself is well laid out but grass pitches not available at any time for vans, too near the river and can get boggy. Had to settle for grandstanding with EHU, not too pleased at that as we don't need EHU, and I'm defo rumbling at £30 a night. BUT, it is a lovely location.
Settling down but will have a short walk before tea.
More tomorrow.

 

[Happy Jack]

Had a good look round the site, lovely setting. It even has a "refuge" room for bad weather complete with fully fitted kitchen, lounge with log burner and tv.
And a games room with table tennis and pool table.
Pic of our van on site.

 

[Happy Jack]

DAY2.
Good nights sleep.
Woke up to cloudy but bright morning at 0800, late for us.
Made a smoothie with the ninja blast + a slice of fruit bread for brekies.
Heading out walking today.

Site is quiet not many here but the season only started on 20th March.

 

[Happy Jack]

Thanks Puddleduck, after Bellingham we are off to Seahouses for a couple of days; won't make it to your area as we're having to get back for hospital etc.
Will keep up the blog, might be useful to others.

 

[Happy Jack]

Left site at 1030, good footpath from site exit along to and over the river bridge. Then down to the river and a few minutes later we were in the centre of Bellingham but didn't munch around.
Through the village on the other side is the start of the Hareshaw linn walk leading to a waterfall.
Got there at 1200, it's uphill most of the way and a low-to- moderate challenge to us oldies.
The valley/gorge is nice but will be much better when the trees are in leaf.


A short but brutal bit.
Headed back to the village and had a look round.
Were thinking of getting some local bacon and sausages from the butchers as recommended by the site warden but looking in the window no prices to be seen....... didn't bother.
Back at site, worn out; resting for what's left of the day.
Day started off cloudy but came out by 1100 and was nice right through to 1600 then cloudy again.

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[Happy Jack]

Beg pardon, got my times wrong; it's only 1517 now!!!!

 

[jockaneezer]

Were thinking of getting some local bacon and sausages from the butchers as recommended by the site warden but looking in the window no prices to be seen....... didn't bother.

I was once helping out a work colleague from Perth with an installation in Blairgowrie, come lunch time, we headed to the bakery/sandwich place. My pal asked what would I like and I said I would just get my own, but then he said, "There's two prices in Blairgowrie, tourist prices and local prices !

 

[Happy Jack]

I was once helping out a work colleague from Perth with an installation in Blairgowrie, come lunch time, we headed to the bakery/sandwich place. My pal asked what would I like and I said I would just get my own, but then he said, "There's two prices in Blairgowrie, tourist prices and local prices !

Yes, we are always wary when no pries are to be seen.

 

[Happy Jack]

Enjoyed our 2 days at Bellingham.
Left at 9.15ish, pit stop on way to Seahouses is Cragside NT. Only 25 miles.
Arrived at 10.15, yes it took an hour, mostly on 'B' roads. Some sections have potholes repaired that badly the council must be using Gypos . Come to think, even they wouldn't do that bad a job.
Still there at the mo, back at the van having lunch.
Dedicated Moho/campervan carpark.
What a place; pics to follow.

 

[Happy Jack]

Had another couple hours wandering round.
Cragside gardens:- Just a few.

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[Happy Jack]

Cragside house:-

 

[Happy Jack]

Vids, house and gardens.




And one pic of the outside of the house.

 

[Happy Jack]

Left Cragside at 1505, got some bits & pieces at Alnwick Aldi.
Arrived at Anstead farm twixt Beadnal & Seahouses at 1600.
Took "B" roads again, could have done A1 but the country roads more scenic.
Here at Anstead for 2 nights.

 

[big bertha]

Left Cragside at 1505, got some bits & pieces at Alnwick Aldi.
Arrived at Anstead farm twixt Beadnal & Seahouses at 1600.
Took "B" roads again, could have done A1 but the country roads more scenic.
View attachment 1037793Here at Anstead for 2 nights.

Stayed there years ago but seems to have expanded now with a cafe on site. We will try again as Beadnell getting busy. Having lived in the area for 4 years we love visiting still
.

 

[Puddleduck]

In stately homes I am always drawn to the kitchens and servants quarters. Probably because my ancestors would never have been allowed anywhere near the posh parts.

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