|
|
Spring Walk June 2017 Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Alnwick,
8/06/2017 - 12/06/2017
Thursday 8th June.
Travel day
Travel Day. The weather started fine but had periods of rain, at times heavy throughout the journey, arriving in heavy rain. Dick G, Paul and Steve left early in one car stopping at Wetherby for elevenses getting to Berwick for lunch in the rain. After a coffee at the hostel they went for a walk around the town as the rain had eased, whilst walking the heavens again opened so they were forced to shelter in The Brown Bear (not worth a second visit as the ale was not to standard). Pete drove past as we were having light refreshments and it was arranged to meet him at the Hostel. As we left Ian, Graham and Dick Mc drove pass. As we got into the Hostel Roland, Phil and Bill had just arrived so all were present and correct for our weekend’s walking. Around 16:00 it stopped raining so some went for a walk around the town walls as it was now a nice day.
Dinner was arranged for the Queens Head but there was a delay so we went to the Curfew (a micro pub) until our table was ready. After dinner, which was very good, all went to the Barrels for a nightcap apart from Bill who had been so extended by his train journey that he fell asleep at the dinner table. Once woken, he retired early to bed.
Friday 9th June.
We woke to a fine sunny morning despite the threat of rain during the day it remained fine with only a few spots. It did get cloudy at times and as the day went on the wind also got up but a good day for walking.
After a hostel breakfast we caught the bus to Eyemouth (a very good group ticket was obtained). During breakfast the news was on and Angela Merkal appeared on the screen to which Graham said that Roland looked like her, so he was known as Angela for the weekend.
The walk was back to Berwick along the coast path. A nice walk but as all coastal walking some ups and downs. An early lunch was taken at Burnmouth in The First and Last (as we were just in Scotland) the chef was off sick so no food just crisps and nuts (hope it was not food poisoning). Dick G nearly left his poles behind but Phil saved the day. The views had been much better today after the rains of the previous day.
Most went to Foxtons for dinner after an aperitif in the Curfew bar, a very good meal with generous portions (no starter required there). Pete and Angela went for a fish supper before going to the pictures to see ‘Their Finest’ and they sat in the back row!!!. All met in the Barrels for a nightcap before retiring.
Saturday 10th June.
We woke up to sunshine. It did not last however as by the time we left the hostel it had started to rain, this stayed with us until early afternoon until the sun came out again at tea time. There was also a wind which of course was a head wind during all of the walk.
After breakfast we drove to Alnwick and were able to drop our kit off at the Hostel before getting the bus to Craster to walk along the coast to Alnmouth.
The walking was easier with fewer ups and downs but as we were walking into rain and wind not very enjoyable. We stopped at Boulmer in the Fishing Boat Inn for coffee, yes coffee, and a break from the weather. Then back on with the wet gear and on to Alnmouth. Phil nearly left his rucksack behind but it was Dick G’s turn to remind him but he did not realise Angela had left her pole behind so she had to go and return for it, luckily it was not too far. We met Pete at The Schooner Hotel for a pint and a sandwich. Whilst eating our food we saw a cock pheasant walk through the courtyard.
Paul, Steve, Phil and Graham walked back to Alnwick from Alnmouth via Lesbury and along the River Aln to Alnwick. The others got the bus so we could get back in time to watch the England-Scotland football game. A dour game, which ended up 2-2, England equalising in the last minute. We had watched the game in The Fleece moving on to the Market Tavern for food and drink then on to Tanners for a nightcap before retiring.
Sunday 11th June.
Another good start with sun shining but it soon turned to cloud it did stay fine all day though it threatened to rain a couple of times no waterproofs were needed.
There were several different options taken today Pete, Bill (blister problems) and Dick Mc went to Cragside House, the home of Armstrong who had electricity throughout the house the first in the country. Paul, Graham, Phil, Steve and Angela went to Rothbury to do a circular walk before meeting Pete and party in a Cafe after their walk as Cragside was close to their route. Dick G and Ian went to Alnmouth and walked along the coast path to Warkworth. They stopped for Lunch at The Hermitage (a Jennings house) then back on the bus to Alnmouth to get the car and back to Alnwick. They still had some energy left so went for a circular walk around Alnwick going through the town past the Castle down to the river Aln and back into Alnwick to meet the others back in the hostel.
After changing we went to Tanners for ‘one’ before eating at the Dirty Bottle (very good lots and lots of food) then on to the John Bull for a nightcap.
Monday 12th June.
Home day. Again fine though windy staying like that all day.
After breakfast Ian, Graham and Dick Mc went to the book shop before going home. Pete took those who had come by train to the book shop before joining Dick G, Paul and Steve who had gone for a circular walk around Warkworth at the Topsy Turvey cafe. After a drink it was time to hit the road all getting home safely though Angela made a new friend at the bus stop on the way home.
|
