Back to Northumberland, well it is very pretty. Back at the Dunstan Hill site too and this time it wasn't flooded on day one so we enjoyed the welcome drink in the warmth which continued through much of the week
Sunday took us to Alnwick and the majority visited the gardens. Waterfalls, poison garden and a good tea stop was my memory before we climbed over the top and dropped into Alnmouth where the local ice cream vans supply was exhausted. There are 2 choices back and Andy and I took the off road section back to the site with it's fabulous views of Dustanburgh Castle.
Monday was an easy ride looping through Craster and onto Dunstanburgh Castle and made better by the shoreline cafe now having opened at Craster.
Tuesday took us into the hills. Firstly through the lanes to Belford where we managed to squeeze into the tearoom. It was then up and over to Chillingham enjoying the splendid views. Hauling the picnic up to Ros Castle ensued as we cheered everyone up and over the top. The children climbed higher to the ruined castle which the adults hid in a hole, hoping they wouldn't find us. Families re-united, the fast descent to North Charlton followed. The traditional take away was the evening entertainment, thanks to John and Elaine for collecting the Indian feast
Thursday took us again into the Cheviots. Having climbed to Ellingham we split with the faster group going close to Wooler. The rest headed to Glanton and a splendid pub stop and just as we were finishing the fast group arrived. Back through Alnwick and nicely exercised the annual rounders match overlooking Dunstanburgh Castle took place with Scots on either side, so at least half could say they won this year. Bad luck Jonathan.
Friday took us to Bamburgh, a few hit the beach, most toured the splendid castle. Back at the site we had a BBQ and enjoyed Malcolms last slide show
A sad year this one,as after 8 years, the Mitchell, Mathews, Clayton and Evans family said fairwell to this format of holiday. All have come from the first year and the children have all grown up. It's been great fun, and I very much hope that we'll meet again. Thank you for taking the plunge and booking Cheddar 8 years ago.