Sea Air

Our anniversary today, can't think why we chose January to get married but there you are, we did, and now we're stuck with finding somewhere to go when the weather is, inevitably, grey and cold.

Years ago we were keen birdwatchers so we decided on a trip down memory lane and headed for the Northumberland coast. Not so long ago a Glossy Ibis was spotted at Cresswell Ponds [NZ283944 (OS 50 000 Sheet 81)] so we made that our first stopping point.

Much has changed in the years since we last visited, especially the road system so we got horribly lost, with a detour past an unattractive bit of Ashington, the Alcan works.

Eventually we did get to Cresswell and it's ponds.

Cresswell Pond, bird hide to the left

Loads of birds there, we counted in excess of 20 species in the 45 minutes we sat there. Probably there were many we missed, birdwatching is an art, you sort of get your eye in and recognise the jizz (the way different birds move) we're a bit rusty. No Glossy Ibis or anything that would bring out the twitchers.

It wasn't very warm in the hide so we headed down to the beach for a brisk walk to warm up.

abandoned ball on Cresswell Beach

Here in Northumberland we're spoilt with miles of golden sand; even on a warm sunny day it never gets crowded, fishermen and dog walkers seemed to be the only people out today, oh and three very brave surfers.

January Surfers

Lunch at the Widdrington Inn, it was packed and once the food came we understood why, delicious and to be recommended.

Next stop was Druridge, last time I was there I was taking photographs of the opencast site at East Chevington, for a planning appeal, now that whole area has been turned into a lake with a walk and wildlife hides. Map of Druridge Bay

The lake is big and birds know to stay away from the hides but with a good pair of binoculars you can see plenty.

Once again we were drawn to the beach, I love the sea air and it's the only thing I miss about living on Tyneside. Sandling were dashing along the incoming waves, as it was such a grey day I'd only brought a small camera with me and they were moving to fast for me to get a good shot of them.

northumberland coast birdwatching will give you more ideas on what's available on our beautiful coastline.

Now I know this is supposed to be a Hadrian's Wall blog but our journey today took us just over an hour from Gilsland and if you're coming to Northumberland for a holiday then  you might fancy a day off from walking on our Hadrian's Wall Trail.
Northumberland and all our treasures, is Englands best kept secret:)

Catch you later.
Joan