Newcastle & Northumberland

Foxbat Flyer

Foxbat Flyer

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,100
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
We're heading off to Northumberland for a week, armed with cameras and OS maps, hoping to enjoy some Coastal walks and take lots of photographs.

I would welcome any suggestions for "must see" places. The only fixed plan is a day in Newcastle - we're going to the Roger Hodgson gig (ex Supertramp), yes I know, that dates me!

A trip to the Farne Islands seems like a good idea, is a 70-200 enough to get some reasonable bird shots?

So what & where should be on our list for the week?

Thanks,

Chris
 
70-200 should just about be enough for Farne Islands. I took a 70-300 but I noticed a lot of my shots were taken 100-200 range. Make sure you take a trip that stops at one of the islands. You'll get much closer to the birds on land.

Whilst in Newcastle, the quayside is nice and photogenic, especially at night. The Angel of the North is worth a trip as well but it shouldn't take up more than an hour or so of your time.

In terms of coastal walks, you're spoilt for choice. I would say that Craster to Dunstanborough castle is a near must but I also love approaching the castle from Low Newton to the North as well. There's a great little micro brewery pub there too if that's your thing.

Further north again is Bamburgh Castle. You could combine this your day at the Farnes. And slightly further North again is Holy Island and its castle.

If you have any time left over, maybe Hadrians wall...
 
Thanks for taking the time to post some good suggestions gad westy, much appreciated. Notes made and looking forward to the trip.

Chris
 
Dont know if you are National Trust members or not, But there's a few places well worth the visit up here, Cragside near Rothbury, Wallington near Morpeth, Gibside not too far from the Metro Centre. Also Delavel Hall close to Whitley Bay and Tynemouth Priory (not NT). As said before by Graham theres loads of good places up the Northumberland Coast (Some good golf too!) Anywhere from Craster upto Berwick.
 
I'd just like to second the proposals for Craster to Dunstanburgh.
Walk past the castle towards Embelton Bay and you have a view of the castle with a basalt boulder field (Rumble Churn) as foreground interest.
Search flickr for Rumble Churn and you will get some ideas.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/aug/17/top-10-uk-walks-northumberland

Other places are...
Bamburgh Castle
Seahouses
Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Alnmouth
Warkworth

Inland
Hadrians Wall
Cragside
Old Bewick
College Valley

etc ect this is a great site for looking for locations http://www.northumberland-cam.com/locations.htm

ps Hope you enjoy the Roger Hodgson gig, I will be there as well.
 
Northumberland is a wonderful place to visit. I was amazed at the number of fantastic beaches and the amount of Castles in the area.

70-200 should be more than plenty, you get quite close to the birds on the Farne Islands, I hired a 300 f2.8 but didn't really need it, I ended up using it for shooting waders on the beach.

Couple of places I would suggest you look at: A trip to Lindisfarne and the castle is worth it, as long as the tide times are OK, Cragside is a great day out, even if it's just for the gardens. Also, a trip to the Keilder Forest, and spotting the red squirrels is a fun day out, we combined it with a visit to one of the forts on Hadrian's Wall.

One of the best holidays we've done in the UK and I'm looking forward to getting back up there in the future. :thumbs:

Steve
 
+1 for Cragside
 
Thanks to Rob, Dale, Steve & Alistair for lots of good suggestions and recommendations, all noted - lots of inspiration there, I can't wait to head up the A1.

It looks like a good week of walking and exploring, armed with a bag full of memory cards and batteries - all finished off with a good gig on the Friday night - what more can a man ask for!

Chris
 
+1 for Bamburgh Castle, I have seen some superb shots published from there.
 
+1 for Warkworth and the Castle
+1 Bamburgh
+1 Holy Island

and

Budle Bay/Warren Mill
Beadnell
Craster
Dunstanburgh Castle
Low Newton By The Sea
Amble
Boulmer
 
So many places to see, I could do with two weeks up there.

Low Newton By The Sea has to be visited, just to see if it is as idyllic as the name suggests.


Thanks for all the suggestions - much appreciated.

Chris
 
The Ship Inn looks like the perfect pub, a great place to end a walk, a good menu too, just the job for the weary traveller.
 
shhush don't tell everyone about Northumberland, +1 for bamburgh and holy island, i like housesteads on hadrians wall, and seahouses, Druridge Bay just south of Amble maybe worth a visit if you're in to birds bit of a reserve up the back around the lake
 
Alnwick castle and gardens !

A good coastal trek could be Cresswell up past Duridge bay and on to Amble.
Ingram Valley, alwinton.
 
Foxbat Flyer said:
That's a cracking picture Nick, I quite like the idea of some night shots with the river and some great bridges - yes I suppose you could say I'm a bridge geek!

Is it quiet enough to take a tripod down by the river in the evening?
Click to expand...

Yes, definitely - when I was there with Lee Frost doing the feature for Digital SLR Photography that that photo came from it was around 5pm, rush hour, and we weren't obstructing anyone and nobody was getting in our way. Obviously you're now looking around 9pm for that shot, but can't see it being too different :)
 
lizzy23 said:
shhush don't tell everyone about Northumberland, +1 for bamburgh and holy island, i like housesteads on hadrians wall, and seahouses, Druridge Bay just south of Amble maybe worth a visit if you're in to birds bit of a reserve up the back around the lake
Click to expand...

Thanks Lizzy, I promise not to tell anyone what a lovely part of the world it is! I'm hoping it's not going to be too crowded, being early in the tourist season.

Can I please book some good weather for next week! Poor weather won't stop us getting out and about, but I'd rather not test the water resistant properties of the 7D

Thanks to everyone for all the inspiration and suggestions, much appreciated.

Chris
 
Geordi69 said:
Alnwick castle and gardens !

A good coastal trek could be Cresswell up past Duridge bay and on to Amble.
Ingram Valley, alwinton.
Click to expand...

Thanks Geordie, OS maps at the ready for some good coastal walks - can't wait, it's about time I took a bit more exercise.
 
I'm no good with coastal walks but there are some fantastic walks inland. Simonside and Thrunton Woods are two personal favourites. Incredible views when you get to the peaks and plenty to photograph.

Also have to second the Quayside suggestion. Always plenty to do down there.

Ian
 
bordercontrol said:
I'm no good with coastal walks but there are some fantastic walks inland. Simonside and Thrunton Woods are two personal favourites. Incredible views when you get to the peaks and plenty to photograph.

Also have to second the Quayside suggestion. Always plenty to do down there.

Ian
Click to expand...

Thanks Ian, if the weather on the coast is a bit dodgy, we'll be heading inland and looking for Simonside and Thrunton Woods.

Some night shots on the quayside are definitely on the plan.

Chris
 
You can also have a days drive around northumberland, depending on where you plan to stay. Blanchland is a great little village, head over the moors towards alston and back down to hexham. Lots to see and photograph especially if you are into landscape and you can call in at high force and low force if water is something you want to shoot.
That way you visit Durham too, and its worth a walk around durham city lots to span away at.
 
skiwhiz said:
You can also have a days drive around northumberland, depending on where you plan to stay. Blanchland is a great little village, head over the moors towards alston and back down to hexham. Lots to see and photograph especially if you are into landscape and you can call in at high force and low force if water is something you want to shoot.
That way you visit Durham too, and its worth a walk around durham city lots to span away at.
Click to expand...

I've just Googled High Force and Low Force - that looks like a great walk and a good place to practice long exposures.

Durham is on the list too.

Thanks,

Chris
 
I'd certainly agree with the Bamburgh/Holy Island area. I like the Embleton or Newton by the Sea - Dunstanburgh walk too.
Inland, Alnwick is lovely and if you do go to Kielder (my favourite place!) make sure you pack avon skin so soft as a midge repellent (it's by far the most effective) as they're already out in force. If you're lucky enough for clear skies, can take the late night and aren't staying far away you could also enjoy properly dark skies totally - totally stunning.
The area of Hadrian's Wall around Steel Rigg and Housesteads is the most dramatic if you want to see that. The Cheviots around Wooler are nice too and if you end up on the back road between Cambo and Elsdon look out for Winter's Gibbet. you can't really go wrong anywhere though!
As for the quayside, it is normally fairly quiet. The pavements are wide and it's not that busy a road next to it so there's plenty of room for people to get past. In the evening, most of the bars and pubs are further along the river (towards the Tyne Bridge) so it's fine to have a tripod out and about.
Also, if you've got time while you're around Newcastle it's worth going for a walk around Jesmond Dene which is beautiful but not visited anywhere near enough.
 
Thanks Kat,

Just had a wander through Jesmond Dene courtesy of Google Maps, it's a real gem, espacially being so close to the city.

Thanks for the midge repellent tip, I didn't think they would be a problem in May.

I really appreciate all the suggestions and information given by everyone, it's a great response to my orignial question, I never expected so many responses.

Chris




GeordieLass said:
I'd certainly agree with the Bamburgh/Holy Island area. I like the Embleton or Newton by the Sea - Dunstanburgh walk too.
Inland, Alnwick is lovely and if you do go to Kielder (my favourite place!) make sure you pack avon skin so soft as a midge repellent (it's by far the most effective) as they're already out in force. If you're lucky enough for clear skies, can take the late night and aren't staying far away you could also enjoy properly dark skies totally - totally stunning.
The area of Hadrian's Wall around Steel Rigg and Housesteads is the most dramatic if you want to see that. The Cheviots around Wooler are nice too and if you end up on the back road between Cambo and Elsdon look out for Winter's Gibbet. you can't really go wrong anywhere though!
As for the quayside, it is normally fairly quiet. The pavements are wide and it's not that busy a road next to it so there's plenty of room for people to get past. In the evening, most of the bars and pubs are further along the river (towards the Tyne Bridge) so it's fine to have a tripod out and about.
Also, if you've got time while you're around Newcastle it's worth going for a walk around Jesmond Dene which is beautiful but not visited anywhere near enough.
Click to expand...
 
Foxbat Flyer said:
I've just Googled High Force and Low Force - that looks like a great walk and a good place to practice long exposures.

Durham is on the list too.

Thanks,

Chris
Click to expand...

If you go to High Force you must call in at Middleton on Teeside and visit the chip shop its great!!

Barnard Castle is worth a look around to!
 
I'm going to have to put the house on the market and move up there!

Just one mention of a chip shop - that's me hungry now.

Just fitted a new head to the tripod, batteries are on charge, just 3 more days at work then it's playtime!
 
Bit of a theme starting here - another great chip shop is at Seaton Delavel nr Whitley Bay, if you get a take out you can sit near St. Marys lighthouse and admire the view whilst planning what photos to take!!
 
There's always Berwick too with it's bridges. and the Walls.
Bamburgh is my favourite beach. Always shots of it with the beach infront.
Inland there is Ingram Valley with it's waterfall way up the valley at Linhope Spout.
Rothbury it has a chip shop. Hill walks and Cragside.
The Quayside also has the castle and lots of stairways eg Dog Leap Stairs.
Alnwick has lots of interesting features. Check out the pub known as The Dirty Bottles near the Castle cant think of its real name Castle Also used in The Spaceman and King Arthur along with Harry Potter.
 
Oops forgot St Marys lighthouse at Whitley Bay and The Spanish City (more Dire Straits mentions)
 
Campievanner said:
Oops forgot St Marys lighthouse at Whitley Bay and The Spanish City (more Dire Straits mentions)
Click to expand...

As a fan of Dire Straits, Spanish City has to be on the list, something of a pilgrimage to one of the best ever live bands and a brilliant guitarist, that takes me a back a long time.

With all these pub and chippy recommendations, I'll be a bit heavier after the week - must keep on walking!
 
Spanish city is not looking too splendid right now I'm afraid. I drove past it tonight and that whole area is a building site right now. If you do venture to the Whitley Bay Area (I appreciate you now have enough suggestions to fill a year up here), it's worth popping up the coast. There's St Mary's Lighthouse and Blyth Beach looks pretty funky these gays too with traditional brightly coloured beach huts etc..

Took this a couple of hours ago at St Marys (apologies for the over processing, I'm going through that tricky HDR phase right now)


St Mary's Lighthouse by G.A.D, on Flickr

Edited to add. Seeing as we're discussing pubs, there are two that are well worth a visit in Newcastle (there are many more). First is the Crown Posada. It's around the quayside area in Newcastle almost under the Tyne bridge. Fabulous pub, absolutely tiny and a throwback to pubs of yesteryear. The other one of more note to a photographer is the Free Trade. It's perched on a small hill and has magnificent views looking along the river. Some really nice landscape shots can be had with a longish lens from the beer garden. It's also quite a cool pub, a little run down but totally unspoilt and great beer.
 
Last edited:
I wasn't sure what to expect of Spanish City, apart from the images conjured up by "that song"', it's a shame to hear it's just a building site. We're staying at a house on the front in the Cullercoats/Whitley Bay area, so the lighthouse will definitely be visited, my wife is a fan of them.

There's no way we will get to see everything suggested, might have to book the house for next year.......and the following year........I'm really inspired by all the ideas and recommendations - this really is a great forum - thanks everyone.

Chris


gad-westy said:
Spanish city is not looking too splendid right now I'm afraid. I drove past it tonight and that whole area is a building site right now. If you do venture to the Whitley Bay Area (I appreciate you now have enough suggestions to fill a year up here), it's worth popping up the coast. There's St Mary's Lighthouse and Blyth Beach looks pretty funky these gays too with traditional brightly coloured beach huts etc..

.
Click to expand...
 
Foxbat Flyer said:
I wasn't sure what to expect of Spanish City, apart from the images conjured up by "that song"', it's a shame to hear it's just a building site. We're staying at a house on the front in the Cullercoats/Whitley Bay area, so the lighthouse will definitely be visited, my wife is a fan of them.

There's no way we will get to see everything suggested, might have to book the house for next year.......and the following year........I'm really inspired by all the ideas and recommendations - this really is a great forum - thanks everyone.

Chris
Click to expand...

You'll be spoilt for choice with lighthouse staying there. The one at Tynemouth is nice too. It's worth taking a wander along the pier right up to it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top