Wooler 2-4 May 2015

Wooler YHA

Saturday 2 May

Wooler is not the obvious place to go for a weekend away and I was asked at the bus stop 'where is Wooler anyway?' However it does have a YHA where many of us were staying and it is conveniently situated between the Cheviots and the coast so the available walking is very varied.
There are a few shops, various places to eat and a handy Co-op for sandwiches and other necessary supplies.

Angel of the North

We were delayed on the way up there by a tragic accident in which a  motor cyclist collided with the barrier and was killed. Fortunately Steve was on the ball and turned off into the near-by services otherwise we would have been delayed for hours. Then we encountered road works which seemed to go on for ages but eventually we arrived just south of Craster where the 'B' party alighted for their walk. The 'C' party continued further up the coast and joined the same coastal walk.
Craster is a small fishing village famous for smoking kippers. However we breezed through without stopping as we had no time to spare.

Craster Harbour

The weather was fine with sunny periods and a cool wind. The cliff top between Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle is a fine walk and the gorse was in full bloom.

It was a relief to get off the coach, stretch our legs and breathe in the fresh sea air. After the castle the path meanders through the sand dunes, past numerous beach houses and golf courses. The 'B' party never made it on to the beach unfortunately but some of the 'C' party did and the following photos were all taken by Sheila.

Kite surfing seemed to be a popular occupation on these beautiful Northumberland beaches and there was certainly plenty of wind.
Back with the 'B' party we had a short stop for a drink in the sand dunes

before making our way to Beadnell with just enough time for an ice cream before boarding the coach to Wooler.

Mary's photos

After settling in at the hostel, dinner was served followed by chat, drinks and nibbles and an interesting flowery quiz provided by Jackie. A good day was had by all.

Sunday 3 May

What a difference a day makes in this country. The forecast was for wind and rain all day and it wasn't wrong! Someone suggested that instead of walking we could go to church and then have a pub lunch, hmmm sounded tempting but we were here to walk so walk we did......well most of us! Does a walk round the Co-op count, he shall not be named!
The 'A' and 'B' parties did circular walks around Wooler up in the hills but I opted for the 'C' walk. We caught the coach to Akeld and climbed steadily up on to the moors as the rain and wind also increased steadily.

 We may have laughed at Margaret as she struggled to put on her cape in the wind but she had the last laugh as she remained dry under her extra layer.

Hot drink stop

The poor camera was suffering a bit by now so no more photos today but you can see what it was like. The drying room was very full later that day! It's a good job rain is good for the complexion.

The 'B' party also had a very wet walk but were lucky to find a church where they took refuge from the rain to eat their lunch and Mary took this photo.

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” 

― Roger Miller

We were back early as we hadn't felt like stopping for lunch for some reason. So plenty of time for hot showers, cups of tea and a late lunch in the hostel before the sun came out! Followed by another relaxing evening and a biscuity quiz this time....thanks Jackie.

Monday 4 May

Our last day in Wooler and the sun was due to shine today thank goodness. We were all packed up and on the coach by 9.30. I had time to take a few photos of the hostel before we left. There were some interesting murals on the walls.

Breakfast

I opted for the 'C' walk again and this was a very pleasant meander through the fields and by the river on a part of St Oswald's Way finishing in Rothbury. St Oswald was the King of Northumbria in the 7th century and played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people. This is a long distance path of 97 miles in total linking some of the places he was associated with.

Lunch in the sun

Fly fishing

English Longhorn cattle

These are some of Mary's photos of the old buildings and animals encountered en route.

Old railway line

All Saints Church Rothbury

 We had plenty of time in Rothbury to visit the food and craft fair and then have a lovely cup of tea and cake in the Elm Tree Coffee Shop which soon filled up with CHA walkers eager to pile on a few calories!

Waiting for the coach

We left Rothbury promptly at 5.30 and arrived back in Bradford just after 9.00 pm. Many thanks to all the walks leaders and organisers who do so much to make our weekends enjoyable. Also thanks to Steve for getting us there and back safely. He seems to have become a 'fan' of the YHA! I also need to thank Ben who very kindly went out of his way to give me a lift back to Harden.

A good time was had by all.