Walks in the Secret Kingdom: North Northumberland Book

This book covers the northern part of Northumberland that lies between the river Coquet in the south and the Scottish Borders to the north, and between the North Sea to the east and the Cheviot Hills in the west. This vast and remote area is surely a paradise for walkers--yet relatively few walkers seem to have discovered it! One can walk many a mile almost without meeting another walker, but you are assured of a warm, friendly welcome in the villages and pubs. There are 37 walks detailed and the author, who has lived in Northumberland all his life, demonstrates his great knowledge of the area, its wildlife and its history, on every page. Many of the walks are in the "easy" and "medium" range and are ideal for family walking where the rigours of serious hill walking are too great for the older and younger members. The landscapes are very diverse--rough moorland, rolling hills, verdant countryside and dramatic coastal plains. The coastline between Amble and Berwick has been designated an area of outstanding beauty. This stretch has rocky outcrops and rugged cliffs, as well as wide, clean beaches and golden sandy dunes. A mighty castle dominates the sky line at Bamburgh--once a popular holiday resort--and just north of Bamburgh is Budle Bay, a vast expanse of sand and mud flats, which is a world-famous bird reserve, rich in migrating sea birds and waders. Then there is Lindisfarne--on Holy Island--once the home of St Aidan and St Cuthbert and a seat of Christian culture and learning. This is a beautiful part of the UK that is much under-subscribed and well worth a visit or two. --Ben NaylorRead More