George

Gunnerton - Riverhill Farm - Chipchase Mill - Short Moor - Pit House - Birtley (6 miles).

Sunny throughout, a bit chilly at the start but warm later.

George, Evelyn, Ron.

Ashley - injured again.

Sandy - working.

Ken - injured.

Bernie - school work.

Michael and Michelle - picking up Michael's new VW Polo.

Carol - not available.

Olwen - visiting London.

Comments

We passed alongside the boundary of a large quarry. We saw a lady erecting a jump for her horse. One of the farm tracks was surrounded by several fields of turnips. There was an unusual effect of a saltire in the sky formed by two vapour trails. There were lots of brambles en route to graze from.

We inspected a measuring station for determining flood levels on the river North Tyne. There were attractive views along the river. When we came back up to the road we came across an old lady inspecting a field. We also saw two tractors planting seed. When we took a short public footpath back towards the river, we found the going hard due to tall nettles. We lost the path but regained it when we found a marker post pointing into impenetrable thicket. In the trees we found a solitary red glove.

It was tricky crossing the stream. Ron was glad that he had his gaiters on and Evelyn was glad that she had her sticks. George had to grab hold of Evelyn to retain his balance. Lunch was taken in a warm spot overlooking a slow flowing stretch of the river. A dragonfly landed on Ron’s hand and had its photo taken. At Chipchase Mill, when we looked over the wall we could see a well-kept vegetable garden with large pumpkins. Several benches at the riverside were marked 'Private' and 'For the use of fishermen only'. There were good views of the impressive Chipchase Castle and also the Steward’s House a bit further on. We walked to the side of the old railway and then crossed by the fine stone bridge.

We met a friendly black dog before encountering some difficulty in finding the public path back to Gunnerton. As a result, Evelyn and Ron went on to Birtley over some tussocky terrain, while George returned to Gunnerton via another public footpath and someone’s garden to collect the car. Birtley had some attractive houses but was deserted and the pub was no longer a pub.

We had drinks at the Barrasford Arms after the walk – one of Ron’s old haunts. The annual marrow and produce show was about to start, the exhibits were on view and the judge was being plied with drink.

Wildlife/Flora/Animals:

Mammals: Deer track spotted in a field.

Birds: Lots of male and female pheasants who made a habit of rising just in front of us. Flock of greenfinches, two buzzards and some ducks. Michael and Michelle saw a flock of long tailed tits en route to the restaurant.

Flora: Lots of young oak trees and several large sycamore trees. Unusual fungi.

Boatside Inn, Warden. Joined by Michael and Michelle, with the new car. Nice meal.

September walkers

Wooded cliff

Measuring station

Walking by the river

North Tyne

Berries

Ploughing

Lunch

Dragonfly

Evelyn and George

Ron at the stepping stones

Chipchase Castle

Railway Bridge

Fungi