We got dropped off on the road just outside Bamburgh at 9:20am and began the walk across the fields. The initial section follows the coast path up hill towards Waren Mill. As we gained height there were good views back to Bamburgh Castle and to the north across budle bay towards Lindisfarne.
We soon turned away from the coast path, heading inland through fields above Waren Burn. The path from Spindlestone was much less well maintained. We crossed a rather old and rickety bridge which looked like it could collapse at any minute. We weren't quite sure whether we were on the right track until we discovered a footpath sign as we emerged from the wood. Our route from there kept to field edges much of the way, and although these were quite overgrown in many places it was a very pleasant walk.
Lots of farms were busy harvesting, making the most of the good dry weather. We regularly heard the rumble of combine harvesters or saw clouds of dust in the distance.
33.The Apple Inn, Lucker - 11:05am
Closed when we arrived. Looked a newly refurbished pub.
The section of path between Lucker and Warenford was very overgrown. Where the path should have entered the woods alongside Waren Burn there were nothing but brambles and stinging nettles. We decided the only way to proceed was along the field edge but even this was hard going especially as we were wearing shorts! By the time we reached the road at Warenford our legs were tingling from scratches and stings.
34.The White Swan - Warenford - 12:00am
A nice clean modern looking bar. Situated in a quiet location despite being so close to the A1. We sat outside for a coffee
Leaving Warenford refreshed we followed the clear well marked route around Twizell House. This was very pleasant walking on a good track past Twizell farm and into Quarry Plantation.
As we reached the edge the woods the view suddenly opened out revealing the open expanse of Chatton Moor. Large patches of purple heather brightened up the hillsides.
It was a gentle ascent across the moor to reach Brownridge ruined farm buildings. Now only occupied by sheep. The sea appeared once again in the distance behind us.
Just a few yards further on we reached the top of the ridge and a new focus appeared on the horizon. The unmistakable outline of the cheviots lay ahead of us.
Heather carpeted the ground around us we followed the clear grassy track across the moor. This would have been a perfect place to stop for our lunch in the sunshine with great view all around but unfortunately as soon as we sat we were plagued by flying ants so had to move on quickly.
A gradual descent along grassy tracks took us past Coalhouses ruined buildings. Now safely away from flying ants we stopped on the bank to have our lunch, looking over towards Chatton and the Cheviot hills beyond.
Continuing onwards we soon reached Shielhope house and the road down to the pretty village of Chatton.
35.Percy Arms Hotel - Chatton - 3:45pm
A lovely exterior with benches in the garden. A large spacious bar inside.
The fields beyond Chatton were a mixture of sheep and wheat soon to be harvested. Short sections of the path along the Till valley were again overgrown, though by now a few more scratches and stings weren't really noticeable.
On reaching Fowberry Bridge we turned along a very straight section of road, passing the grand house of Fowberry Tower.
Leaving the road behind we climbed steadily up to reach Weetwood Moor. Looking back we could clearly see the route we had come from with Brownridge in the very distance. At the top of the hill the path joined briefly with a section of St Cuthberts way.
The large number of thistles on the edge of the moor
were alive with butterflies on this sunny afternoon.
As we approached the top of the hill the fields were replaced by a mass of purple heather and the gentle hum of bees. Ahead the views of the cheviots reappeared but now only the Wooler valley lay between us.
We made our down from the moor and followed the road into Wooler.
36.The Wheatsheaf, Wooler - 6:15pm
Traditional style pub with large busy bar.
37.Anchor Inn, Wooler - 6:45pm
A nice cosy family pub. Good basic pub food.
38.The Black Bull, Wooler - 8:15pm
A smart pub, but busy and no seats free so we didn't stop.
39.Angel Inn, Wooler - 8:15pm
An old pub with several small rooms.
40.Tankerville Arms, Wooler - 8:30pm
A little way out of town, we drove by this one.
The other pub listed in Wooler, the Red Lion, was closed up and had a for sale sign on the front.
We returned to our cottage in Beadnell for the final time. For the remainder of our time we had bed and breakfasts to look forward to.
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