southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Northumberland May 2011 Day 3 medium walk in Coquetdale

Holiday Photos Day 1 Day 2 easier walk Day 2 harder walk Day 3 easier walk >>Day 3 medium walk<< Day 3 harder walk Day 4 easier walk Day 4 harder walk Day 5 Alnwick Day 5 Cragside Day 5 Farne Islands Day 6 medium walk Day 6 harder walk Day 7 easier walk Day 7 medium walk Day 7 harder walk
		The medium group leave the coach at Harbottle to cross the river Coquet and walk up the valley .
		Near Alwinton we see a well preserved Limekilm .
		Used for burning lime to "sweeten" the soil .
		We cross the river .
		To arrive in Alwinton, a gateway to the National Park .
		Extremely windy today .
		It's warmer closer to the ground .
		Our leader decides to take a low level route towards the forest .
		Which is obviously very productive .
		Peace descends once again .
		We decide to have an early lunch .
		And watch the birds - an oystercatcher .
		And a dipper .
		We continue up stream .
		To the forest edge .
		We retrace our steps and then start to climb up by Clennel Hill .
		Picking our way carefully .
		Near the top .
		As we pass the ruins of Old Clennel Farm the views start to open out .
		Down the other side we go .
		Passing these happy cows and their calves .
		Time for a drink .
		We pass through Rookland Farm .
		And descend towards Clennel .
		To Clennel Hall .
		Where we are suitably refreshed after a walk of 9.5 miles with 1,500 feet of ascent.
Photos and captions from Mike