April 16 – 21 Mon - Sat
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Newcastle
Based: Otterburn 3 nights,  Romaldkirk (Teesdale) 2 nights
Walking: Easy

Description: Abundant in wildlife, endowed with a wealth of historic sites, rich in striking geological features and scenically superb, the North-east of England is an utterly outstanding region. 

Broad tidal flats, extensive beaches, dunes and characterful harbours typify coastal areas. Inland there are large tracts of heather moorland, rolling pastures interrupted by drystone walls,  wooded river valleys and a great many small charming villages.  

In Northumberland we visit Lindisfarne and coastal sites by the imposing Bamburgh Castle for seabirds, waders and migrants;  Kielder Forest (largest forest in the UK) is explored for Goshawks, Common Crossbills and other woodland birds;  and,  at gravel pits by Rothbury,  a significant colony of waterfowl is observed.

Teesdale arguably hosts the best Black Grouse lekking site in England, also healthy populations of Ring Ouzels, Merlins,  Golden Plovers and other upland birds. Timing of the tour ensures the best possibly opportunities to view these species,  also coinciding with the appearance of spring wildflowers - most notably Birdseye Primrose and Spring Gentian. Red Squirrels and Otters were among mammals seen during our previous tour.

Cultural interest is well represented, with Hadrian’s Wall, High Force - England’s highest waterfall - and Cauldron Snout among sites visited

Itinerary
Day 1  Monday:  Morning rendezvous in Newcastle followed by journey to Otterburn (drop off baggage at hotel) and visit to Caistron Reserve.

Days 2 & 3  Tuesday & Wednesday:  Daily excursions featuring easy walks, including visits to observation hides.

Days 4 & 5  Thursday & Friday:  Transfer to Romaldkirk with visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Explore Teesdale.

Day 6  Saturday:  Midday we return to Newcastle where the tour terminates at the railway station.

Cost: £930...Includes: Accommodation, all meals plus packed lunches, all travel.

Deposit: £100

Single Room Supplement: £125