Lanercost and Hadrian's Wall

Kielder water

Vicky — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:30:33 +0000

To the north of Lanercost lies Kielder water.This vast man made reservoir is now a haven for wildlife and visitors who love watersports.

This short video by the guys from Visitnorthumberland is a good introduction

Camp 18, POW camp at Featherstone Castle

Vicky — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:01:20 +0000

Here is the memorial

Here was the entrance to POW camp 18 where thousands of German officers were held in the 
years 1945 - 48.
The interpreter since January 1946 was Captain Herbert Sulzbach O.B.E. who dedicated
 himself to making
this camp a seed bed of British German reconciliation.
Our two nations owe hm a heart felt thanks. The friends and members of the 
Featherstone Park Association of Former Inmates of Camp 18, 1982.
Apart from the gateposts there is virtually nothing left...could be that the 
river North Tyne has eroded it
all away. See this picture with the road undercut.

this is the nearby weir - a popular fishing spot.

and here is the castle

Lambley Viaduct

Vicky — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:54:07 +0000

Lambley viaduct...part of the old railway between Haltwhistle and Alston, 
it is now a Grade 2 listed structure and part of the South Tyne trail.






and the logo


During the 18th and 19th centuries the North Pennines were mined for coal,lead and limestone. 
This brought the railways and steam trains transported the minerals and coal from the 
Alston Moor mines to  Haltwhistle in the north.The trains also formed a vital link 
for isolated rural communities.

When Lambley viaduct was closed it started to deteriorate and in 1994 a detailed survey
 was undertaken.

During 95 and 96 the viaduct, which is a Grade II listed structure was restored. 
The largest new stone weighed in at 950 kgs.

The viaduct was repointed with lime especially imported from France. Over 3,000 m2 
it was the largest
 pure lime pointing contract for more than 50 years.

Robin Hood Tree

Vicky — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:27:04 +0000

The Robin Hood Tree or Sycamour Gap has been made famous by being used as a setting in the Kevin Costner film about Robin Hood. It lies between Steelrigg and Housesteads.

It is a very popular spot for photographers!

and

Christianberry crags

Vicky — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:20:01 +0000

The land to the north of Hadrian’s Wall can be desolate and empty. Often forested and with deep bogs this is a hostile world and Christianberry crags is one of the most remote parts.

and

Lower Gelt in snow

Vicky — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:15:17 +0000

The river Gelt comes down from the Pennines around Jockey Shield to eventually flow into the River Irthing. The lower Gelt woods just outside Hayton offer great woodland walks with old beech trees and wildlife in abundance.

These pictures show the heavy snows from 2010.

Gilsland

Vicky — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:38:44 +0000

A little to the east of Lanercost, the old border town of Gilsland sits on the Cumbria/Northumberland border. This used to be a rough place with border reivers and lawlessness everywhere.

However in the 19th century it became a popular spa town and Sir Walter Scott proposed to his fiancee whilst she sat on the Poppin stone ( image below). The gorge of the river Irthing offers good walks within it’s steep confines.

and the poppin stone itself

Armathwaite

Vicky — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:28:54 +0000

Armathwaite is a lovely village alongside the river Eden. The walk through Coombs woods is peaceful and quiet.

Upper Geltsdale

Vicky — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:24:14 +0000

Upper Geltsdale or Jockey Shield is a large RSPB nature reserve. There are great walks here, good views and you will probably have the hills to yourself.

Long Meg

Vicky — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:19:06 +0000

The stone circle at Long Meg is well worth a visit. half way up the Eden valley it offers an intriguing day out.