Our long awaited Easter break got off to an early start with us heading up to Stilton where we abandoned our car to the luxury of Al driving the rest of the journey arriving in Durham in time for lunch at a riverside pub. It was a little drizzly in Durham but this didn't stop us looking around the Cathedral and grounds. With our legs well stretched we then headed off to our destination of Gosforth Park, Newcastle. A great vintage inn, comfortable rooms and a lovely pub to keep us fed and watered over the weekend. We spent the first of our three evenings in the pub where the food was varied, reasonably priced and above all the staff very friendly.
Saturday morning was bright and sunny much to our delight so we headed off to Bamburgh and a walk through the village, along to the castle and down on to the beach. With blue skies and a brisk walk we were all feeling revived and raring to go to our next port of call Lindisfarne. On arriving at the car park we discovered the tide was due back in an hour or so later so it was a quick tour before heading back across the causeway. By this time lunch was calling so it was off to Seahouses where Alan knew just the place to go, a quaint little pub, all small rooms and very busy but we found a table and were soon relaxing over a drink and a sandwich. A stroll around the harbour followed by which time the day had all but disappeared and it was time to head back towards Newcastle. We did a tour of the quay area and then drove over the bridge into Gateshead before headind back to our hotel. Once again we had a splendid evening in the Falcons Nest pub after which we were all very sleepy and ready for bed.
Sunday morning was again all sunshine and blue skies and we were up and out early to drive over to the lake district across the North Pennines, stunning scenery with Lyn & I both taking photos at a cracking pace! We arrived in Keswick mid morning, parked and then took to our feet for some stunning scenery as we walked around Derwent Water. Cameras were again clicking away in attempt to capture the beauty. After a stop for coffee and a few text messages we went off to meet Jeanette & Nigel in Keswick for lunch. We found a pub garden where we sat soaking up the sun which by now was very hot and just lovely. After lunch we headed off to the Honister Pass for yet more breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. We arrived back at the hotel to catch up with Jeanette & Nigel who had checked in and were waiting for us in the pub garden. We spent our last evening over a lovely meal and a few drinks when all too soon it was once again time for bed.
As we packed up to leave the fog was beginning to lift and after a final breakfast it was time for us all to say bye for now as we headed back South. The drive back to Stilton was swift and after lunch Phil and I began the final leg of our journey arriving home late afternoon to glorious sunshine.
I took some 160 photos and here are a selection
