The Geordie Tourist.: Dog Friendly

The Bowes Railway Path Spring Walk.

Spring is here! I'm actually so excited for the bunny rabbits, the daffodils and the butterflies. The warmer weather and the smell of freshly cut grass is also a perk. Since I was celebrating the sunshine I took Poppy on a nice long walk to one of my favourite spots.

I say its a favourite spot, but I guess its more of a favourite route really. I call it No man's land, but if you follow it upwards you end up at Tanfield Railway. Follow it downwards and it will take you to Bowes Railway. (The sign says Bowes Railway Path) I'm yet to go to either, but the little patch in between has become one of my go to places. (Especially on a nice sunny day.)

Its a great place to just feel disconnected from it all. The further you get into the walk, the more removed from civilisation you feel (Well at least I do anyways.) I love the farmer's fields on either side. The hedges and little burrows along the way.

I love these little yellow flowers that blossom on the thorny hedges. Just seeing masses of them against a blue sky sends my picture taking fingers into a frenzy. (Ok, enough weirdness)

This time we decided to go off down a little route, down some steep steps and onto another field. We got about five minutes into it when I heard a gun shot. It was enough to make me run back, trying to coax Poppy into joining me. It was obviously just farmers, and the route was a public walkway, but it still had me spooked.

These trees in the background are pretty much like a landmark to me. They're a focal point in the background and I know that when I pass them it isn't long until I get to the carved seat.

It's this huge wooden piece that has lots of carved detailing on it. Sitting on it you can overlook the fields (there was sheep that day) and just sit and listen to the birds.

The blossoms are out too. You don't know what I'd give to have an orchard full of blossom trees.

It was a canny day and a canny little walk, the dog behaved herself and I just loved being surrounded by nature and all that spring-like air.

I definitely want to follow the walk all of the way through and end up at one of the railways.

Have any of you been to them before?

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Attempting the Cuddy's Corse Walking Trail.

Cuddy's Corse 02:45

Since I do a lot of walking, I thought I’d try and follow an actual route for once instead of just walking wherever the wind takes me. I found one online called Cuddy’s Corse, which was starting from the church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert in Chester le St and ending up at Durham Cathedral. So I dragged my mam and Poppy along to go on a little adventure.

The walk lets you follow in the footsteps of St. Cuthebert's Community on their final journey to Durham Cathedral carrying the Corse of Cuthbert, the patron Saint of the North.

We started at Riverside Park which we would be passing after the church anyways. I had a full list of directions, but it didn’t stop us completely going the wrong way for most of the walk.

We walked over the bridge and were just ready to start the actual walk when we realised we had left our walking boots in the car. Believe me it was just a start of things to come. The going backwards and forwards trying to find the right way, was the full walk basically.

At this part there were so many trees that had fallen, you could tell just how far the river had come up when we had the last floods. It was like a manic jungle, all sharp edges and snapped branches.

In the beginning, Poppy was happy enough just walking along, after a while though she turned her usual stubborn self and refused to walk. A few treats here and there did the trick for a bit longer.

One thing that helped us find the right way was the Cuddy’s Corse white little sign that would show up. I'll admit it wasn't until we got to a certain point that I even noticed them. (Basically we are the worst walkers ever.)

It was a great little walk, we passed rivers and forests, then walking through the farmer’s fields, watching a lonely horse, and up to Lumley Corner. Where waiting there was a glorious carved throne, where you could sit and get great views of the countryside below. We stopped for a bit and had a picnic, which was nice.

At Lumley Corner we went even more off course, I assumed we were on the right street and after walking for about 45 minutes, it became clear that we weren’t, so feeling defeated we turned around to go back the way we came. Then as we reached the chair again, we found the right route. After two and a bit hours of walking and a dog that didn’t want to do anymore, it was clear we would just have to leave it for another day.

So instead, I took some pictures of a nice little church we passed to make myself feel better.

To be honest our end goal wasn't to get all of the way to Durham Cathedral, it was to go as far as Finchale Abbey (which was about half way) and spend a few hours chilling there and looking around. If you've never been before I urge you to check it out immediately.

The full walk was supposed to be 7.5 miles. We spent three hours getting lost and wandering around aimlessly, which amassed to 9.5 miles. (no wonder Poppy was sick) It was such a good day though, just getting out and doing a bit of exploring, getting some fresh air and a bit of exercise, even if we didn't reach our end point. There's always next time, and you can be sure that I'll attempt it again. Maybe I'll start from Lumley Corner though, I mean I need to leave myself plenty of time to get lost in between...

Have any of you walked the Cuddy's Corse Route?

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Rediscovering Birkheads Secret Gardens and Nursery.

ardens 00:00

My mam is thinking about sprucing up the garden a bit. For some inspiration we thought we'd take a little trip to Birkheads Secret Gardens and Nursery. When we pulled up it was such a contrast from when we had visited in the summer time last year. The sky was a dull grey, drizzling and most of the glorious flowers were nowhere to be seen.

My brother came too, the owner let him in for free which was really nice of him. He warned us about the slippy walkways too. (I'm so pleased he did, we were slipping and sliding every where.)

Despite the lack of flowers you could still get a glimpse of the gardens and what they were trying to achieve with them. Plus the amount of autumn colours everywhere more then made up for it in my eyes.

The Japanese garden (known as the Meditation Retreat) was once again my favourite. I just can't help it, as soon as you enter through the little archway it's like you've been transported to another place entirely.

Poppy was thinking about attempting the bridge, but seriously it was so slippy. I put one foot on it and nearly ended up in the water.

What I love most about Birkheads is their attention to detail. Down to the specific trees and plants they use to create a mood or replicate a certain theme. Or the added elements like the little bridge and the lanterns and ornaments dotted about. All it needed was a bit of wind rattling the chimes and we could have been anywhere but the North East countryside.

Birkeads are just starting to reopen now for the season, we caught them right at the beginning, and with it still being so cold outside it wasn't as amazing as it would be on a lovely sunny day with the bees and butterflies about.

They've just built a new sitting area too, which I'm sure will be filled with people come a few months time. It really is such a wonderful place to visit. They have a little cafe too, and on the right day there really isn't anything better then sitting with a drink and watching the beautiful gardens.

I know I'll definitely return.

Have any of you been to Birkheads before?

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A Morning Down By the River.

Bowes Valley Nature Reserve 07:14

The other day I decided to go back to my favourite little river spot, which is right on my door step and somewhere I can go to think about things. The sound of the water running down the stream never fails to immediately put me at ease. Of course I took Poppy, and of course, she ran around crazily and I took a heap load of photos of her. (What can I say, sometimes I’m predictable)

She's forever hiding in tall grass or behind bushes and things. I can't help but laugh when I turn around and have to find her.

The river is such a calm place, there is never anyone else around which I love. It was a relatively warm day, considering some of the colder ones we have had recently.

I threw sticks for Poppy and watched as one by one they skimmed past her in the water and went too far down stream. She managed to keep track of one though, and we spent a good bit of time just playing about in the water.

I love walking. It gives me time to just reflect on things. It's particularly good if you have been worrying about something and want to get clarity, or even if you want to feel inspired. I'm trying to generate ideas for a book and the little stroll I had proved invaluable. Plus the sounds of the birds as you walk makes me feel like I'm in a Disney film.

I love how different the light is when you're out trying to take photos. One side can be all dark and grey and a bit mysterious, then you can look the other way and there's bright blue skies and colour everywhere. It always fascinates me.

I can't wait for Spring now. At the moment there are still some autumnal hues about which look great against a blue sky. I'm excited for flowers and butterflies though.

After the river we continued onto Bowes Valley Nature Reserve. To me, it's like my own big back garden. I walk these routes all of the time. I bump into people every once in a while and it's nice, but mostly I'm free to just roam where I please and take in all of the sights and sounds that I come across.