At last, a walk in the park. I (Northumberland) February 14th❤
The estate office informed me that Hulne Park would be open today so seven of us are off to try again. North up the A1, through Alnwick town following the one way system, left at the castle main gate and after about 200 yards left again on the road to the park gate. Some parking on the left, but no cars or dogs in the park itself. The park opens from 11am to sunset most days.
If you need an OS map use Explorer 332 Alnwick and Amble or download a leaflet and map from www.northumberlandestates.co.uk. The map shows three walks, colour coded. I would print it but I am afraid I might break copyright law and finish up in one of the Duke's dark and dingy dungeons. The three walks are very well marked with posts.
Just follow the paths but note some areas are closed to the public
Breakfast at Barter Books in the old station again just as you enter the town on the left.
Barter Books has thousands and thousands of second hand books and CDs and DVDs and a café too.
Today's team; Brian, Ben, John H., John Ha., Dave.,John L. and me
The walk:
Having parked outside the park entrance, booted up and read the instructions on the board at the entrance we set off past the Forest Lodge.
This week's car park at last, and the entrance to Hulne Park.
We walked along Farm Drive, to start with all three walks follow this metalled road, tree lined, which gave way to open fields, one of which has a fine example of a;
A hemmel. Barn with arched openings used for storage and shelter.
Just beyond Ely Burn we turned left and followed the yellow markers up Brizlee Hill to see the famous Brizlee Tower.
Built in 1781, possibly to the Duke's design. There must be great views from the top.
Having admired the tower we continued the circular path round the hill, passing the walled area that will eventually become the resting place for the members of the family.
The magic tree and the gates to the burial site. The crescent is part of the Duke's badge and is seen on many buildings.
We also passed the statue of the hermit guarding his cave;
Hermit, and cave.
Back on the blue walk we followed the Farm Drive past several house in East Brizlee, crossed the River Aln at East Brizlee Bridge and along Palmstruther Drive alongside a wood to Hulne Haugh, before turning north and approaching Hulne Abbey which is on a hill overlooking the valley. Although it was chilly we took shelter by the walls of the abbey for lunch.
Today's feast included chocolate biscuits, Bliss bars, flapjacks, fruit cake, almond slices and chocolate cake from Mrs A. Or was it chocolate cheese cake?
After lunch we looked round the abbey.
Founded in 1242 by William de Vesci the Carmelite (Whitefriars) is one of the earliest foundations of that order. The curtain wall dates to the 15th century and encloses a rectangular area. Well worth visiting but no picnicking in the grounds! Quite right too.
This Yew tree is first recorded in 1567. Brian says there are many trees of this variety in England, they are ubiquitous.
As we were leaving we saw a small herd of deer in the valley, they ran up and down a field then dashed across the river and vanished.
Running deer.
From the abbey we followed The Lady's Well Drive close to the river. part of the walk in open ground, part through woodland. Opposite the remains of Alnwick Abbey the road climbs uphill, joins Farm Drive again and soon we were back at the cars.
Changed we headed to the familiar Cook and Barker at Newton on the Hill;
Cook and Barker and offerings.
The estate office informed me that Hulne Park would be open today so seven of us are off to try again. North up the A1, through Alnwick town following the one way system, left at the castle main gate and after about 200 yards left again on the road to the park gate. Some parking on the left, but no cars or dogs in the park itself. The park opens from 11am to sunset most days.
If you need an OS map use Explorer 332 Alnwick and Amble or download a leaflet and map from www.northumberlandestates.co.uk. The map shows three walks, colour coded. I would print it but I am afraid I might break copyright law and finish up in one of the Duke's dark and dingy dungeons. The three walks are very well marked with posts.
Breakfast at Barter Books in the old station again just as you enter the town on the left.
Today's team; Brian, Ben, John H., John Ha., Dave.,John L. and me
The walk:
Having parked outside the park entrance, booted up and read the instructions on the board at the entrance we set off past the Forest Lodge.
We walked along Farm Drive, to start with all three walks follow this metalled road, tree lined, which gave way to open fields, one of which has a fine example of a;
Just beyond Ely Burn we turned left and followed the yellow markers up Brizlee Hill to see the famous Brizlee Tower.
Having admired the tower we continued the circular path round the hill, passing the walled area that will eventually become the resting place for the members of the family.
We also passed the statue of the hermit guarding his cave;
Back on the blue walk we followed the Farm Drive past several house in East Brizlee, crossed the River Aln at East Brizlee Bridge and along Palmstruther Drive alongside a wood to Hulne Haugh, before turning north and approaching Hulne Abbey which is on a hill overlooking the valley. Although it was chilly we took shelter by the walls of the abbey for lunch.
Today's feast included chocolate biscuits, Bliss bars, flapjacks, fruit cake, almond slices and chocolate cake from Mrs A. Or was it chocolate cheese cake?
After lunch we looked round the abbey.
Founded in 1242 by William de Vesci the Carmelite (Whitefriars) is one of the earliest foundations of that order. The curtain wall dates to the 15th century and encloses a rectangular area. Well worth visiting but no picnicking in the grounds! Quite right too.
As we were leaving we saw a small herd of deer in the valley, they ran up and down a field then dashed across the river and vanished.
From the abbey we followed The Lady's Well Drive close to the river. part of the walk in open ground, part through woodland. Opposite the remains of Alnwick Abbey the road climbs uphill, joins Farm Drive again and soon we were back at the cars.
Changed we headed to the familiar Cook and Barker at Newton on the Hill;
The walk is about 8.5 miles, easy going with a couple of short climbs. A good day out for all.
And a matrix
steps miles
NAK 20778 8.5
Dave's NAK 1 18339 8.6
"""""""""""""2 18308 8.66
""""""""""""SM 18392 8.77
OUTDOOR GPS 8.6
Brian 8.5(?)
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