Events Guide & WINTER 17 - SPRING 18

Visitor Events Guide & WINTER 17 - SPRING 18

FREE GUIDE

• WHAT’S ON • WHERE TO GO • WHAT TO SEE •

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk NlandNP @NlandNP To EDINBURGH A Find your adventure in 1 Northumberland National Park BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

A Holy Island Northumberland 4 1 8 5 9 3 National Park 6 6 (Lindisfarne) A B National Park Information Point COLDSTREAM

8 9 Tourist Information 6 A Farne Islands 0 FORD 5 35 2 KELSO B6 5 6 B BAMBURGH 6 9 BELFORD

3 MILFIELD 6 7 B B SEAHOUSES

6 9 349 2 3 6 6 4

5 B 13 1 A B

B TOWN 48 6 AKELD 63 BEADNELL 4 B 3 YETHOLM 6 KIRKNEWTON

A 1 1 3

KIRK COLLEGE 4 B6 WOOLER 401 YETHOLM VALLEY 0

HARTHOPE 7 34 EMBLETON JEDBURGH VALLEY B6 B6 The Cheviots 346

BREAMISH B B

1 1

e SCOTLAND 3 3 VALLEY 4 POWBURN 3

0 9 INGRAM A 6 9 UPPER 7

8 COQUETDALE 6

A ALNWICK

Coquetdale 8 6 ALNMOUTH 1

4 0

3 1

NETHERTON 6 6 B A A6088 ALWINTON HARBOTTLE Coquet island

CATCLEUGH OTTERBURN THROPTON RESERVOIR 5 AMBLE RANGES 34 B6 BYRNESS (MOD) ROTHBURY A 68 FOREST DRIVE LONGFRAMLINGTON (TOLL ROAD) SIMONSIDE A ROCHESTER 6 A 1 1 4 HILLS 9 3 7 6 B DARDEN North Tyne LOUGH FONTBURN LONGHORSLEY KIELDER OTTERBURN RESERVOIR and Redesdale ELSDON KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK 0 NORTHUMBERLAND 2 3 7 6 3 B A6 3 96 LONGWITTON 1 ASHINGTON B

GREENHAUGH WEST 97 FALSTONE 2 A1

WOODBURN 4 SCOTS GAP 3

6 B6343 B MORPETH 4 52 A A BELLINGHAM B6 1 0 1 BOLAM 6 8 A 9

0 SWEETHOPE 8 LAKE 1

2 LOUGHS WHALTON 3

6 BLYTH B BELSAY B WARK HALLINGTON 6 STONEHAUGH 3 A RESERVOIR 0 6 9 CRAMLINGTON CUMBRIA 9 6 NEWCASTLE A19 9 AIRPORT 7 A A 0 1 6 6 9 SIMONBURN A 8 9

8 GREENLEE BROOMLEE 1 Hadrian's Wall A LOUGH TYNEMOUTH LOUGH B63 CHOLLERFORD Cawfields Steel Housesteads 18 PONTELAND Walltown Quarry Rigg Brocolitia Country Park WALL A NEWCASTLE B6318 69 GILSLAND 1 A WALLSEND A69 6318 THE ACOMB SOUTH B A69 A69 SHIELDS GREENHEAD SILL CORBRIDGE BARDON HAYDON A 1 9 BRIDGE A695 9 A6 MILL 6 HALTWHISTLE 8 6 B6305 HEXHAM PRUDHOE 1 To A A68 A GATESHEAD To ALLENDALE To BLANCHLAND To CARLISLE To DURHAM SUNDERLAND

This publication includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 Ordnance Survey 100022521. This publication is produced by Northumberland National Park Authority. Details are believed to be correct at the time of going to print (October 2017). Printed on recycled paper. Front cover: Walking together at Ingram, Breamish Valley © Ryan Edy Photographs ©: Paul Buxton, Laurie Campbell, Roger Clegg, Deve Photography, Ryan Edy, Nigel Eve, Ian Glendinning, Simon Fraser, Alasdair Mackenzie, Sally Norman, Heather Parr, Mike Ridley, Brian Rogers, Cain Scrimgeour, Shutterstock, Peter Skelton, David Taylor, NNPA. Illustrations ©: Cathy Brett. 2 CONTENTS WELCOME

02 MAP Often described as ‘the land of the 03 WELCOME far horizon,’ there is a wild beauty in Northumberland National Park 04 THE SILL NATIONAL LANDSCAPE that bestows a sense of wellbeing DISCOVERY CENTRE just from being immersed in open 05 INFORMATION POINTS and tranquil countryside, surrounded 06 OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION by the sounds and sights of nature and the stars above. 07 OUR TOP 10 WINTER SITES 08 HADRIAN’S WALL COUNTRY Autumn and Winter are perfect for 10 NORTH TYNE & REDESDALE seeing the rich colours of the landscape illuminated by the soft light of day, 11 OTTERBURN RANGES and the thousands of stars set against 12 COQUETDALE the pitch darkness of our pristine 13 THE CHEVIOTS skies at night. Whether it is crunching 14 STARGAZING through crystalline snow or feeling the warmth of a roaring fire in a 15 ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS local Inn, this is a wonderful time to 16 POEMS IN THE AIR be out and about. 17 EVENTS CALENDAR 26 THE SILL LEARNING PROGRAMME 27 MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Cawﬁelds 3 VISIT THE SILL NATIONAL LANDSCAPE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Opened in July, The Sill National Land - The most striking feature is its walk-on grass scape Discovery Centre is named after roof and viewing platform overlooking the famous volcanic geological feature - the Wall and surrounding countryside. The Whin Sill, upon which the Emperor Alternatively, you can view our vistas from Hadrian built his Wall in AD122. the comfort of our Café specialising in local food. Afterwards you can walk It is an amazing new visitor attraction, around our amazing interactive exhibition developed in partnership with the YHA, that will help explain how our countryside and generously supported by the Heritage has changed over thousands of years, and Lottery Fund. With its year-round programme how it continues to adapt to our needs. of events, it will inspire you to go and explore the landscapes, history and Knowledgeable and friendly staff will help heritage of Northumberland. you get the best out of your day, with a well stocked shop selling outdoor gear THE SILL and locally crafted gifts. A brand new National Landscape Discovery Centre 86-bed Youth Hostel is alongside. Youth NE47 7AN Hostel T: 01434 341200

HADRIAN’S Information WALL Exhibition Steel oad i R Rigg ry 18 lita & Shop B63 Mi Rooftop Walkway café

Haltwhistle THE SILL Hexham & Carlisle

WINTER OPENING HOURS 10am - 4pm

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

4 NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION POINTS i National Park Information Points are Look out for the signs when you are located in friendly local businesses, out and about. The Locations are on such as pubs and tea rooms and have the map on page 2. Please check with a small range of visitor information about the individual business for their Winter attractions and walks in the vicinity. opening hours if planning to visit.

The Cheviots

Valley Cottage Cafe Cafe Maelmin The Border Hotel Wooler Tourist Information Ingram NE66 4LT Milfield NE71 6JD Kirk Yetholm TD5 8PQ Centre NE71 6BL T: 01665 578948 T: 01668 216232 T: 01573 420237 T: 01668 282123

Coquetdale

The Rose & Thistle Inn The Star Inn Alwinton NE65 7BQ Harbottle NE65 7DG T: 01669 650226 T: 01669 650221

North Tyne & Redesdale

Old School Tea Room Camien Cafe Old School House Tea Falstone NE48 1AA Rochester NE19 1RH Room Elsdon NE19 1AA T: 01434 240459 T: 01830 520161 T: 01830 520389

Hadrian’s Wall

Greenhead Tea Room The Sill National Landscape Simonburn Tea Rooms Greenhead CA8 7HE Discovery Centre Simonburn NE48 3AW T: 01697 747400 Hadrian’s Wall NE47 7AN T: 01434 681321 T: 01434 341200 5 OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATIO N... i National Park Rangers and Volunteers

When you are out and about you may bump into one of our National Park Rangers, who are always happy to stop for a chat about what to see and do in the area. For more Finding Accommodation information about their work, email: For all your accommodation needs, [email protected] visit the website of the following Tourism Our National Park Volunteers of all ages Associations in and around Northumberland are involved in a wide range of activities, National Park: whether it is working with specialist staff in the care and conservation of the natural The Heart of Hadrian’s Wall Tourism Association www.heartofhadrianswall.com heritage, leading a guided walk or helping out with school visits. All of them share a The Heart of Northumberland Tourism passion for the area and will go that extra Association www.thonta.co.uk mile to make the best of your day. For North Northumberland Tourism more information about volunteering, Association www.nnta.org email: [email protected] Ordnance Downloading Survey Maps Information For walks in remote We wish we could say that upland areas, we mobile phone coverage in always advise that you use the National Park is the appropriate Ordnance wonderful, but sadly it isn’t Survey Explorer Map for the area. and Wi-Fi is also limited in places. The main OS Maps for However many of our favourite circular Northumberland National Park are: walks in the National Park are on View Hadrian’s Wall: Ranger App . View Ranger allows you to OS Explorer OL43 1:25000 download their landscape map; a free Kielder Water & Forest (and Simonside Hills): terrain map for offline viewing without a OS Explorer OL42 1:25000 mobile or data signal. Based on Open The Cheviot Hills: Street Map , it shows contours, peaks, OS Explorer OL16 1:25000 lakes, and popular trails. Download the OS Map App: Download the free ViewRanger App: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/ www.viewranger.com/en-gb/get-the-app os-maps-mobile.html

6 Our top 10 Winter sites

HADRIAN’S WALL NORTH TYNE COQUETDALE

THE SILL: National Landscape Discovery Centre THE STELL, FALSTONE LORDENSHAWS An indoor exhibition and shop, with a café Enjoy a short walk from Discover ancient ‘cup providing locally sourced and inspired food. Falstone to the Stell & ring’ rock art, an Iron The Sill has panoramic views up to Hadrian’s sculpture on the banks Age hillfort and burial Wall and over the surrounding countryside .There of the North Tyne, and cairns at Lordenshaws, are good circular walks nearby along Hadrian’s drop in to the tea room all just a short stroll Wall to Sycamore Gap and Crag Lough. on the way back. away from the car park .

REDESDALE NORTH TYNE HADRIAN’S WALL THE CHEVIOTS

ELSDON HARESHAW LINN WALLTOWN QUARRY WOOLER & A picturesque village A lovely woodland COUNTRY PARK HUMBLETON HILL known for its Bonfire gorge walk to a 30ft Easy access footpaths, A great little town from Night on the green! waterfall. Look out for with toilets and car park which to explore Drop in to the café or Red Squirrels high in on site. Take a walk neighbouring valleys. pub after taking a walk the trees! Afterwards, down to the ruins of Climb Humbleton Hill around the village or pop into the Carriage Thirwall Castle and with it’s Iron Age hill - over the moorland. Tea Room nearby. Greenhead tea room. fort for fantastic views.

THE CHEVIOTS COQUETDALE THE CHEVIOTS

BREAMISH VALLEY HARBOTTLE CASTLE COLLEGE VALLEY & KIRKNEWTON A stunning location for Stroll up to the Medieval At the very northern edge of the Cheviot Hills a family day out. Take castle ruins overlooking lies the remote College Valley. Climb one of a walk up to Linhope the village, then try the the many Iron Age hillforts and see if you can Spout waterfall with its pub, a hostelry in the spot the wild Cheviot goats as they roam the 60ft drop and enjoy best old-fashioned surrounding hillsides. Call in to Kirknewton the views on the way. sense of the word. and visit St Gregory’s Church. 7 HADRIAN S WALL COUNTRY

Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, The Sill National Landscape Discovery as Britain’s largest and longest ancient Centre is your ideal winter base camp, monument is a mu’st-see experience! providing warmth, comfort and great food This mammoth feat of engineering only from its café, as well as plenty of seasonal took three legions of Romans around six inspiration. Look out for our dark sky years to build and the best bit is arguably events taking place along the Wall on in Northumberland National Park. Pages 18 to 26. Why not take a short bracing autumnal stroll from Steel Rigg up onto the Wall, and take in the views, or you could take the family to Cawfields Quarry Dark Sky Discovery Site (remember to take warm food and clothes) on a clear winter’s night and gaze upon the beauty of the Milky Way above. Cawﬁelds

Caw Gap, Hadrian’s Wall 8 Housesteads

Roman Army Museum

Sites to visit in Winter

Roman Army Museum (Carvoran) Housesteads – Roman Fort & Museum (CA8 7JD) (NE47 6NN) See what it was like to be a Roman One of the best preserved forts on the soldier on Hadrian’s Wall. Wall for bracing views. For Winter opening times visit: For winter opening times visit: www.vindolanda.com/roman-army-museum www.english-heritage.org.uk/housesteads Vindolanda – Roman Fort & Museum Greenlee Lough – National Nature (NE47 7JN) Reserve Located just north of the Wall See the famous ‘Vindolanda tablets’ in behind Steel Rigg, this is one of the the Museum, a national treasure. most important wetland sites in Britain, For Winter opening times visit: particularly for wildfowl in the winter. www.vindolanda.com There is a bird-hide accessible by a boardwalk through the reed beds. OS GR: NY 748 690 Boardwalk to Greenlee Lough

Greenlee Lough

9 Tarset NORTH TYNE AND REDESDALE

There’s a wonderful charm about the valleys If you want autumn colours, then take the of the North Tyne and Rede; here sheep family to Hareshaw Linn, a woodland farming, timber production and wildlife gorge walk starting from a car park near conservation go hand-in-hand. Large the Heritage Centre in the centre of the forests provide red squirrels with a secure picturesque small town of Bellingham. home. You may even catch a glimpse of Download the Hareshaw Linn Walk on otters or salmon leaping in the rivers. Northumberland National Scattered through this untamed landscape, Park Walks on View Ranger once home to notorious Border Reiver clans, are ruined castles and historic bastles (fortified farmhouses). Make sure Further up the North Tyne Valley towards you don’t miss Elsdon, the ancient and Kielder Water & Forest Park, take time to picturesque ‘capital’ of Redesdale, with its discover the wild secrets of the Tarset valley cosy tea room and newly refurbished pub including Greenhaugh and Falstone, where - the ideal base for a short circular family you’ll experience fine views and warm winter walk. hospitality in local pubs and tearooms.

10 Otterburn Ranges

One of England’s remotest upland regions, There are two zones on Otterburn Ranges Otterburn Ranges is a Military Training where different access arrangements apply. Area that also offers you miles of wild walks and cycle-rides. OPEN ACCESS AREA You are free to explore this area any day Firing Notices governing public access of the year. are published fortnightly in advance and are posted in our local National Park CONTROLLED ACCESS AREA Information Points and online. When red flags are flying on the perimeter of this area, the roads within the area are You can also view them by scanning this CLOSED - training with live ammunition is QR code on your phone. taking place. When there are no red flags flying you can drive, ride or walk along the Otterburn Ranges footpaths and bridleways in this area. Firing Times PLEASE obey all signs and red flags! If in any doubt about access please contact Range Control T: 01830 520569

Otterburn Ranges 11 Coquetdale

On the banks of the River Coquet, the There is a great family circular walk, charming town of Rothbury provides a starting from Harbottle which takes in the seasonal gateway into the Simonside Hills mythical Drake Stone that overlooks the and the Coquet Valley. This traditional, village and it’s 12th century castle ruins. but vibrant little town is a great base to Download the route from our website: explore the surrounding hills that offer www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/ outstanding views across the Cheviots to things-to-do the north. Further down the valley is Holystone and Head up into remote Upper Coquetdale the Lady’s Well, dedicated to the Virgin and discover its wilder side. Alwinton the Mary. Close by is the 17th century last village in the valley, is surrounded by Woodhouses Bastle (fortified farmhouse). rolling hills, and a great starting point for For the adventurous, the Sandstone Way walks up onto the Border Ridge. The dark Mountain Bike Trail passes through skies here make it a perfect place to Coquetdale, log on to: indulge in some stargazing. www.sandstoneway.co.uk

River Coquet 12 Collingwood Oaks, College Valley

The Cheviots

Eruptions of lava, then 400 million Alternatively, there is a lovely walk along years of ice, wind and rain has left the the single track from Hethpool into the distinctive rounded hills of the Cheviots. awe-inspiring landscape of the College Now crisscrossed with miles of bridleways Valley. Hillforts, such as Ring Chesters, and footpaths, you can walk or mountain were built in the Iron Age, but the area bike the routes of ancient cattle drovers. also contains rich remains dating back The whale-backed shape of Cheviot at to the Bronze Age. 2,674 feet (815 metres), is the highest Just south of Wooler, the Breamish Valley point in Northumberland. is a popular destination throughout the Why not take a bracing walk up Yeavering year with valley walks along the riverside Bell, near Wooler (‘hill of the goats’) with and a café (Valley Cottage) and toilets at its Iron Age stone fortifications at the Ingram. From Bulby’s Wood Car Park, its summit. From here, you’ll have stunning a short walk up to the summit of Brough views to the coast and into Scotland. Law Iron Age hillfort, where the views from Below its towering presence is Gefrin, the top are superb. For more inspiration, the site of the first Royal Centre of pop in to Wooler Tourist Information Anglo Saxon Northumbria. Centre in The Cheviot Centre.

13 STARGAZING IN EUROPE S LARGEST INTERNATIONAL DARK S’KY PARK

Star Trails at Harbottle Castle

Due to the excessive light pollution in our The places below have towns and cities, most residents cannot see been nominated as a truly dark sky, seeing around 5 - 10 stars Dark Sky Discovery Sites at most. Whereas when you come away and are ideal for you to observe the from street lighting into the more rural beauty of the night sky. Some of them are areas, you can see more than 2000 stars car parks or lay-bys, others are venues that on a clear night. Northumberland National host dark sky events throughout the year. Park and much of Kielder Water & Forest www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/dark-sky- Park has now been designated as an discovery-sites/map.html International Dark Sky Park (Gold Tier) with the darkest skies in England. SITES: Alwinton Car Park You don’t need expensive equipment to Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavillion view the night sky, just use your eyes. Cawfields Car Park A mobile phone App such as Sky Map Walltown Quarry Country Park (Android) or Star Walk (iphone) can help VENUES (that host Stargazing Events) : you navigate around the night sky, and Kirknewton Village Hall take it all in. It will be an experience you Ingram Village Hall will never forget. Elsdon Village Hall and Green Remember to keep warm when you are KIELDER OBSERVATORY stargazing and take hot food and drinks Falstone Village Hall with you. And, please be courteous to Tarset Village Hall local residents if you are out stargazing Battlesteads Hotel Wark late at night. The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

14 Astronomical Events over the Winter

17 November 7 January LEONID METEOR SHOWER CONJUNCTION OF JUPITER AND MARS 22 November MERCURY AT GREATEST 18 February BRIGHTNESS MERCURY AT GREATEST BRIGHTNESS

See our events programme on PAGES 18 - 26 for upcoming stargazing activities or log on to our website: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/events

An easy way to help you navigate your way around the sky at night

LOOKING NORTH: The Plough is the LOOKING SO UTH: These stars change most easily recognised group of stars in throughout the year, but during Autumn the northern sky, and looks a bit like a and Winter you should see C ygnus - saucepan! P olaris - the N orth Star l ies the swan, O rion - the hunter, and between The Plough and the W-shape of Pleiades - the Seven Sisters. And, if Cassiopeia. The stars of the northern you are really lucky our galaxy, the sky are the same all year round. Milky Way.

NORTH SOUTH

Adapted from original design by Forestry Commission, Scotland for Dark Sky Discovery

15 POEMS IN THE AIR Simon Armitage

Poems in the Air is a collection of six new poems by the English Poet Simon Armitage, which were inspired by serene locations within Northumberland National Park. Download the free Poems in the Air mobile app (iphone & Android) to follow in Simon’s footsteps and listen to him reading his poems in the exact locations that inspired them.

Old Middleton Dove Crag NEAR WOOLER HARBOTTLE

Shepherd’s Cairn The Proposal Stone EWARTLY SHANK SIMONSIDE

Riverside Walk Hollywell Cottage GREENHAUGH STONEHAUGH

Scan the QR code with your smartphone

Dear Dog Owners Please keep dogs under Dogs are very welcome in Northumberland control! National Park, however, as a general rule, please keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds and other wildlife. Please clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Thank you.

16 Events in NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK AUTUMN & WINTER

Our events programme is listed over FAMILY FUN & SILL SUNDAY Pages 18 to 26 by date for Autumn These events are aimed at families and Winter . with children 12 years and under.

We often add extra events or walks to the WILD WEDNESDAYS are a way for programme so please keep an eye out children to explore, play, discover on Facebook and Twitter, and our website and enjoy Northumberland National for updates. Park. These events are aimed at families. Please ensure that you all To avoid disappointment we recommend wear suitable clothing and footwear. that you book your event in advance online. Places are limited and will be GUIDED WALKS - Please see our allocated on a first come first served website for important information. basis. 10% off in The Sill Café for all BOOKING ESSENTIAL events that are over £10pp. B Please see website for details.

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/events NlandNP @NlandNP

17 NOVEMBER

FAMILY FUN FAMILY FUN GET ACTIVE

Sunday 11 am Sunday 11 am Sunday 9 am NOVEMBER 5 - 2 pm NOVEMBER 12 - 2 pm NOVEMBER 12 - 1 0 am Sill Sunday DROP IN Sill Sunday DROP IN Sill Bootcamp Jam Jar What do Owls Get fit in the shadow of Lantern Making Eat for Tea? Hadrians’ Wall with Katy Come along and make your Find out about owls that Wilde of ‘Wilde Fitness’ PT. own crafty jam jar lantern, make this National Every second Sunday in which you can then take to Park their home, November and December, your local firework display. and what they all equipment provided. All materials provided. like to eat, mmm.. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Cost: £7* Cost: £2.50* child Hadrian’s Wall (*free car parking until 11am *PAY ON THE DAY Cost: £2.50* child for Bootcamp ticket holders) *PAY ON THE DAY

STARGAZERS DINNER STARGAZING The Sill Friday 6 pm Friday 8 pm NOVEMBER 17 - 8 pm NOVEMBER 17 - 1 0 pm CHRISTMAS Stargazing Leonid FAIR Pre-event Dinner Meteor Watch SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER This pre-event dinner offer at Discover the wonder of the 10AM - 6PM The Sill Café (Fresh Element) Leonids meteor shower, find is available to those booked out what comets are made A great way to shop for hand- on the Leonid Meteor Watch of, whether they hold the key crafted Christmas presents event. Two Course Dinner to life on earth and why do made in the North East. £15.00pp, 6pm - 8pm. For they pass by regularly? Entertainment for all the menu, dietary requirements Please wear warm clothes. family and great food. and to book a table email: At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall [email protected] Cost: £10 adult / £5 child Free entry, car parking charge B (11 years+) 18 For further events throughout the year keep an eye out:

GET ACTIVE GUIDED WALK thesill.org.uk/events NlandNP Sunday 9 am Sunday 10.3 0am NOVEMBER - 1 0 am NOVEMBER - 3.3 0pm 26 26 @NlandNP Sill Bootcamp North from Wooler Get fit in the shadow of to Doddington Hadrians’ Wal l with Katy We follow a section of Wilde of ‘Wilde Fitness’ PT. St Cuthberts Way eastwards Every second Sunday in to Weetwood Bridge then November and December, head north over Doddington all equipment provided. Moor and back to Wooler. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Meet: Cheviot Centre, Cost: £7* Wooler (NE71 6BL) (*free car parking until 11am Grade: Strenuous / 10 miles for Bootcamp ticket holders) Cost: £10 B

DECEMBER

MEET THE MAKER STARGAZING

Friday 6.3 0 pm Saturday 8 pm DECEMBER 1 - 1 0 pm DECEMBER 2 - 1 0 pm Muckle Beer and Fresh Element at The Sill Moon Watch Weather permitting, we will An afterhours exclusive visit to The Sill to meet one of our be outside gazing through local suppliers. Chat to the owner and brewer of Muckle Beer our powerful telescope and about the ingredients and processes that go into making this binoculars to view the moons special brew. The Sill’s Chefs from Fresh Element will then surface in detail. Please wear demonstrate novel ways to cook with beer and you get to warm clothes. (11 years+) eat the results! At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (NE47 7AN) Cost: £10 adult / £5 child Cost: £45 per person Pre-event dinner available - (discounted tickets of 2 tickets for £80 / a group of 6 for £240) see P18, Friday 17 November B for details 19 NORTHUMBRIAN DECEMBER FLOWERS

FAMILY FUN BE CREATIVE

Sunday 11 am Saturday 9.3 0 am 12.3 0 pm DECEMBER 3 - 2.0 0 pm DECEMBER 9 - 2 pm & - 5 pm DROP IN Sill Sunday Thursday 9.3 0 am From Wood to DECEMBER 14 - 2 pm Wonderful Festive fun with our Christmas Wreath Making Masterclass Rangers creating Join Northumbrian Flowers at The Sill to make your very own crafty Christmas mixed pine wreath. Using local materials, including dried fruits decorations, using and a luxury bow of your choice, you will leave with a unique natural materials. wreath to welcome seasonal visitors to your home. All materials At: The Sill , and equipment provided, plus a delicious festive afternoon tea Hadrian’s Wall and drink at 12.3 0pm included in ticket price. Cost: £2.50* At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (NE47 7AN) *PAY ON THE DAY Cost: £60 (refreshments included) B

FAMILY FUN GET ACTIVE STARGAZING

Sunday 11 am Sunday 9 am Wednesday 8pm DECEMBER 10 - 2 pm DECEMBER 10 - 1 0 am DECEMBER 13 -1 0 pm Sill Sunday DROP IN Sill Bootcamp Geminids Meteor Watch See what comets are made of, From Wood to Get fit in the shadow of Wonderful whether they hold the key to Hadrians’ Wall with Katy life on earth and why do they Festive fun with Wilde of ‘Wilde Fitness’ PT. pass by so regularly? The our Rangers creating Every second Sunday in meteors may arrive later in crafty Christmas November and December, the evening, so please wear decorations, using all equipment provided. warm clothes. (11 years+) natural materials. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill , Cost: £7* Cost: £10 adult / £5 child Hadrian’s Wall (*free car parking until 11am Pre-event dinner available - Cost: £2.50* for Bootcamp ticket holders) see P18, Friday 17 November *PAY ON THE DAY 20 for details BE CREATIVE ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY FAMILY FUN

Thursday 12.3 0 pm Saturday 8 pm Sunday 45 min DECEMBER - 5 pm DECEMBER - 1 0 pm DECEMBER sessions 14 16 17 during the day Christmas Table Pictures in the Dark Sill Sunday Learn from our experts how Christmas Celts Decoration Masterclass to take better photos in the The Celtic love of fire and Join Northumbrian Flowers to dark, especially of nocturnal oak will be shared with you make your very own seasonal wildlife, as well as the night by Wild Dog Outdoors, table decoration. All materials sky. Suitable for amateur and equipment provided, plus photographers, aged 11yrs+. local living history experts. festive afternoon tea and drink Please wear warm clothes. Have a go at lighting your at 12.3 0pm included in price. At: Ingram Village Hall own fire and make an oak At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £15 (11 years+) Christmas keepsake. Cost: £60 (refreshments (warm refreshments provided) At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall included) B Cost: £5 per session

JANUARY

GUIDED WALK STARGAZING FAMILY FUN

Wednesday 10.3 0 am Saturday 8 pm Sunday 11 am DECEMBER 27 - 1.4 5 pm JANUARY 13 - 1 0 pm JANUARY 17 - 2 pm Christmas on the Wall Hunting the Aurora Sill Sunday DROP IN A chance to walk off the Discover how to capture Feed the birds! Christmas pudding on this sight of the elusive Aurora. Come along and mix up a circular route over the highest Weather permitting, you’ll be tasty New Year treat for the point of Hadrian's Wall, with able to use our telescopes and birds, then take it home for good views of the surrounding binoculars to view the night sky. your garden. countryside. Please wear warm clothes. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £2.50 child Cost: £10 adult / £5 child Grade: Moderate / 6 mile *PAY ON THE DAY (11 years+) Pre-event dinner Cost: £8 available - see P18, Friday 17 B November for details 21 JANUARY BURNS NIGHT GUIDED WALK

Thursday 7.3 0 pm KING Sunday 10.3 0 am JANUARY 25 - 1 1 pm COLE JANUARY 28 - 2.1 5 pm Alternative Burns Night at The Sill Ancient Roads in Come along to a Northumbrian alternative to Burns night! Coquetdale Celebrate the rich traditions of Scotland’s national poet, We follow part of Clennell Robert Burns, south of the Border with a Northumbrian Street drove road up onto Ceilidh band, King Cole, and delicious Northumbrian the moorland, and over fayre from Fresh Element at The Sill. Copper Snout on this At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall circuit in the hills. Cost: £45 At: Alwinton, National Park (discounted tickets of 2 tickets for £80 / Car Park a group of 6 for £240) Grade: Moderate / 8 mile B Cost: £8 B

FEBRUARY MEET THE MAKER STARGAZING

Friday 6.3 0 pm Saturday 8 pm FEBRUARY 2 - 1 0 pm FEBRUARY 10 - 1 0 pm Hepple Gin and Fresh Element at The Sill Stargazing for Beginners An afterhours exclusive visit to The Sill to meet one of our Discover how to navigate your local suppliers. Chat to the founders and makers of Hepple way across the Universe by Gin about the ingredients and processes that go into making identifying constellations . this unique tipple from Coquetdale. The Sill’s Chefs from Weather permitting we will use Fresh Element will then demonstrate novel ways to cook our telescopes or binoculars to with gin and you get to eat the results! view the night sky. Please wear At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (NE47 7AN) warm clothing. (11 years+) Cost: £45 per person At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (discounted tickets of 2 tickets for £80/ Cost: £10 adult / £5 child a group of 6 for £240) B Pre-event dinner see P18 22 FAMILY FUN STARGAZING AND VALENTINE DINNER

Wednesday 10.3 0 am Wednesday 7 pm FEBRUARY 14 - 1 2 noon FEBRUARY 14 - 1 0 pm AND Wild 1 pm - Starry-eyed Valentine Dinner at The Sill Wednesday 2.3 0 pm followed by Stargazing Birds are Brill Dine out in style with the one you love. Enjoy a meal at Fresh Element at The Sill, and then go out to view the stars from Our Rangers will help you the rooftop. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to use our make your own binoculars, excellent telescopes and binoculars to view the beautiful and take you on a mini safari dark sky. Please bring warm clothes to wear outdoors when looking for birds who make stargazing. Hadrian’s Wall their home. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Build a nest box to take home.* Cost: Please see our website for further details At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall For menu and to book a table email: Cost: £5 (* extra charge) [email protected] B

FAMILY FUN ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY STARGAZING

Thursday Friday 8 pm Saturday 8 pm FEBRUARY FEBRUARY - 1 0 pm FEBRUARY - 1 0 pm 15 45 min 16 17 sessions Stone Age during Pictures in the Dark Message from Mercury the day Survival Learn from our experts how Learn more about the smallest Stone Age Bruach from to take better photos in the of the eight planets in our solar Wild Dog Outdoors will dark, especially of nocturnal system. Weather permitting, show you the tools needed to wildlife, as well as our dark you’ll be able to use our catch a fish, hunt a deer night skies. Suitable for telescopes and binoculars. or fight off your enemies! amateur photographers, Please wear warm clothes. Make your own flighted Please wear warm clothes. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall arrow to take home. At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £10 adult / £5 child At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £15 (11 years+) Pre-event (11 years+) Pre-event dinner Cost: £5 per session dinner available - see P18, available - see P18, Friday Friday 17 November for details 17 November for details 23 FEBRUARY MARCH

GUIDED WALK MEET THE MAKER

Sunday 10.3 0 am Friday 6.3 0 pm FEBRUARY 25 - 2.1 5 pm MARCH 2 - 1 0 pm Remote Tarsetdale Doddington DAIRY and Fresh Element at The Sill A circular walk in this remote An afterhours exclusive visit to The Sill to meet one of our local area with it's varied history suppliers. Chat to the owners of Doddington Dairy, past of Reivers, violent deeds winners of BBC’s Food & Farming Award, about how they and remnants of the defunct make their cheese, yoghurt and ice cream. The Sill’s Chefs Border Counties Railway. from Fresh Element will then demonstrate novel ways to cook At: Greenhaugh Car Park with these products and you get to eat the results! near Hollybush Inn At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (NE47 7AN) Grade: Moderate / 8 mile Cost: £45 per person Cost: £8 (discounted tickets of 2 tickets for £80 / B a group of 6 for £240) B

For further events throughout the year keep an eye out:

thesill.org.uk/events International Wome n’s DAY Celebration NlandNP Thursday 12.3 0 pm MARCH - 9 pm 8 @NlandNP International Women’s Day in Wooler A range of FREE drop in sessions including yoga, colour therapy and crafts. Plus a performance by Werca’s Folk, headed by World renowned folk musician Sandra Kerr. This event will also premier a new short film by Alysoun Sharpe of Shadowcat Films, featuring the life of Victorian social reformer Josephine Butler (who is buried in nearby St Gregory the Great Church in Kirknewton). At: Wooler Tourist Info Centre, Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler Free events

24 m a h n e D l i e N

Sunday 10.3 0 am 12 noon Friday 8 pm MARCH 11 - 1.3 0 pm & - 3 pm MARCH 16 - 1 0 pm MOther ’s day posy making Pictures in the Dark and afternoon tea at the sill Learn from our experts how to take better photos in the Treat your Mum to a fabulous day out dark, especially of nocturnal at The Sill. Make a pretty wildflower posy wildlife, as well as our really together, to take home, and enjoy a dark night skies. Suitable for scrumptious afternoon tea at Fresh amateur photographers . Element at The Sill whilst taking in the Please wear warm clothing. stunning view of Hadrian's Wall. At: Kirknewton Village Hall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall (NE47 7AN) Cost: £15 (11 years+) Cost: £50 for two (morning or afternoon session) (warm refreshments provided) B

STARGAZING FAMILY FUN

Saturday 8pm Sunday 11 am 1 pm 2.3 0 pm MARCH 17 - 10pm MARCH 18 - 12 noon &&- 2 pm - 3.3 0 pm Stargazing for Sill Sunday Beginners Hadrian’s Wall ROCKS Explosive fun for Discover how to navigate with Professor Pumpernickle! everyone across the Universe by How better to celebrate the end of Science identifying constellations . Week than joining Professor Pumpernickel's Weather permitting you’ll be mission to inspire future discoverers and adventurers through able to use our telescopes or his mind-blowing experiments. Parental supervision required. binoculars. Wear warm clothes. Suitable for 5yr olds to 105! At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall At: The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £10 adult / £5 child 3 shows a day: 11am - 12noon, 1pm - 2pm & 2.30 - 3.30pm (11 years+) Pre event dinner Cost: £6 per person available - see P18 25 MARCH Look out for our Spring & Summer Visitor Guide and Events Programme or keep an eye out on: thesill.org.uk/events FAMILY FUN GUIDED WALK NlandNP Sunday 11 am Sunday 10.30am MARCH 25 - 2 pm MARCH 25 - 2.30pm @NlandNP Sill Sunday DROP IN Simonside in Winter Call of the We walk up from the river - Curlew side onto the Simonside Find out all about Ridge for great views of the Cheviots, before descending the Curlews journey through the forest back in the down to Rothbury. National Meet: Cow Haugh Car Park, Park. Rothbury At: The Sill, Grade: Moderate / 8 mile Hadrian’s Wall Cost: £10 Cost: £2.50* child B *PAY ON THE DAY

We believe that the special qualities of Northumberland - its rich history, diverse species of flora and fauna, and great geographical features - provide a unique environment for learning outside the classroom. Our experienced learning staff and subject specialists can be booked to run sessions in your school, on sites in Northumberland National Park, and in the excellent teaching facilities within The Sill, all SCHOOLS linked to the National Curriculum. Explore our offers for different age groups: PROGRAMME www.thesill.org.uk/learning/schools

Creative Inspiring Engaging Informative Learning Experiences

3206 NNPMRT

Mountain Rescue BEFORE YOU SET OU T FOR A WALK Always tell someone where you are Northumberland National Park Mountain going, when you expect to be back, and Rescue Team is a volunteer organisation who to call if you do not return on time. (Registered Charity no. 511313) that provides a vital life saving service 24/7, 365 days a year. The team provides search and CARRY THE 10 ESSENTIALS mountain rescue services to Northumbria Police, over an operational area that covers 1 Map & Compass (know how to all of Northumberland and the Tyne and use them) Wear conurbations (some 2159 sq miles). 2 Whistle (to signal searchers if you Calls for assistance include search and are lost) mountain rescue, and also search and rescue of missing children and vulnerable 3 Torch (with spare batteries and bulb adults in both rural, and urban settings. to signal searchers at night) If you would like to help the Mountain First Aid Kit Rescue Team by making a donation go to: 4 www.nnpmrt.org 5 Warm Drink & Food

6 Wind & Waterproof Clothing

7 Hat & Gloves

8 Extra Warm Clothes

9 Emergency Rations

10 Emergency Shelter (a large poly bag big enough to get into)

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NEED ASSISTANCE FROM MOUNTAIN R E S CUE Call the Police on 999 AND ask for Mountain Rescue. If you are lost, stay where you are. The Mountain Rescue Team will soon be out looking for you, even in the dark. Search & Rescue at work The Sill CHRISTMAS FAIR SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 10AM - 6PM thesill.org.uk NlandNP @NlandNP