UPDATE FOR THE 28TH -Northumberland Castles and Coast Run:
Steph and I had a dummy run through, of the full route today (including the fish and chip lunch!) -
Steph called in to the Estate Office at Chillingham Castle and we've been given permission to drive up and around the circular drive at the front of the Castle which should be fabulous for a photo opportunity.
There's quite a few 'reveals' on the run where we'll be heading down lanes and have to make a return, to get the best views of the castles and coast. Don't worry we've checked we can all make the turn-arounds.
We've dismissed a couple of our original roads and substituted others to make for a safer run. We do have one right turn to make on the A1 but there is a safety zone and well marked safety lane built into the road markings which is of adequate length (even for our increasing numbers).
The run is currently 160 miles which is about 20 miles too long so we are taking out part of the beginning and end to shorten it to 140 miles.
It took us 6 hours with 1hr 15 min stop for lunch and breaks - taking out 20 miles will free up more time. At present the run looks like this:
Start Newcastle Kingston Park Tescos 10am
To Elsdon then Rothbury then Alnwick (a trip through some of the back roads of Northumberland and its towns and beautiful village) Coffee/toilet stop at Barter Books in Alnwick disused Station (a bit Harry Potter and different)
From Alnwick (with stunning views of Alnwick Castle) to Chillingham (special permission to use the main drive of the castle) to Bamburgh (wait until you see this castle and it's location
!)(We'll also get a sight of Holy Island/Lindisfarne from here) and Seahouses for lunch stop (Fish and Chips restaurant - there are other options if preferred - you also have to see the harbour and views of the Farne Islands)
After Lunch to Dunstunburgh Castle, views from Low Newton and Craster (both beautiful small harbour villages)
To Alnmouth (another lovely coastal village) then Warkworth (another fabulous castle) with an ice cream stop after Warkworth at the Morwick Farm Dairy.
Return to Newcastle via Morpeth, Mitford and Belsey.
Plenty of attractive countryside, lovely vistas of the sea and the Cheviots, lots of amazing castles (9!) - so really looking forward to getting you all out on the run.
The roads are varied - but do bear in mind we have chosen our route for a more relaxed run. If you're looking to go on a 'hoon' join us on the 21st heading for Kielder and Howick (See original post). Nevertheless, we will have the opportunity to enjoy our Zeds, there are some enjoyable roads on the run but the emphasis will be to relax and enjoy the location and views as much as the driving - we just need the weather to be on our side to make the best of it! We shall see. . .
