Visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Rob and I went to Newcastle-upon-Tyne yesterday. We parked by the Quayside, and had morning coffee in the Dala Swedish Café: the coffee was a bit bland, and they didn't have any gluten free cakes, so we would probably not return there.

We walked for about 15 - 20 minutes, to The Biscuit Factory, the lovely old building has been converted into an art and craft gallery over two large floors, and there are two restaurants on site.

We ate lunch in the restaurant on the first floor. The food was excellent: the best either of us has had for a long time, while eating out. The setting is light and airy with views over the surrounding buildings. There was construction work going on, and it looks like a new outdoor extension is being added.

 Quiche (one bite missing!) with beetroot, and chickpea and rice salads

 Baked potato with hummus and sundried tomatoes, served with coleslaw

Stephen Heward has an exhibition of his striking landscape paintings on display at present, but there are all sorts of other styles of art and craft, jewellery, books, cards and homewares available.

We were so pleased to have found this place and will certainly return.

It is another 15 minute walk to the centre of the city, where you can find the unique shops in Grainger Market (a covered marked with many interesting, small units, selling everything:- Mexican deli items; speciality teas and coffees; vintage clothing; books; fruit and veg; joss sticks; health foods, etc.

This collage shows some of the interesting architecture that we spotted, including derelict buildings; Newcastle University; and the Central Arcade (rebuilt in 1906, after a fire), with its seemingly unused mezzanine level and ornately ceramic tiled interior.


There are, of course, large department stores and the usual chain shops. I bought a copy of Jane Foster's book "Fun With Fabric", from Waterstones, which includes an overview of designing fabric for digital printing. Her own work is inspired by vintage printed textiles and has a colourful, simple, pattern-led aesthetic that I admire.

It is a downhill walk back to the Quayside area and we stopped off in the Hexham Waitrose to buy a treat for dinner.

All-in-all a very nice day during our week's 'staycation'! We finally picked up Brock, who had been having one of his twice yearly fur cuts, and having fun with groomer, Jenny's, dogs for the day. [Brock's before and after photos from an earlier visit.]

Picnic at Rosthwaite, Keswick

We returned to Rosthwaite near Keswick for a second walk from this beautiful village.

First, coffees and flapjack from the tearoom, which has a dog-friendly garden with an amazing view.

The walk follows a small river and takes you through woodland.

Brock enjoying the walk.

The view from our picnic spot.

The next three photos were taken on our earlier walk in May of this year.

Millican Dalton was an eccentric individual who lived in a split-level cave and led groups of people in outdoor activities for almost 50 years. This photograph shows the view from the lower level of the cave, which had a stone bench in it, which may perhaps have been his bed.

This lovely wall had pieces of slate set amongst the stones, which gave an interesting pattern.

A beautiful walk, and quite popular with walkers. There is parking in the village. The small car park by the village hall is £3 per day in an honesty box. The National Trust car park prices start at £4.

Sketchbook: Dock Leaves

I always admire the colours of the dock leaves at this time of year. These ones were collected from our road verges. This study is in watercolour/Aquarelle pencil on A3 bamboo paper. I was concentrating on colour and pattern in this piece.

Sandyhills Beach Walk

Another walk for us, at this picturesque beach in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. (Click on any picture to see a larger version).

Our previous walk here (see article below) was to the right, when you get down to the beach. This time we turned left. It is a muddier/silty walk, but still has interesting caves and rock formations to explore.

Lunch afterwards was at the Loch Arthur Cafe in Beeswing. They have an outside seating area overlooking a pond, which is ideal if you have a dog with you. The food is freshly prepared and often includes produce from the farm. I ate the dipping platter (hummus, tomato and tzatziki dips with tortilla chips, salad garnish and vegetable sticks). Rob had the cream cheese tart with mixed salads, and we both had large Americano coffees. Excellent, as always.

Sandyhills Beach Walk

Our friends, Neil and Babette, reminded us of a lovely beach at Sandyhills that we had briefly visited, years ago. We had never seen the dramatic cliffs, seen if you head round the coast to the right, from the car park. The tide was right out this morning, but it is worth checking in advance, as the rocky/sandy section can only be walked on at low tide.

We did a longer walk today, since it was sunny, and windless. Here are some of our photos.

We stopped to enjoy our flask of coffee, sitting on a rock facing this view, that we think is Screel Hill, which we climbed last year.

The strong, low sunlight made for lots of dramatic shadows.

Brock met a lot of dogs to play with on the walk.

Then it was on to the dog-friendly Steamboat Inn at Carsethorn for lunch. The menu had no vegetarian main meals listed, but the waitress said that they could do:- macaroni cheese with garlic bread; mushroom risotto; and they had a daily special of wild mushroom gnocchi. Rob had the mac cheese with a side order of chips; I had the risotto with side salad. The food was very good - tasty, and a generous portion. With half a pint of cider and a mineral water, the bill came to about £23.

The interior of the pub is quite interesting with all sorts of hunting trophies, old advertising signs, and other objects packed into every space. We were there as the doors opened at midday, but it was filling up fast as we left. I recommend booking a table at busy times of the year. One woman was eating outside in the sunshine - we were happier next to the fireside!

Birdoswald and Hoddom Estate Walks

Some images from our latest walks: at Birdoswald in Northumbria on Tuesday, and today on the Hoddom Estate, Dumfries & Galloway.

 Birdoswald Roman Fort

 Hadrian's Wall

Walk by River Annan

 Golf Course on the Hoddom Estate

Distant views of Hoddom Castle from the Golf Couse

More Autumn Colour - Eaglesfield and Latrigg, Keswick Walks

Here are some photos Rob took on our walk at Eaglesfield today.

And from the day before up Latrigg in the Lake District, near (and looking down over) Keswick. A cold day with some snow still on the mountain tops.

We were glad to get back to the car and off to Abraham's Cafe for lunch!