Northumberland - Day 2

We went to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) today. According to the tide timetables, safe passage over the causeway started at 10.45am. However we got there at least 20 minutes before that and it was already clear, and cars were going over it.

You can see the refuge on stilts for any walkers who get caught out by the tide.

Once on the island we parked in the main car park, which is £9 for a day ticket.

Our plan was to walk round the perimeter of the island, but first we went to the large beach at the north side where we could let Oscar have a good run about. On the way we looked at the poles which mark the walking route back to the mainland.

We walked clockwise, past many sandy and rocky bays.

We saw some seals out on the rocks.

We passed a white navigation marker, then stopped for our lunch.

Eventually we got round to Lindisfarne Castle.

From there it was a short walk to the village. There are good views back to the castle, and also the ruined priory. There are archaeological digs going on there.

We had a little wander round the village. It was pretty busy now, with lots of tourist shops, many selling the local mead made by the monks.

We drove back to the site and had showers before dinner, which was spinach and ricotta pasta with arrabbiata sauce.

Northumberland - Day 1

We left the house in the afternoon, and drove to Northumberland. We parked next to Cocklawburn Beach and went for a walk. We got as far as some old lime kilns, before turning back.

We then drove on to the Haggerston Castle camp site. This is a huge place, mostly static caravans but with a fairly large touring area too. We'd pre-booked it and it was only £10 per night, including electric hookup, very good value. First impressions were good, with friendly staff and good facilities.

We went for a walk round the site. It's got a large lake, with lots of geese and swans on it, and a few other smaller ponds too.

There's a Wetherspoons pub in the centre, along with other food and entertainment venues. We had a drink on the terrace then went back to the van.

Later we left Oscar, and went back to Wetherspoons for dinner. Shirley had beef lasagne and chips, and Scott had the small plate selection - loaded fries, nachos and barbecue chicken strips. It was all reasonable, up to the usual Wetherspoons standard.

Angus - Day 3

In the morning we decided to head part way home, and went to Tentsmuir Forest in Fife. It's a huge area, and we did a long circular walk first down the beach, then back up through the forest.

After this we went to Cupar and had lovely fudge donuts from the Fisher and Donaldson's baker there, then drove home.

We arrived just after 4pm.

Angus - Day 2

It was a bit dreich in the morning so we stayed in and read books for a bit. We then drove to Montrose and parked next to the seafront. Again it was wet so we pottered till after lunchtime.

Eventually it dried up and we went for a walk on the beach. Again there was loads of space for Oscar to run about.

We left Montrose and drove to Brechin, though didn't stop in the town itself. We went to a CampRA Aire just outside, located behind a motor tricycle dealer. It's £12 to stay the night, there are about six places.

For dinner later we had sausage, mash and beans!

Angus - Day 1

We left about lunchtime and drove to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, a few miles north of Montrose. You can park overnight there for a voluntary donation of £10 paid online.

We went for a walk on the nearby beach. The tide was out so there was loads of space for Oscar to run about.

We walked as far as a cave at the end of the beach.

We walked back in the other direction to the River North Esk estuary, then back to the van.

Later we went out for another shorter walk nearer the visitor centre.

For dinner we had grilled salmon with new potatoes, peas and sweetcorn.