Welcome to the blog of Terry "Cakeman" Hughes
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25th - 29th Haven Berwick-upon-Tweed.
I'll jump straight in to the highlight of the week - Billy Shiel Boat Trip around the Farne Islands with a two-hour stop on Lindisfarne. It seemed strange to see the islands without the huge flocks of visiting, breeding sea birds. To be continued...
10th - 14th First visit to Toad Hall Independent Hostel in Machynlleth.
What a quirky place! Not just the Hostel - the town as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will go back again. I spent Tuesday at the Dyfi Osprey Project and was lucky enough to get my timing right. I wanted to see the juveniles Helicoptering and I had great views from the centre with their 'scopes. It wasn't too busy so I was able to spend some time at the viewpoint.
19th - 26th Return visit to Haven Haggerston Castle.
15th - 19th Return visit to Haven Thornwick Bay, Flamborough.
A great short break in an ideal location. Travel was good; caravan better than expected; weather was good and I got some good walks in. I retraced my steps from last years visit and walked from Thornwick Bay to RSPB Bempton Cliffs and back; having a good spotting day along the way. Saw Deer around the park when I got back.
Another good walk was from the park to Danes Dyke Nature Reserve. It was a bit challenging but I made it - eventually. The number of steps recorded for the day where not much more than the number of steps climbed on the steep descents and ascents along the clifftop path.
Forty species noted with Barn Owl, Fulmar, Gannet, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Puffin, Razorbill, Reed Warbler, Shag and Whitethroat ticked off the yearly list.
17th - 24th and my first visit to the Haven Lakeland site at Flookburgh, near Cartmel.
The camp itself is in a great location with mud flats and saltmarsh to three sides of the camp. Unfortunately there was hardly any wildlife to be seen, which I thought was a bit strange. The practically non-existent bus service was another let down. It was a two mile walk to the railway station and I didn't feel like walking there then around Nature Reserves all day then walking back to the caravan with all my gear on my back.
I managed to get around a bit by train and foot and I visited Arnside one day and Barrow & Walny Island another day; plus some nice local walks. Yearly firsts for the bird list were:-
Bar Headed Goose, Common Sandpiper, Eurasian Skylark, House Martin, Linnet, Mandarin Duck, Meadow Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Stonechat, Swallow, Wood Duck, Yellowhammer.
I'm retired and live in a Supported Housing Court on the edge of Sandbach, Cheshire.
I'm passionate about walking, wildlife & nature and amateur photography. I enjoy taking photo's of the wildlife that I see and I am trying to get a photographic record of all the different species that I see; both in my local area and on my travels.
I support the RSPB, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and the Wildlife Trusts and also take an interest in fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and a couple of other health-related charities..
I'm lucky enough to live near woodland and open countryside. From my Lightley Court flat there is easy access to the Wheelock Rail Trail and the Trent & Mersey Canal. The canal can be reached from various points along the Rail Trail or can be joined at Wheelock Wharf off Crewe Road. Only a ten minute walk whichever direction I take.
Travel Crewe StationSandbachWheelockCheshireLancashireCumbriaNorthumberlandYorkshireNorth Wales Mid WalesRutland NottinghamshireStaffordshire Bird WatchingFell Walking Wildlife and Nature Amateur Photography