Sunday 23 March 2014

Springtime walk to Cleadon Hills

We had some seriously gorgeous weather going on this morning, so we did something we've been meaning to do for ages - we went up to Cleadon Hills. You'd never think you were in the middle of Tyneside stood up there!

It reminded me of being back on the Yorkshire moors at home (lots of jolts of nostalgia, happy & sad at the same time) Up there you can see Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and a very squinty-distant Scottish Border. It was such a beautiful, fresh clear day. The views really were amazing. It felt brilliant to breath in the fresh air, looking at the huge big blue sky and the miles of lush green grass. And of course you can clearly see the North Sea as well - you don't get that in Yorkshire!

You also can't miss the old 1820's Windmill. It's built on the highest part of the hills (this put out Out N about "all terrain" pram to the test!). In the 1870's a freak thunder storm severely damaged the Windmill and destroyed the sails. Afterwards it was used in the 1st World War as shooting practice, but it stands tall and proud and me being me, was pretty fascinated by it!

According to local legend, the mill owners heartbroken daughter Elizabeth Gibbon threw herself from the top of it after the storm, and her ghost has haunted it ever since...
*spooky music*


Charlie loved the friendly horses.

The Mill - it's a lot more "upwards" than this picture makes out!
I've decided I like sky/cloud pictures :)

There is is!

 

 
Playing "peekaboo" though the Mill!
(Hope Elizabeth didn't mind)

Linking up to:
http://www.coombemill.com/blog/

5 comments:

  1. Wow, such a beautiful spot. And the windmill, how cool! I love taking pictures of the clouds too :) Have a lovely week.

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    1. Thank you! It was gorgeous. One of our new fave places! And I know, cloud pictures are addictive! lol xx

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  2. A very picturesque walk and I love the history surrounding the windmill - what a shame it hasn't been restored for people to explore! Thanks for linking up and sharing your lovely photos of family time with Country Kids.

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    1. I know, it's all chained up :(. I'd love it to be opened and have a spiral staircase built inside so you can admire the views from the top. No problem at all, love reading everybody's adventures!

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  3. I love this!! Spookiness and history, two things that are really exciting to me. Love your pictures.

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