Northumberland & the Farne Islands

Northumberland is a wild and splendid county, boasting a superb coastline — regarded by many as the finest in the country — and a fine range of upland habitats in the Cheviot Hills. Both aspects will be explored in full during this 6-day tour which also includes a full day spent exploring the world-renowned Farne Islands. Our tour begins in Newcastle and from here we transfer north to a comfortable hotel which will be our base for five nights. During the following days, islands will be something of a theme as we visit Lindisfarne (or Holy Island), sail around Coquet Island, where over 120 pairs of Roseate Terns and thousands of Puffins nest, then finally visit the Farne Islands (subject to weather conditions and landing permission). The twin islands of Staple and Inner Farne provide one of the greatest seabird spectacles in Britain and draw visitors from all over the world. (Please note the Staple Island is currently closed to the public). Colonies of Arctic and Sandwich Terns present scenes of constant activity and noise, Guillemots, Shags and Kittiwakes line cliff ledges, whilst the ever popular Puffins play their role as court jesters. A day on the Farne Islands is a truly magical experience and as well as the principal performers there is also an impressive supporting cast including rafts of handsome Eiders and large numbers of Atlantic Grey Seals. Elsewhere along the Northumberland coast we visit a colony of Little Terns and check for late migrant passerines and waders at various locations. Although the main volume of migration will have passed, early June often produces a few surprise rarities and we will be looking out for whatever may turn up. We complete our exciting break in Northumberland with an exploration of the dramatic fells and valleys of the Cheviot Hills, home to a variety of upland birds including Red Grouse, Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Raven, having hopefully demonstrated during the preceding days the great merits of picturesque Northumberland during the late spring. Indeed, is there a finer place in England to witness large numbers of seabirds at the peak of their nesting season?