On Monday we decided we would have a day out....Stu was on an early shift & finished work at lunchtime so it gave the girls and me chance to have a lazy morning and make a picnic. We were going to go to Queen Elizabeth II Country Park for a picnic and a walk around the lake....
The picnic didn't happen! As soon as we were ready to leave it started chucking it down and it didn't look like it was going to stop anytime soon....Thankfully by about 2pm it did and we decided just to go for that walk!
The country park once the site of a colliery spoil heap features a wide variety of wildlife in its woodland and 40-acre lake.....
It is located on the north edge of Ashington, between the A197 and the A189 with the main car park off the A189.
We have lived in Ashington for years and I can't believe we have never visited before.....The closest we have came is at the Brewers Fayre at the other side of the lake from us. When we go there we usually get a taxi....
From our house it is a 10 minute walk.....It is amazing that you hear the buzz of traffic and as soon as you cross the railway line into the park you hear nothing but nature....
Taking the scooter was a mistake and we ended up carrying it for most of the afternoon....Well Stu did!
We saw so much that nature had to offer us....Plants, trees, berries, bees, swans, pine cones and dragonflies which were huge and were flying around....Eek!
The girls had a great adventure....Shortly after getting near the lake Ellie found a big stick that she carried all around the lake....It was her magical staff which actually turned her quite feral. lol With a stick she was happy with a feather in it she got more adventurous and brave. It was fantastic to see!
We also found time to take some proper family photos and managed to get one with all 4 of us which rarely happens! It's not the best but it will be one which will be treasured! Monkey of course was with us too....Ellie refused to leave him at home. lol
We walked right around the lake which was a good few miles. I am not usually one for walking but we had great fun. There was no pressure about having to be out at a certain time, there was no playground so Ellie wasn't rushing to get there then not wanting to leave. There may have been a slight argument when we passed Brewers Fayre and Ellie decided she was hungry (she wasn't) and couldn't walk because she was starving. A piggy bag off Stu for 5 minutes fixed her legs and she was happy again....It was a great afternoon out!
Ah lovely - it's crazy how places like this are so close to main roads, you'd really never know would you x
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you have discovered a new place to explore so close to home. Glad both kiddos enjoyed the hike. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a lovely long walk around the lake. I love how the traffic noise often disappears as soon as you come somewhere like this and how peaceful it can be even when you are quite close to a main road. Love Ellie’s staff with the feather in and the photo of the four of you. Glad the piggyback from Stu helped get Ellie’s legs working again - hubby often works similar magic with Sophie! Thanks for linking up to #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteHaving no pressure of time makes days like this perfect. the longer you are out the more you find to do. It looks a beautiful park and I'm glad the rain at first didn't spoil your day. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame when the rain arrives like that but great you still went when it cleared and it looks like it was lots of fun. Mich x #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteWe always end up carrying the scooter too! Shame about the rain too. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely family walk. Love how the 4 of you all have the same smiles!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had a fab day out :) #countrykids
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to enjoy the walk and see lots of a nature even with the rain to start the adventure #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteFamily days like this are the best. I loved your video! I can't believe how fast your girls are growing up! And wow, Becky seems to have shot up, she's so tall now.
ReplyDeleteLovely post :) x
I love finding new local places to explore with the kids! We're up in Northumberland fairly often as we have family up that way so I'll definitely try to remember this as somewhere to go the next time we're up there. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited here for years, it sounds like you had a great day out x
ReplyDeleteYOu are so lucky to have this near you! Its so pretty and looks like a nice place to have a breather. I always bring a lock with me when we are out for a walk outside when we have a bike or scooter. My son would always end up not wanting to use it and I end up carrying it so with a bike lock I can just leave it and walk without anything to carry =) #countrykids
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