I live by the sea. The times in my life when I haven't lived by the sea, I've felt disorientated, unsettled. So happy to be home, just one street back from the waterfront, near the bay of Quandamooka, Australia.
Donna, your comment is so kind, and I'm delighted to have brought you a little reminder of home. I've never been fond of seagulls because they squawk a little too harshly for me, and they can be bothersome if you eat outdoors. But... I'll get used to them.
Northumberland is surely one of the most glorious counties and I look forward to exploring the southern side of the Scottish Border!
For a Northumbrian alternative to Lowry it would be worth checking out the Pitman painters. They were Ashington based working men who turned to painting. Some of the work is astonishing. There’s a gallery at Woodhorn colliery museum.
I was raised in flat Cambridgeshire and now live in the hillier Cotswolds. My brother and I are increasing the gradient tempo by walking St Cuthbert's Way in Northumberland in September. Although we'll be inland rather than on the coast, your piece has made me look forward to our walk even more.
I've lived in Cambridgeshire for many years and I'm finding the hills in my new home quite a challenge. Little by little I hope to develop all those muscles that have lain dormant for too long! Your gradual walking-training sounds like a good plan, Simon. St Cuthbert's Way will surely be wonderful.
I'm currently reading 'Cuddy' by Benjamin Myers. The book is described by Waterstones as 'a bold and experimental retelling of the story of the hermit St. Cuthbert, unofficial patron saint of the North of England'.
What an excellent and apt book recommendation – thank you. To be fair, we do have a place in the Alps, so hopefully we'll be able to handle the ups and downs of St Cuthbert's Way! Enjoy Northumberland, I'm sure it's a great place to live, especially near the sea.
I've never lived along the sea, but anytime I walk along it, I feel at home. Coastal Maine, Coastal Pacific Northwest, and Oban, Scotland are a few places that come to mind.
Too hard to pick just one! Two places come to mind on this side of the Atlantic—the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, and the Mendocino Headlands Trail in Mendocino, California (the town where Murder, She Wrote was filmed). They share a kindred beauty: craggy cliffs, salt-laced air, lighthouses keeping silent vigil, surf crashing against the shore, wild roses clinging to the rocks. And at night, the soft glow of lanterns sways as people wander the quiet paths. Both are places where I can breathe a little deeper, think a little clearer, and feel the past brushing up against the present—where the rhythm of the waves seems to echo something deep in my bones.
Beautifully said, Christopher. These places clearly hold something special for you - they sound romantic and wild. I’ve not yet visited either of these States. Maybe one day.
I’m just back from a brief holiday in Northumberland and can recommend the walk along the beach from Seahouses to Bamburgh. We did it after a boat trip to the Farne Islands. Puffins, seals, guillemots!
I've never been your description paints a vivid image and even the vocabulary gave me a wee feeling for what this timeless place along the shores at the edge of Scotland.
Wonderful! I was up in Berwick last month - my first time too, and took a walk to the edge of the sands on a sharp-edged windy day. And everyone was heading out to the water. Have you come across Tweed River Culture and Connecting Threads? They're doing wonderful art and community work on the Tweed.
I will (it may be a while!) - and in the meantime, I'm so glad you've found Tweed River Culture. The people in Berwick were amazingly friendly, and I'm sure it's the same all up the river. Enjoy the project!
Hope you're settling into your new home and the sea walk sounds beautiful. I used to live in Swansea and one of my favourite things to do was walk miles along the coast come rain or shine :)
Lovely I bet it'll be amazing seeing the landscape change throughout the year! Sometimes I really do as I loved the coast walks but I'm adapting to more urban city life ☺️
What a beautiful place to move to. My mother in law grew up on Holy Island and misses it still. She now lives in Essex which she thinks is a very poor alternative!
Oh Deborah. Your mother in law must have had the most blissful landscape in which to grow up. I have yet to visit Holy Island but look forward to it.
I was chatting with some new friends just last week. They told me they walked over to the island from the mainland at low tide - barefoot - and it was hard going!
All the best in your new digs, Yasmin! It sounds really neat. With lots to do--and the sea! I love living on the ocean. It is quite calming, the sound of the waves. There is something life-instilling in its constancy. Enjoy!!
I think it will take a while to find my feet so to speak... to learn my way around the area, and make my new place feel like home. I'm already enjoying the seascapes... so beautiful whatever the weather.
I live on the SW coast path, which passes my front door, and a few yards away from the old Chapel. where Raynor Wynn lived for a short while whilst walking "the salt path"
Do you enjoy walking near the sea?
I live by the sea. The times in my life when I haven't lived by the sea, I've felt disorientated, unsettled. So happy to be home, just one street back from the waterfront, near the bay of Quandamooka, Australia.
I wonder why the sea has such a 'grounding' effect on us. Do you go down to the waterfront at Quandamooka often, Debbie?
I grew up in County Durham and spent many lovely days in Northumberland.
I still miss its beaches even though I’m surrounded by beautiful ones here in Australia…perhaps it’s the lack of seagulls and bracing North Sea air!
Many thanks for this lovely reminder of my home, and I hope you enjoy making it yours.
Donna, your comment is so kind, and I'm delighted to have brought you a little reminder of home. I've never been fond of seagulls because they squawk a little too harshly for me, and they can be bothersome if you eat outdoors. But... I'll get used to them.
Northumberland is surely one of the most glorious counties and I look forward to exploring the southern side of the Scottish Border!
I’ve never lived near the sea, so it always has a novelty factor to it for me.
Neither have I, Felicity. I wonder how long the novelty will last for me??? haha.
Congrats on moving to such a picturesque part of the world! I look forward to more news and photos!
Thank you Julie. I can promise you more news.
As the picture of life here in the Scottish Borders unfolds for me, I'll share it with you.
For a Northumbrian alternative to Lowry it would be worth checking out the Pitman painters. They were Ashington based working men who turned to painting. Some of the work is astonishing. There’s a gallery at Woodhorn colliery museum.
Thanks Iain. That's interesting - I'll certainly look them up.
I was raised in flat Cambridgeshire and now live in the hillier Cotswolds. My brother and I are increasing the gradient tempo by walking St Cuthbert's Way in Northumberland in September. Although we'll be inland rather than on the coast, your piece has made me look forward to our walk even more.
I've lived in Cambridgeshire for many years and I'm finding the hills in my new home quite a challenge. Little by little I hope to develop all those muscles that have lain dormant for too long! Your gradual walking-training sounds like a good plan, Simon. St Cuthbert's Way will surely be wonderful.
I'm currently reading 'Cuddy' by Benjamin Myers. The book is described by Waterstones as 'a bold and experimental retelling of the story of the hermit St. Cuthbert, unofficial patron saint of the North of England'.
What an excellent and apt book recommendation – thank you. To be fair, we do have a place in the Alps, so hopefully we'll be able to handle the ups and downs of St Cuthbert's Way! Enjoy Northumberland, I'm sure it's a great place to live, especially near the sea.
I've never lived along the sea, but anytime I walk along it, I feel at home. Coastal Maine, Coastal Pacific Northwest, and Oban, Scotland are a few places that come to mind.
We are lucky to have so many beautiful seascapes to enjoy by foot. Which is your favourite Christopher?
Too hard to pick just one! Two places come to mind on this side of the Atlantic—the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, and the Mendocino Headlands Trail in Mendocino, California (the town where Murder, She Wrote was filmed). They share a kindred beauty: craggy cliffs, salt-laced air, lighthouses keeping silent vigil, surf crashing against the shore, wild roses clinging to the rocks. And at night, the soft glow of lanterns sways as people wander the quiet paths. Both are places where I can breathe a little deeper, think a little clearer, and feel the past brushing up against the present—where the rhythm of the waves seems to echo something deep in my bones.
Beautifully said, Christopher. These places clearly hold something special for you - they sound romantic and wild. I’ve not yet visited either of these States. Maybe one day.
I’m just back from a brief holiday in Northumberland and can recommend the walk along the beach from Seahouses to Bamburgh. We did it after a boat trip to the Farne Islands. Puffins, seals, guillemots!
Oh goodness Alison. Hope you had a great time here on holiday.
I'm looking forward to exploring. The Farne Islands - sounds exciting!
I've never been your description paints a vivid image and even the vocabulary gave me a wee feeling for what this timeless place along the shores at the edge of Scotland.
Jill, thank you.
I sense you have a keen ear for local words and dialect.
I think I might be able to share many more of them with you as the months roll on!
Wonderful! I was up in Berwick last month - my first time too, and took a walk to the edge of the sands on a sharp-edged windy day. And everyone was heading out to the water. Have you come across Tweed River Culture and Connecting Threads? They're doing wonderful art and community work on the Tweed.
Ah, thanks so much Sarah. I've signed up to help with the project. If you're ever up again and would like to have a cuppa, let me know!
I will (it may be a while!) - and in the meantime, I'm so glad you've found Tweed River Culture. The people in Berwick were amazingly friendly, and I'm sure it's the same all up the river. Enjoy the project!
Hope you're settling into your new home and the sea walk sounds beautiful. I used to live in Swansea and one of my favourite things to do was walk miles along the coast come rain or shine :)
Yes, Leanne. I'm hoping to enjoy the landscapes here in all weathers. It's just a case of wearing the right clothing I think. Do you miss Swansea?
Lovely I bet it'll be amazing seeing the landscape change throughout the year! Sometimes I really do as I loved the coast walks but I'm adapting to more urban city life ☺️
I like urban and rural places, both have been home, and both give me the desire to explore. But being near the sea is very new to me.
What a beautiful place to move to. My mother in law grew up on Holy Island and misses it still. She now lives in Essex which she thinks is a very poor alternative!
Oh Deborah. Your mother in law must have had the most blissful landscape in which to grow up. I have yet to visit Holy Island but look forward to it.
I was chatting with some new friends just last week. They told me they walked over to the island from the mainland at low tide - barefoot - and it was hard going!
She loved the history of Northumbria too and Essex, she believes, falls very short on that too!
Oh, goodness. She’ll have to make some visits north!
She has just had her 90 th birthday but still chomps at the bit to get there!
Sweet. Happy belated birthday 🎉
I shall tell her!
All the best in your new digs, Yasmin! It sounds really neat. With lots to do--and the sea! I love living on the ocean. It is quite calming, the sound of the waves. There is something life-instilling in its constancy. Enjoy!!
Thanks Jeanine.
I think it will take a while to find my feet so to speak... to learn my way around the area, and make my new place feel like home. I'm already enjoying the seascapes... so beautiful whatever the weather.
A pleasant seaside idyll Yasmin. How great.
I loved seeing your new home through your eyes and photos. Here’s to new paths to explore.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for your kind comment.
I'm looking forward to chatting with you about new paths 😀
Hi Yasmin! I’m looking forward to this too:).
Wonderful description of beautiful Northumberland. My beach walks must include a paddle.
I might get quite good at paddling!
I live on the SW coast path, which passes my front door, and a few yards away from the old Chapel. where Raynor Wynn lived for a short while whilst walking "the salt path"
Hi Tom. Lovely to connect with you here. You live in a glorious part of England ! And even more famous too, now, since the Salt Path...
Do you walk along the coastal path often?
Yesterday's inspirational walk, and meditative forest bathing x
Every day, unless it's raining
Every day, as long as it's not raining (two of my least favourite things – being cold, getting wet)! Which reminds me, I've got another post to do 🤔