Wooler Common

Where to take out-of-town guests? If they're nature lovers, or have dogs to walk, it has to be Wooler Common. Just 20 minutes' walk or 5 minutes' drive from the centre of Wooler, the Common was acquired by the Forestry Commission in 1960. It's a lovely mix of open 'common' and plantation woodland, criss-crossed by numerous public and permissive paths, including St Cuthbert's Way. One of our favourite walks on the track through Humbleton Village, sometimes taking in Humbleton Hill, ends (or begins) at the Common

There's a circular 'easy access' trail encircling two ponds, popular with locals and visitors alike. MrM and I walk there regularly with Louie, our ancient dog. It's a great place for watching wildlife of all sorts (and the source of many blips). Yesterday MrM and I watched three buzzards soaring in the thermals, and jays squawking in the tree tops as they feasted on the last of the cherries. Today there was a young red squirrel on one of the feeders (extras). The Stell, a small walled garden beside the trail, is a lovely place to sit for a while and listen to the birds or, at this time of year, watch the butterflies on the honey-scented buddleia flowers.