Shaftoe Crags

I don't know what it is about crags that make me want to run around like I am 12 years old again. Maybe it's the fresh air or the open spaces, but I think it's mainly to do with seeing so much beautiful scenery that you can't help but take tonnes of photos.

So strap in, this one is picture heavy!

Standing atop the crags there are sweeping panoramic views in all directions with views of the Simonside Hills and also the coast in the distance. From here, this is probably the Northumberland landscape at its best.

Bleak, Barren, Beautiful.

There is plenty to see as you explore including the Jubilee Stone and The Poind and His Man standing stones. We didn't get a close up of the latter as it was lambing season and the fields were full of sheep, so didn't want to disturb them. There are also a couple of other stones towards Middleton, but those are on the list for the next visit.

Further along the track there is a gap in the sandstone called Salter's Nick, once used by smugglers taking salt to Scotland or smugglers bringing whiskey to England. The cuts made by wagons are still visible. (See below).

Take a small excursion in to the fields on top of Salter's Nick to find the Jubilee Stone marking the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Finding this stone was what set off this whole Fabulous North business in the first place.

View the Jubilee Stone in more detail on it's own fabulous page.

There are so many wonderful crags to see in every direction that I took way too many photographs.

Heading around the corner is the Devil's Punchbowl which is a basin cut into the rock. Rumour has is that William Blackett, of the nearby Wallington Hall, had a punchbowl filled to the top with wine at his wedding feast.

You can find the Devil's Punchbowl using these what3words - ///parkland.joins.sober.

The punchbowl is located on this rock pictured below, so keep an eye out for it.

Enjoy your wander around Shaftoe Crags and keep scrolling for more photos.

Yep, even more photos!

Still with us? Only a few more pictures.

And finally if you want a little guided tour around the crags have a look at Tammy Tour Guide as she explores the crags and provides lots of lovely information. (And more photos!)

Just as we about to sign off, our Fabulous North friend Phil Page sent us even more photos from when he visited at sunset. Just to give you a different persepctive.