NSPCC fund-raisers plan summer stroll to Ratcheugh observatory

The Alnwick fund-raising committee for the NSPCC decided against holdings its usual bluebell walk around Ratcheugh Crag, near Alnwick, this month due to Covid-19.

Instead it is organising a summer stroll to the Ratcheugh observatory on Sunday, August 22 from 10am to 4pm.

The route and the observatory are not normally open to the public but Northumberland Estates has kindly given permission to hold this event.

Homemade refreshments will be available. Dogs on a lead welcome. All money raised goes directly to the NSPCC and is spent in the North East.

Caroline Chrisp, committee chairman, said: ”Sadly, for the second year in a row, we are not able to host our lovely bluebell walk around Ratcheugh Crag due to Covid restrictions.

"However, Northumberland Estates has been kind enough to allow us to move the event until later in the year.

"Unfortunately this does mean missing out on the bluebells, but the walk around the Crag is a treat at any time of the year, and made all the more special as its not normally an option being closed to public access.

"The views from the Observatory on a clear day are spectacular at any time of year and not to be missed. We hope our many regulars at the bluebell walk won’t be too disappointed, but will join us instead in on August 22.”

There is a link to last year’s virtual bluebell walk on the group’s Facebook page.

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