Summer Walk No7, Shaftoe Crags Circular - Tuesday 24th August 2021.

  

On Tuesday 24th August 2021, the penultimate walk on the Morpeth Camera Club Summer Programme was a
visit to Shaftoe Crags. On a warm and sunny evening, fourteen members met at the field car park near Bolam
West Houses for a circular walk around the area.

Joining the farm road we headed in a south-westerly direction towards East Shaftoe Hall Farm, passing a small
lake and woodland, before going through the farmyard and then turning west. The group drew the attention of
a flock of sheep as they photographed old farm buildings and peeling paint but continued up to a gate and onto
the old drover's road that crosses Shaftoe Moor.

After a short walk, we were soon at South Shaftoe Crags where several huge natural eroded sandstone boulders
sit precariously on the rocky outcrops. With names such as The Devils Punch Bowl and the Pipers Chair, there is
an air of mystery at this popular location that offers stunning views to the south and west. The rocks, carvings
and hollows were all photographed, together with the purple heather that enhanced the rugged landscape.

Rejoining the footpath we continued to High Shaftoe and Shaftoe Grange, two beautiful farm conversions in an
idyllic setting, before turning north and passing below West Shaftoe Crags. The rocks in this area are well known
by the climbing fraternity as one of the best sites in Northumberland and we passed a small group practicing their
bouldering skills. After a quarter of a mile we turned east towards North Shaftoe. This route led us to Salters Nick,
a small gully that cuts between the crags that is so-called after salt smugglers who used this part of the Scotland
to Newcastle drovers road, to avoid paying salt tax at that time.

Members explored the rocky outcrops, photographing patterns in the weathered rock before climbing to the top
of the crags to catch the sunset. As the light began to fade the group then headed east and slowly wandered
downhill across the grassy fields to return to our start point and complete our circular route. Thank you to all
who attended and contributed to a good evening.

  

Davy Bolam.