We started our trip at Lake Windermere where there weren't many birds to be had but some nice close views of common birds and had a nice relaxing boat journey around the lake.
That night we stayed near Alston (Cumbria). The next day we headed up over the moors and onto Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall. Driving over the moors brought me a flyover Merlin, a brief Red Grouse and ridiculously amazing views over the Lake District.
We then went on to Vindolanda near Haltwhistle and Hadrian's Wall. It's an old Roman Fort, has a cool museum and is a stunning place! The museum is in a really nice leafy valley with a stream. Walking along by the stream proved fruitful for wildlife and in a couple mins I had good views of a juvenile Dipper, a Spotted Flycatcher and a male Grey Wagtail.
After Vindolanda we went to nearby Walltown Crags to see Hadrian's Wall. Also here was a stunning old quarry site absolutely rammed with Northern Marsh Orchids, Common Spotted Orchids, as well as lots of hybrids between the two. There was also a small handful of rather tired-looking Bee Orchids and the biggest individual Common Spotted Orchid you're ever likely to see!
There were also plenty of butterflies present but sadly nothing unusual with decent numbers of Small Skipper & Small Heath the pick of the bunch.
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