Rothbury to Chartners

Chartners house, Harwood forest

Simonside

Yeaterday I entered Harwood forest from the Rothbury end, this is the first time I have cycled along here. It is steep in places but not too strenuous and the area around Weather head has been clear felled so there is an open aspect right across the Simonsides, Spylaw and Coquet cairn. The forest is full of the usual forest species with good numbers of Siskin and at least 10 Jays. A few birds of prey in the air but the best birds were 2 Ravens at the top of Simonside and later at Weather head (presumably the same birds), these birds were quite vocal making a wonderful noise as I cycled along the track. Also 2 Crossbills at the Rothbury end and Red grouse. Only migrants were Willow warbler and Swallow.