A serene profile
Not a trip back to an ancient county, but a lady on a very grand scale, Northumberlandia is a very unique landform sculpture. My visit, on a harsh day in March, at least assured me that the site would not be crowded. I was in the company of a very grand lady myself, known to some of you as Viv in France. Viv has a daughter who lives in Northumberland, and it was with some excitement that I travelled north to meet them, despite the atrocious weather.
In fact, I was surprised to find anyone there at all
Introductions made, and warm clothing donned, we defied the weather to do its worst. And it did! But still, Northumberlandia was an impressive sight. 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long, the female form is made from 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil. She resides in a community park with 4 miles of footpaths. Be warned- some of them are almost vertical!
The sun even peaked out for a moment!
A lake surrounds the sculpture, for interesting reflections on a sunnier day
There are twin viewing mounds if you’re not up to the climb, but Viv was determined that she would make the most of her visit, and ascend we did. As we climbed higher, the wind was more than fresh, but the views to the Cheviot Hills and the distant sea were great compensation.
More of the sculpture becomes visible as you ascend
There’s a seat at the summit, if you’re prepared to linger
But it was a little damp
And did you see the snow?
From time to time the heavens opened, but still we were enthralled. The footpaths were a sea of mud and it was time to start our tricky descent. Just time for a few more shots.
The sculpture at the summit- proof we made it!
The mound provided good shelter for some of the photos
But the clouds were closing in again
And soon the umbrella came into its own
Time to head for a warm cuppa, and a sad farewell, but it was surely a day to remember. Do have a look at the link to the website, which will provide many more details than I can. Northumberlandia lies next to the Shotton Surface coal mine and was constructed in conjunction with the Blagdon Estate, who donated the land for this project. We agreed that an aerial view of the site would be pretty spectacular. Maybe in years to come it will be possible to take a helicopter flight or a balloon ride to see it from on high.
An aerial view
Meantime, Viv will be heading back to France on Friday. Safe journey, my dear! I’ll be joining up with you again on Six word Saturday.
restlessjo 
I was so attracted to your aerial photo that I had to come see the rest of the post. What an amazing place – aliens or no aliens. 🙂
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Such a long time ago, and lovely Viv is dead now. An interesting place though 🤗💕
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I was thinking that I don’t remember this and it’s because I haven’t seen it! I’m so glad i clicked to see more, especially the aerial view!
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I wouldn’t have heard of it if it hadn’t been for Viv. She was a lovely lady. 🙂 🙂
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I hadn’t seen this either – two fabulous walks in one day and I’m late for both 🙂 This place is truly extraordinary, Jo. I’m sorry about your chum, Viv.
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She was a dear lady, Tish, and a personality. She was missed at Six Words for a long time. Still is! 🙂 🙂
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how amazing.
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I’d like to go back again but I think I’ll wait for the weather to warm up 🙂
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Fabulous landscape sculpture/garden/architecture/art.
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Now, how did you end up here? 🙂 🙂 It was wonderful but I could have wished for a warmer day! Meeting Viv was really nice, too.
Charles Jenck, the landscape architect, was featured on somebody’s post the other day, and he’s done some terrific stuff. Thanks for your company, Ann 🙂
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Yes, I came to your post via a comment you made to JF on his post the other day. You can’t escape the long arm of the blogosphere. 😀
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can’t decide which is my favorite!
I love haiku and that list you’ve seen on my To Do list is growing longer and longer every day.
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No fun in boredom,is there? We’ll probably never know.
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I had no idea this even existed! Thanks for enlightening me 🙂
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It hasn’t been publicised too much, and it’s barely open, Suze. I’ll have to fly the flag!
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Ditto to all the above Jo! Would love to see it in person 🙂
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Well, you know, I’m getting good at meeting bloggers now, Madhu? I have a couple of offers in the next month or two. I’m starting to feel like a destination. Feel free!
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Ha ha, not surprised you are so popular 🙂
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Aww, that’s kind.
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seems it would be a great trip there… fascinated me. Thanks and Love, nia
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Thank you, lovely Nia. It was a bit cold and muddy but it should be wonderful by Summer.
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What a fascinating place! Thank you so much for sharing.
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Amazing what you can do with a heap of rubble, Rosemary. You’re welcome.
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Wow, that is amazing!
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It’s fun, isn’t it?
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Loved the photos
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Many thanks, Stella.
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What absolutely gorgeous photos! I’m glad you were able to make it to the top in spite of the terrible weather. I’d love to visit the sculpture one day.
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Many thanks for reading and your kind comments, Xiomara. It’s very easy to get to, if ever you’re travelling in the north of England.
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I love the view from above – imagine what alien visitors must make of it 😉
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Remind me to make a return visit at the same time as the aliens to check that out, Tilly. You coming?
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Definiely! As soon as they let me out of my padded room.
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Some folk are heartless! I’ll be round with a key.
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😀
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What an incredible place, had never heard of it!
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It’s only just open, but it has great potential, Chica. (sorry- I can never remember your name- it’s one of those that won’t “stick”)
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What an astonishing sculpture! I agree with you that flying over it would be wonderful, but perhaps on a nice sunny summer’s day rather than a damp day in March.
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In Krakow they have a tethered hot air balloon over the summer and it gives superb views over the city. I asked Mick if they would be expensive, as I think it would be a great little money spinner. I already suspected the answer! Ah well, I’ll never be an entrepreneur.
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