Join your guide Patrick from Footsteps in Northumberland and wildlife artist Jane, to discover the artist in you, on our Arty Footsteps Experience in the village of Ingram in the Breamish Valley, Northumberland National Park. Our objective is to help and support you to get creative on this National Park Experience, so while we are walking and exploring, you can create your own memories from what you see and experience along the way. You may be a skilled artist or if perhaps you are seeking inspiration or encouragement to develop your drawing skills, then this is the Experience for you. Our base for the day is Bulby Wood, beside the River Breamish, from there, we will be exploring the beautiful valley and taking the time to stand, stare and draw as we explore the landscape through which the busy River Breamish flows.
Jane is an experienced and skilful wildlife artist and she is there to support, advise and help you get the most from your time with us in the Breamish Valley. The valley has a wealth of features, the river, trees, wildlife, sheep of course, this is Northumberland and wildflowers, so you will, we are sure find that artistic inspiration as we wander through this attractive landscape. You will be given and you get to keep a bagful of artist's materials including a sketch pad, drawing and watercolour pencils, but you are very welcome to bring your own equipment if you wish to.

Itinerary

We will meet you in the Ingram Cafe car park, say hello and introduce ourselves, hand over your bag of artist's materials and answer any questions you may have. There will be access to toilets and an opportunity to buy that all important picnic lunch in the Ingram Cafe, if you haven't brought your own. Once we are ready, we will set off to drive the 0.75 miles to Bulby Wood car park, our base for the day. Bulby Wood sits beside the busy River Breamish, it is nestled in the valley and has a wealth of features for you to discover and draw in your own unique way. Jane will be there to guide your artistic hand and offer lots of advice and support as we explore the river bank and in its many natural features. We will not be walking any great distance, perhaps 2-miles in total, but we will be packing in lots of opportunities for you to pause, reflect draw and create as you wander. The Experience is planned to last between four and five hours, at the end of the day, you can linger a little longer if you want to, retire to the Ingram Cafe for tea and cake, or head off home with your memories of a great Experience enjoyed in Northumberland National Park.
National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.