The true beauty of the North-East countryside can be found in its hidden corners, says Philip Alexander, and a new guide will help you discover them.
 Oh, to be in England in the summertime. Can there be any better season to explore our countryside? And any better region than the North-East of England? The secret is solitude. You don't have to wander far to find yourself off the beaten track, whether you prefer to travel by foot, by car, by bike... or by boat. Our first 100 Reasons hailed the delights of the College Valley in the Cheviots, a wilderness which handful of cars are allowed to enter every day. This time round we mention Kielder reservoir. Take a boat out to explore the hidden bays and inlets of its further shores, or follow sculpture trails along the water's edge to unexpected surprises. Kielder village is officially recognised as the least polluted community in England - and that includes light pollution. At night the stars shine here like nowhere else in the country, and high above the reservoir stands Skyscape, a unique stone sculpture pointing at the heavens. Sit here at night (if you dare) and see the constellations, or join one of the regular stargazing events organised by staff at Kielder Castle. A visitor could be forgiven for thinking the North-East countryside consists of a few miles of Hadrian's Wall, so often is its image reproduced in brochures, holiday guides, posters and postcards.
 But while the rugged crags of Steel Rigg are undoubtedly awe-inspiring, our hills and fields offer many more delights. Wander the shores of Lindisfarne as the tide sweeps in over the causeway to sense something of the life of monks who made it their home thousands of years ago. Follow the banks of the Wear - or many other woodland rivers and streams - at this time of year and you will be overcome by the scent of wild garlic in the undergrowth. It is not too hard to spot deer, red squirrels and hares flitting through the wild flowers beside the path. Close to our cities and towns there is also wildlife in abundance. Herrington Country Park, near Penshaw, stands on a reclaimed opencast site and boasts mile after mile of paths and trails. Seals make their home at the national nature reserve at the mouth of the Tees and are visible from a nearby hide. Who would think you could see these ocean creatures so easily - by catching a bus from the centre of Middlesbrough or Hartlepool? As summer turns to autumn the high valleys of Teesdale, Weardale and the Tyne turn red and gold as the leaves begin to die, while winter brings its own special joys. Where else in the world could coast, green fields and high hills offer such contrasts so close to each other? What better excuse to get out and explore. ********** Guiding light
 New guidebooks and leaflets help open the door to the North East Countryside. Walk Britain's Undiscovered Landscapes, published by One NorthEast, is a free guide to 12 of the best walks in the North-East, from Roseberry Topping near Middlesbrough in the south to Hethas, deep in the Cheviots, in the north. Details of all the walks can be found at www.visitnorthumbria.com/walking or by calling 0870 225 0129. If you prefer your fun on two wheels a new series of guides to cycle routes around Hadrian's Wall - all the way along its length from Wallsend to Cumbria - has just been published. The routes range from four to 20 miles and are aimed at families and people of average fitness, with each route graded as easy, moderate or challenging. The guides are available from tourist information centres in Whitehaven, Carlisle, Haltwhistle, Hexham and Newcastle from the end of this month, or by calling (01434) 322002. | 
100 Great Reasons...
Brian Aitken, Editor, The Journal
