The NCA had its annual Spring Walk on May 20. Seventeen of us foregathered for morning coffee at the Victorian Tearoom at Belsay Hall before embarking on a walk that took us up to Belsay Castle and back. The President ventured to act as guide, and en route we passed the Greek Revival style Hall & Stable Block, the Upper & (formal) Lower Terraces & Ha Ha, the Yew Garden, the Magnolia Terrace, the Winter Garden (with its fine croquet lawn), the Meadow Garden and the magnificent Picturesque style Quarry Gardens. After a visit to the Castle, and a trip to the top of the 14th century Pele Tower, we returned, via the West Quarry, for lunch in the Tearoom. After lunch, one group led by Bill and Andrena Telford, went on a short walk through Crag Wood, past the Rhododendron Garden, and another group, led by Heather Cordell, drove the short distance to Bolam Lake, and walked to Shaftoe Crags and back. Apart from an unseasonal hailstorm, the weather co-operated well, and a good time was had by all.