Wise Woman or a Witch? A Self-Discovery Motorcycle Week in Northumberland
A women-only motorcycle adventure
19–23 July 2027
The Gathering—for Wise Women, wonderful roads, dark folklore, herbal traditions and a little time for your SELF.
Join me for a small-group motorcycle adventure exploring women’s stories, intuition and the uneasy boundary between being considered a wise woman—or being called a witch.
Our journey takes us from Matlock Bath to Northumberland, where we’ll explore witch-trial history, coastal landscapes and local legends. We’ll remember those unjustly persecuted, while making space to celebrate ourselves and enjoy each other’s company. At the heart of the week is a planned wise-woman experience at Dilston Physic Garden, exploring herbal traditions, nature and wellbeing.
Our base near Bamburgh Castle has a hot tub—perfect for putting the world to rights after a day on the bikes!
Monday 19 July—The Gathering
Meet in Matlock Bath, ready to leave at 9.30am. We head north through the landscapes of the Pennines, with a proposed stop in Pendle country to explore its association with the infamous witch trials. If timings allow, we’ll stop for lunch, visit a place of remembrance and pop into my favourite shop, Witches Galore! Then it’s onwards to our Northumberland accommodation to unpack, settle in and get acquainted. Dinner locally or a relaxed evening at the cottage—and perhaps our first dip in the hot tub.
Tuesday 20 July—A Wise Woman for a Day.
Today’s main focus is our planned experience at Dilston Physic Garden, with Eden Rooted. We’ll explore traditional plant knowledge and our relationship with nature, with opportunities to learn about herbalism, seasonal foraging and ways to make space for reflection and wellbeing. A day to slow down, share experiences and give ourselves a little attention. We’ll choose our riding route around the session timings, enjoying Northumberland’s scenery without cramming in too many stops. Back at the cottage, we can share supper and talk over what we’ve learned—or head to the chippy. Wise women deserve chips too!
The workshop date and final programme are subject to confirmation.
Wednesday 21 July—Holy Island & Our Celebration
Today we plan to ride across the ‘disappearing road’ (tidal causeway) to Holy Island, arranging our visit around the published safe crossing times. We’ll explore the island, enjoy lunch and spend time on the shore looking for naturally holed stones, often called hag stones. In folklore, these stones were carried or hung as protective charms. We’ll discover their stories and enjoy the beach. There’ll be time to explore more of the island according to the crossing window, before returning to our coastal base. This evening is our own gathering of wise women: conversation, reflection, laughter and a few special “brews”. A chance to celebrate who we are—and whatever comes next.
Thursday 22 July—Poison, Plants & Coastal Pleasures
Our planned visit to The Alnwick Garden’s Poison Garden introduces us to plants with fascinating—and deadly—stories. On a guided tour, we’ll discover how familiar-looking plants can have surprising properties, and explore the connections between plants, knowledge and folklore. Those who fancy visiting neighbouring Alnwick Castle can do so too, subject to opening times and separate admission. There may even be an opportunity to brush up on our broomstick skills! Later, we’ll enjoy a coastal ride towards Craster, with the chance to sample its famous kippers. We’ll also make space during the week for our planned yoga session, with the exact timing to be confirmed. Then back to the cottage for our final evening together. Hot tub, anyone?
Friday 23 July—Homeward, with Stories to Tell
After breakfast, we pack the bikes and begin our journey south. A proposed stop in Newcastle gives us the opportunity to learn about the witch trials of 1650 and visit St Andrew’s Church, associated with the burial of those executed. Depending on our final route and timings, we may instead explore historic Hexham and its Old Gaol. Then we continue towards Matlock Bath, with breaks along the way and a few more stories to take home. Our arrival time will be around 1600hrs
Our Accommodation:-
We’ll spend four nights in a cottage near Bamburgh Castle, with:
• Two twin bedrooms and one double bedroom.
• Two bathrooms.
• A kitchen, lounge and utility facilities.
• A terrace and barbecue.
• A hot tub.
• Access to gym facilities, with tennis and golf also available.
Tour Price £499 for a place in a shared twin room.
£900 for the double-room option.
Included:-
• Four nights’ accommodation.
• Use of the hot tub and gym facilities.
• A complimentary round of golf.
• Guided riding throughout the tour with an experienced lead.
• Information and assistance arranging excursions.
• Special “brews” on our celebration evening.
• A tour video.
• GPX route files.
Bring your own motorcycle, your curiosity and a willingness to give yourself a little time. This is a suggested itinerary. Routes and the order of visits may change to suit weather, tides, confirmed bookings and the group.