On behalf of the agents acting for Lord Allendale and the trustees of Allendale Estate, we have been tasked with letting the 'Bywell Fishery' beat, a wonderful stretch of the River Tyne so recently and meticulously restored.

Lord Allendale and the Trustees of the Allendale Estate are in the process of setting up the Bywell Beat of the River Tyne as a first class weekly Salmon Fishery, based on the successful Tweed formula. The river comprises 21/2 miles of river with a fine mixture of long fast running powerful pools flowing into good tail runs along with one or two longer stretches of slower water which fish well during high water levels.

There are 12 main named pools and others during high water conditions. The intention is to fish the river on a 2-beat system with 4 rods on each beat rotating daily.

On behalf of the agents acting for Allendale Estate, Davis & Bowring Sporting has been tasked with finding suitable tenants for this splendid beat.

Background

For the last 25 years the river (90% double bank) has been fished by the Bywell Syndicate who took the fishing when the Tyne was still polluted at the mouth and migratory runs were minimal. Since then the river has been cleaned up by the Environment Agency and thanks to sterling efforts by the Tyne Rivers Trust, migratory runs of Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout have been impressive in both quality (fish of 20lbs+ are regularly caught) and quantity.

Appendix 1 shows the last 3 years average with a bumper Season in 2004 when river conditions were nigh on perfect, mainly due to the rainfall pattern along with let down of water from the Kielder dam. The prodigious Autumn run was not quite repeated in 2005 and 2006, mainly due to low water levels. Interestingly, April 2006 has shown a very welcome suggestion of a return of a Spring run, with 96 accounted for in 2006. 2007 has seen extraordinarily dry conditions in April and May following a cold February and March. Indeed, water levels in April were at June/July levels and we now have floods in June and July. There are good runs of Sea Trout from June onwards in most years. It is understood from reliable sources that the Counter at the top of the beat showed approximately 43,500 fish pass through in 2005 and 45,000 in 2006.

Future Strategy

At present, there is little infrastructure or comfort on the river and the Estate have submitted a Planning Application for the provision of 2 strategically placed and spacious wooden Fishing Huts along with parking areas, access tracks, etc. Much of the river flows through Bywell Hall Park in total privacy. We have appointed a full-time Ghillie to commence in the Autumn, who will be assisted by part-time Ghillies during the Season so that each 4 rod party will have a Ghillie in attendance. In addition, as soon as the Season finishes on the 31st October 2007, we will be instigating a substantial bank-side improvement scheme clearing fallen trees and suppressive vegetation creating better access to the pools, etc.

Accommodation and Catering

The Estate are refurbishing Sod Hall to provide a 4 bedroom (Twin/Double) Lodge with en-suite bathrooms/shower room within a 5 minute walk from the river on the edge of Bywell Park. This can either be self-catering, part self-catering (i.e. dinner provided in the deep freeze) or serviced with a Cook for breakfast, dinner, etc. In addition, a range of different “hampers” (from Basic “bait” to substantial) can be delivered to the Fishing Hut each day. Tea can also be provided. There are a number of good Hotels, Self-Catering and Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the area.

The Future of the River Tyne

There are various projects in the pipeline inspired by the Tyne Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency for long term improvements to the Fishery. (Indeed 560,000 fry/smoults are released annually from the Kielder Hatchery). In a normal year, Kielder lets down water regularly, which encourages runs in even the driest months. It is a true saying on Tyne-side “if there’s water, there are fish at any time of the year in the Tyne”.

Costs plus Marketing Programme

Initially, we will be letting only to 4 rod x6 day parties (Monday to Saturday inclusive) and priority will be given to parties taking the Sod Hall accommodation. After January the 1st, we will be releasing any rods left over on an individual rod basis or for smaller parties for part of a week (depending on availability).
Appendix 2 shows the Fishing Costs for a week. Appendix 3 shows the Sod Hall Costs. Whilst we are not “time-sharing” the river in any way, we are prepared to discuss forward bookings for subsequent years with an up front discounted payment in order to book the week of your choice for future years.

Other Activities in the Area

There are 2 or 3 excellent Golf Courses in the area including Slaley Hall (championship course), Matfen Hall Hotel & Spa (27 hole) and Close House Hotel (18 hole). Alnwick Gardens are 45 minutes away and Edinburgh, York and the Lake District are within 2 hours. Roe Buck stalking, on the Estate, can be arranged during the stalking Season.

Special ‘McNab Week’ Offer

Enjoy 5 days fishing and 1 day shooting

As the last week of the 2008 season finishes on Friday 31st October, Lord Allendale is offering a day’s Grouse Shooting for 6-8 guns on Saturday 1st November on Allenheads Moor or (if poor grouse year) a mixed wild partridge, pheasant, duck, snipe, etc., day at Allenheads or Bywell.

A Roe Buck may also be taken during the week.

Price on application.

For residents of Sod Hall only.

MONTHLY CATCHES

(Salmon & Grilse Only – both Bywell Beats)

Average: 2004, 2005, 2006

2004 2005 2006 Average
Feb 16 11 9 12
March 27 28 27 27.3
April 31 59 97 62.3
May 38 33 27 33
June 22 14 14 16.6
July 27 8 3 12.6
August 132 66 34 77.3
Sept 182 81 62 108.31
October 202 78 48 109.3
Total: 677 378 332 461.3

Appendix 2

Costs (4 rod party) per party per week

2008
Feb £1200 + VAT
Mar £1920 + VAT
Apr £1920 + VAT
May £1560 + VAT
June £1200 + VAT
July £1200 + VAT
Aug £3120 + VAT
Sept £6600 + VAT
Oct £6600 + VAT

Appendix 3

Sod Hall (per week)

Feb – June (incl.) -£600 + VAT
July and August -£800 + VAT
Sept and Oct -£600 + VAT


AVAILABILITY ON BYWELL BEAT 2008

February 4th - 9th, 11th - 16th, 18th 23rd all with Lodge

March 3rd - 8th without the Lodge

May 26th - 31st without the Lodge

June 2nd - 7th, 9th - 14th, 16th - 21st, 23rd - 28th, 30th - 5th July
all available with the Lodge

July 7th - 12th with Lodge, 14th - 19th with Lodge, 21st - 26th without Lodge

August 4th - 9th without Lodge

October, 27th - 31st (5days) without Lodge, both on a pro rata basis for 5 days

NB: These dates are offered strictly subject to availability

For further information please contact the office on 015242 71151

Following a highly successful and busy season, particularly in Spain our sporting portfolio continues to expand.

ARGENTINA

In less than 12 months of promoting this destination we have just completed arrangements for our 6th Argentinean group and it is interesting to note that fishing is proving to be almost as popular as the world famous dove shooting. Designing programmes is a time consuming business as each package of sport is tailor made to suit specific requirements but we are fortunate in having first class on site operators to ensure the smooth running of sporting holidays.

SPAIN

The booking season is well underway and the majority of Spanish partridge shooting groups have rebooked their days at Las Beatas. There is an increasing number of Spanish shoots and organisers to choose from, all with their own specific blend of sport and abilities. However it is heartening to continue to get thank you letters from satisfied clients who have shot with us at Las Beatas a testament to the effort and expertise that Jesus Alberto and his staff have invested in this world famous shoot.

MOROCCO

Despite a strict quota on the number of doves each gun can shoot in a day, this shooting continues to be popular, particularly for the sporting ‘couple’ who are looking for guaranteed sunshine in June and July. Taroudant is quite an easy destination to get to for a long weekend away in the foothills of the Atlas mountains.

EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS

Through our association with Robin Hurt Safaris, a small family run business specialising old fashion tented safaris in remote locations, we put together a trip of a lifetime for a very special client last September.

“……Many thanks for making our visit to Kenya so fantastic! Now that was an experience. The pilot on the last leg back to Nairobi asked which part of the safari did I enjoy the most? Having thought about it, the question was impossible to answer as each different experience was so special in its own way….”

For anybody considering taking their family on safari do please look at our web site link before deciding which organiser to use. We will happily obtain a quote for you.

GROUSE

Grouse continue to be frustrating but the more difficult they make our lives the more entrenched our reputation becomes as the No.1 grouse letting agents! Rather a perverse psychology but we continue to plug away at this niche as without doubt grouse present the most testing driven bird shooting in the world!

PHEASANTS AND PARTRIDGE SHOOTING IN THE U.K.

There is a growing demand for quality shooting combined with accommodation on site in the owner’s house or castle. This does give shooting parties a much more enjoyable holiday, particularly in areas where the local hostelry is not in tune with the very particular requirements of shooting groups.

Bookings have been early this year for the best shoots and many have now completed their programmes for the 2008/9 season

FISHING

We are continually being offered fishing at short notice for various species at home and abroad and if you are a fisherman please let us know so that you can benefit from our short notice fishing alerts, by email.

NEW HORIZONS

Duck in Egypt, geese in Lithuania, partridges in Morocco, partridges, pheasant and duck in France these are just a few of the ‘new destinations we have been asked to investigate for next season.

However the success of any new venture depends on the site operator and until we have visited these places ourselves we will not be promoting untried shoots. It should be a busy year!