Come and enjoy our beautiful outdoors

Apr 8 2009 by Jon Monks, The Journal

NORTHUMBERLAND is a truly wonderful location for outdoor activities. If you are planning an activity break or want to escape for the day, Englands border county is the place to visit. Whether its a family walk or kayaking in the sea, there is something for all interests and abilities.

Northumberlands wilderness and tranquillity are second to none from the coastline, the rugged National Park to the rolling hills of the Cheviots with their spectacular summits including Windy Gyle, Hedgehope and Cushat Law. In what other place could you so dramatically follow the border between Scotland and England?

At the end of August the Cheviots Challenge takes place, with all money raised going to the mountain rescue team.

The event is open to all walkers and runners and takes place in the wild, rounded hills and valleys of the Cheviots. Find more information at www.cheviotschallenge.org.uk

Just to the south of the Cheviot Hills you have the famous flat-topped summit of Simonside. It is such a different experience from the Cheviots.

You are passing through heather-clad ground and from the summit you can follow the line of the coast as far as the eye can see. The history is truly ancient here, with many Iron Age hill forts.

This year Rothbury and Coquetdale aim to put themselves on the map with the first ever Walking Festival in June. For more information visit www.rothburywalking.co.uk

For walkers wanting something a little longer, Northumberland boasts some great long-distance trails, including St Cuthberts Way, the Hadrians Wall Trail, the Northumberland Coast Path (North Sea Trail) and the recently opened 97-mile St Oswalds Way, which starts at Holy Island and crosses right across Northumberland to Heavenfield, located on the Hadrians Wall path.

Adventure activities are in abundance here, with canoeing or kayaking on the grand rivers, sea kayaking, climbing on sandstone crags or even clay pigeon shooting. These activities take place throughout Northumberland.

For those who favour riding on four legs, rather than walking on two, there are a number of routes across open hill country from farm to farm, crossing the Scottish Border. Alternatively, stay in one place and ride long circular day rides right up to the Border Ridge.

Both road and mountain bike enthusiasts can find rich offerings from the leisurely cycle up the Coast and Castles route to the recently opened mountain bike routes in Kielder Water & Forest Park.

The Lakeside Way gives options from the family bike ride, right up to the serious mountain bike trail.

With so many cycle routes criss-crossing the county it is a great place to enjoy it on two wheels.

The wildlife is varied, with a wide range of habitats to choose from.

The Northumberland coast with its nature reserves and hides, attracts a variety of birds and small mammals, including black grouse, roseate tern, puffins, seals, and otters.

Many organisations can show you around these areas, whether on foot or in a vehicle. A guided tour can bring the area to life for you.

Choose from walking and cycling guides to nature watching trips , horse riding routes and adventure activities.

Alternatively, go inland or out to the coast and just sit and relax in beautiful, wide-open space.

Jon Monks owns Shepherds Walks, a company which offers guided walks

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