Freedom days out in Northumberland

Apr 8 2009 by Frances Whitehead, The Journal

NORTHUMBERLAND National Park is 405 square miles of breathtaking hillscapes and clear, musical streams stretching from Hadrians Wall to the Cheviot Hills. Here the views, the wildlife, the rural traditions and the historical sites are protected, and the footpaths and bridleways are well-maintained and signposted so that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors in freedom and safety.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Countryside Act. Thanks to people of great vision who fought for the right of every person to have access to our best landscapes and rich, native wildlife. Generations of adults and children are now able to get out into the wide-open spaces free of charge for rest and play.

Northumberland National Park produces a visitor guide and map available at all tourist information centres to give you ideas for family outings. Meanwhile, here are some special places for you to discover this spring and summer.

The College Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the Cheviot Hills, and some say the most unspoilt. This is a highland gem with a lively burn that starts at the countys highest point, the Cheviot (815m). It then drops northwards through hills and waterfalls into an open valley, flanked by high, rounded summits perfect for climbing and uninterrupted views.

Almost every hill here has the visible remains of an iron-age hillfort, showing that a couple of thousand years ago this was a busy place. As it flows north, the College Burn cuts through a rushing gorge at Hethpool one of the best spots to watch salmon leaping in autumn. Here the wide grassy spaces and little-used road are just right for picnicking, walking and cycling. The valley has native woodlands that provide shelter for roe deer, wild goats, hares and the rare black grouse.

Fill up your backpack with good local food at the busy market town of Wooler and drive west on the B6351 to the valley entrance and park at Hethpool. The College Valley is privately owned by an educational trust, but about 12 cars a day are allowed further up the valley to the village hall, except at lambing time, mid-April to end of May. Permits cost s10 and can be obtained from Sale & Partners, Estate Agents in Wooler. More about the valley and its accommodation from www.college-valley.co.uk  or ask at the Wooler tourist information centre.

With its high rolling hills, ancient monuments and pretty river setting, the Breamish Valley is one of the most popular and relaxed picnic locations home to superb walks and trails to suit all interests. Theres even the reward of a stunning waterfall, Linhope Spout, just a couple of miles up the valley. The National Park Visitor Centre at Ingram, off the A697 by Powburn, has a fascinating exhibition of the valleys history, as well as parking, toilets, refreshments and information. Tel: (01665) 578890 or email ingram@nnpa.org.uk

The longest northern valley is cut by the River Coquet. It curls round the southern end of the Cheviots and provides endless adventures. From Barrowburn Farm tea room and bunk barn standing amid its ancient haymeadows, there are marvellous treks across country up on to Windy Gyle (619m) and the Border Ridge.

Downstream the tiny village of Alwinton, with its welcoming pub the Rose and Thistle is first stop on the ancient green drove road of Clennell Street.

Westwards, the river runs past the village of Harbottle with its traditional pub, ruined castle and great Drakestone vantage point. It flows past the Ladys Well at Holystone, Woodhouses bastle and Tosson Tower to the magnificent, heather-clad sandstone ridge of Simonside with the bustling town of Rothbury at its feet.

More about things to do in this valley from the Rothbury National Park Visitor Centre on 01669 620887, email: tic.rothbury@nnpa.org.uk

Before Hadrian built his Wall there was the landscape.

The Whin Sill, a great wave of volcanic dolerite that presents its sheer face to the north, is the bedrock of the Roman Wall and is responsible for much of the history of this slice of England from the last ice age to recent industrial days.

Just west of Greenhead on the B6318 Military Road that runs along Hadrians Wall, a place called Walltown lies near the Roman Army Museum of Carvoran. This is the site of a former Victorian quarry.

Northumberland National Park has landscaped the site with new native woodland and wildlife ponds to create a great picnic and recreation place.

With its hard paths and accessible picnic tables, its even good for wheeled chairs and prams. It has a cafe/shop, toilets, secure bike lockers and great open spaces for games.

The Hadrians Wall Bus, AD122, also stops here if youd like to take it along the Wall for a stretch and walk back.

The unspoilt tranquillity of Greenlee Lough glacial lake and wetland mire is home to wildflowers, insects, amphibians, fish and otters, and is an important pit-stop for migrating birds in early spring and autumn.

Try out the new 500m boardwalk that takes you deep into the National Nature Reserve and relish the rich sights and sounds of this little-visited world.

More information on both of these locations from Once Brewed National Park Visitor Centre, tel: (01434) 344396, email tic.oncebrewed@nnpa.org.uk

Frances Whitehead is a communications officer with the Northumberland National Park

:: Click here for more Northumberland attractions

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Contact information:
tel: 01434 60555
online: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

:: Click here for more Northumberland attractions

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