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A spectacular 12-mile drive from Alnwick through Edlingham with views of the spectacular Simonside Hills. Rothbury is probably most famous for Cragside House and Gardens, operated by the National Trust, home to Lord Armstrong, and the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. The rhododendron gardens are stunning in Spring and early Summer. Rothbury, the capital of Coquetdale, offers plenty of shops, art galleries, tea rooms, cafes and pubs. Located on the River Coquet, there is a beautiful riverside walk and it makes a very convenient base for fishing. If you are looking for a lovely spot to park up for the night, then check out Clennell Hall Riverside.
Nearby Harbottle is a one of the most picturesque of Coquetdale’s villages. The village is overlooked by the ruins of a 12th-century castle. From here you can walk up to the Drake Stone and the nearby lough. Holystone has an atmospheric little pool where it's rumoured St Ninian baptised early Christians. Alnwinton is a good starting point to join part of the Pennine Way on the Border Ridge, a unique opportunity to walk between two countries as well as the lovely River Alwin Walk.
At Ingram you’ll find the Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition, as well as many hill walks, rich in history. On the hills above the Breamish Valley are many archaeological remains of earlier occupations, from Neolithic and Bronze Age burial sites to hillforts and medieval farmsteads. It is ideal for picnics. Branton Lakes Nature Reserve is a diverse habitat for numerous species of plants, birds and other wildlife. For a great experience, camp over at the River Breamish.
The Cheviot is the highest point in the Northumberland National Park at 815 metres and forms part of the long-distance walk, The Pennine Way. On a clear day you can the Lake District to the South West and Edinburgh to the North (allegedly!). It is just 2km from the Scottish border. Not for the faint hearted, a 15km boggy and strenuous walk takes in the peaks of the Cheviot as well as Hedgehope Hill, Comb Fell, Cairn Hill and Scald Hill. Wooler Known as the “Gateway to the Cheviots”, Wooler is popular with cyclists and ramblers. The local area has many Iron Age hillforts including Yeavering Bell (where you are likely to see feral goats) and the College Valley. Chillingham Castle is reported to be one of the most haunted in Britain, running night ghost tours which are not for the faint hearted! Heatherslaw Cornmill and Bakery is the only working water-driven cornmill in Northumberland and has been converted into a museum to show the whole milling process from field to flour. The Heatherslaw Light Railway runs from the cornmill to Etal Castle. The Wooler area and the Cheviot hills offer spectacular cycle paths with stunning views. Why not check out the Highburn House campsite?
This spectacular Linhope Spout waterfall and plunge pool is a pretty spot for picnics and can be reached via a lovely walk along a quiet burn.
Herding Hill Farm Return to Herding Hill Farm Camping and Glamping site via the A1, Northumbria Coast or inland via Kielder Water. Please remember that wild camping is not allowed in England! Visit Northumberland website for more information and ideas.