Northumberland is a big place, one of England’s biggest counties, and the most sparsely populated. There is a lot to see and experience. The countryside is mainly hilly, rather than mountainous, and very varied. The beaches on the North Sea Coast are big and beautiful, and not at all busy, even in the middle of summer. The moors above Allendale and Blanchlands are vast expanses of heather criss-crossed by ancient tracks. The Tyne is England’s finest salmon river, and divides into the North Tyne and the South Tyne just west of Hexham. Both are lovely rivers. The hills are biggest up by the Border, with spectacular views north into Scotland and south over the county.
View walks suggestions below here.
Northumberland is full of walks ranging from short excursions of 2 or 3 miles, perhaps to visit a waterfall or a castle, up to more ambitious 8 to 12 mile hikes over hill and moor, or along the coast or a river. Of course it is possible to go even further in a day, but experience suggests that in the course of a short break it’s best not to be over-ambitious even if you are fit and keen. You are here to take a little holiday, relax and enjoy yourselves.
Walking Hadrian's Wall is very popular, and as we are very well placed for the section that is most worth walking, you could use Errington House as a base to walk quite a lot of it, or even all of it. However, it’s also good to follow a day on the most spectacular stretch, between the forts at Birdoswald and Chesters, with (for example) a day on the Coast between Beadnell and Craster, or walking the lakeside paths up at Kielder, the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe.
The best bits of the Hadrian’s Wall Path; Grindon Green to Cawfields and Twice Brewed; East of East Woodburn to Bellingham; Barrasford Park to Matfen via Colt Crag, Thockrington and Ryal; Errington to Wallhouses via Heavenfield; Beadnell to Craster and on to Howick Hall; Alnmouth to Dunstanburgh Castle; Kielder North Shore; Kielder South Shore; Birdoswald and the Irthing Valley; Vindolanda; the Border Fence; Blanchlands to Allendale over the moor; Brocolitia Circular via Scout Memorial and Newbrough; over Simonside to Rothbury or Thropton; St Oswald’s Way; Allen Banks.
Be prepared! Having the right kit makes a big difference. It does rain sometimes, so bring waterproofs and a small back pack. There is an efficient drying room, to deal with damp gear. In the summer proper waterproof and supportive walking shoes will probably be enough most of the time.
If you are staying with us on a bed and breakfast basis, and organising your own days, then your well behaved dogs are welcome at Errington (but not in the bedrooms, please). Our own dogs will no doubt be pleased to make their acquaintance. If on the other hand you are coming to do some guided walking, then bringing your dog along is more problematic. It’s not just that there are several times more sheep in Northumberland than there are people, and that farmers have very firm views on dogs, and do not hold back in expressing them. There are places we walk where dogs simply are not allowed at all, even on a lead, for example on grouse moors. Likewise, if we are using coach transport, they won’t be allowed on there either, as they are likely to be too wet and muddy.
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2016 English Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust’s awards.
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