Northumbria: England's Wild Frontier

TOUR IN

19 Sep
-
26 Sep 2051
|
8 days

per person

Availability: 1 places

A land forged by conquest, the wilds of Northumberland provide the spectacular backdrop to this remarkable walking adventure. England's 'Cradle of Christianity', Northumberland's rich cultural and historical heritage owes much to its close proximity to its Scottish and Scandinavian neighbours. Romans, Danes, Saxons and Normans have all left their mark here and, until the union between Scotland and England, border warfare was a brutal and ever-present way of life.

Our journey begins in Durham, from where we head out along the Pennine Way and into the untamed heart of England's northernmost county. We'll take in some of the region's most spectacular waterfalls, and enjoy the views up to the highest fells in the Pennines. Then it's on to the iconic Roman remains of Vindolanda and Hadrian's Wall, before we take in the ancient seat of the Percy family and the poignant setting of the Rothbury Trenches.

The border country then provides an opportunity to visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the magnificent fortress of Bamburgh, before we hike through the beautiful valley landscapes along the Tweed and Till rivers. With wild goats to hand and charming historic properties to enjoy, this promises to be a captivating journey for culture and nature lovers alike.

Day 1

DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN DURHAM; VISIT NORTH PENNINES

Meeting in historic Durham, we begin our adventure with a drive across the northern Pennines and into the wild heart of Northumberland. Stopping to visit the powerful cascades of the High Force and Low Force Waterfalls, we then break our journey at the remote Langdon Beck Pub for lunch. After a scenic afternoon walk to the Cauldron Snout Waterfall, from where we'll take in the spectacular views up to Cross Fell, we continue on to Hexham, where we spend the next two nights.

Total walking distance 11kms, 215m ascent. Approx.3-4 hrs.

Day 2

DAY 2: EXPLORE HADRIAN'S WALL

Today's walk leads us through the remote landscapes that lie close to the South Tyne River, following a trail of rarely used tracks that take us on to the Roman Fort of Vindolanda. Heralded as a 'jewel in Hadrian's crown', the fort predates the emperor's more famous wall, as we shall discover on our tour of the excavations. After lunch, this afternoon sees us walking to the iconic setting of Sycamore Gap.

Total walking distance 11km, 290m ascent. Approx 3-4 hrs.

Day 3

DAY 3: DISCOVER ROTHBURY AND CRAGSIDE

The first building in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, Cragside Estate was once described as 'a palace of the modern magician'. After wandering through its elegant gardens and surrounding woodland, we travel on to the nearby Rothbury Trenches, which once provided unbloodied soldiers with a taste of what they were soon to face for real on the battlefields of First World War France. Later this afternoon we transfer the short distance to our next base near to the stunning Northumberland Coast.

Total walking distance 12km, 150m ascent. Approx 3-4 hrs.

Day 4

DAY 4: ALONG THE STUNNING NORTHUMBRIAN COAST

Focusing on the coast today, our journey takes us next to Warkworth Castle, built in 1200 AD and once the ancestral home of the Percy family. We will have an opportunity to visit its Hermitage, chapel and priest's house, built into the cliffs above the River Coquet, before an afternoon walk along the magnificent Northumberland coastline then takes us on towards Alnmouth and the picturesque town of Alnwick, home to Alnwick Castle which was used to portray Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.

Total walking distance 10km, 90m ascent. Approx 3 hrs.

Day 5

DAY 5: TO THE SCOTTISH BORDER!

Into the wilds and onto the border! Traveling up towards Scotland, we head deep into the wild moors and hills to tackle the highest point on our trip, Deadwater Fell. From 1900 feet, our efforts are rewarded with far reaching views across Northumberland and the Scottish hills, and maybe even to the North Sea coast if we're lucky! Later in the afternoon we stop for a walk along Northern Europe's largest man made lake, the magnificent Kielder Water nestled in the borderlands of Kielder Forest. After a great day of walking we transfer North to our new hotel, the Collingwood Arms.

Total walking distance 16km, 300m ascent. Approx 5-6 hrs.

Day 6

DAY 6: LINDISFARNE AND BAMBURGH CASTLE

Today's itinerary is very much dictated by the tides which cut off the holy isle of Lindisfarne twice a day. We will have the opportunity (at low tide) to walk the 5kms of the Pilgrim Route out to the island - either barefoot or in wellies. A walk along the beach after lunch then brings us to the equally magnificent setting of Bamburgh Castle, considered to be the finest coastal fortification in England. NB, Due to the tides, on some departures in lieu of the Pilgrim Route, we will undertake instead a much longer walk along the coast from Beadnell northwards to Bamburgh.

Total walking distance 10-13km, 50m ascent. Approx 4-5 hrs.

Day 7

DAY 7: ALONG THE RIVER TWEED

There is an option to enjoy an early morning walk along the Tweed River, before we pay a visit to the Ford and Etal Estate. Located in the River Till Valley, the estate is a historic gem and provides a chance to explore its old flour mill and brewery, before we take a walk amongst the splendid College Valley in search of wild Cheviot goats. There will also be a chance for an optional visit to the Yeavering Bell Fort and its unique rock art.

Total walking distance 8-13km, 120-300m ascent. Approx 2.5-4.5 hrs.

Day 8

DAY 8: TOUR ENDS IN DURHAM

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning, with transfers included to Durham and Alnmouth. Please note that we will not arrive in Durham until around midday so please organise your onward travel arrangements accordingly.