Andrew Wainwright Walks Northumberland & Beyond
OTHER PLACES
Ancient Rock Art
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Location and Access
Park in Doddington and head into the hills of Doddington Moor. Follow the circuit shown above. If you follow it in a clockwise direction then the first rock art you will come across is on the flat stones at ground level just above the house. There are still some substantial earth works of the ancient settlements around too, though they are quite overgrown. The remains of the stone circle at the eastern edge of the route consist of a single stone sentinel still erect and four or five other stones toppled nearby.
History
The rock art dates back to the Neolithic to late Iron Age period. Time has taken its toll on these ancient windows to the past some only remaining as descriptions in writings of previous explorers and historians. More can be found on the ancient rock are here.
Rock Art
Stone Circle Remains
Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner is a weird, whacky but brilliant attraction in North Yorkshire. Located near Leyburn it’s well signposted and they have directions on how to get there on their website.
It’s hard to put into words everything you can experience here and some of that is great because discovering it for yourself is half the fun and this is the ultimate expression of whimsy and frivolity where imaginations run rampant. There are YouTube clips and the website gives you a good indication on what to expect.
The attraction started life as a walled garden that turned into a grotto, then a folly and developed over time. It was originally privately owned but opened to the public after the success of some small group visits.
If I had a large garden and piles of cash I think something like this would be a great use of both!!!
Guyzance Watermill
Location and Access
If you approach from the north coming from Guyzance then you can see the building from the road off to the left. The driveway leading to off the road is convenient for parking. The building is open so you can go inside, the timber staircase and flooring is still inside and pretty sound so you can climb to the upper floors. I would still advise caution as there is debris and the expected detritus of a building in the early stages of ruin.
History
This grade II listed 19th century water mill was one of several watermills and one windmill on the lower Coquette between Warkworth and Guyzance. The other mills now survive in name only. This one however bearing the date 1889 on the high kiln still stands but is now derelict. It was largely intact up to the 1970s when parts were taken to restore Heatherslaw Mill. You can still get inside the 3 story stone structure and the mill stones are still inside. The wheel was of wood and iron construction but no longer present. The owner of the mill, the Duke of Northumberland was approached in 1986 concerning the possibility of properly conserving the mill, but the Duke let it be known that he wished the mill to become a picturesque ruin.
Hulne Park (See Also Brizlee Tower and Hulne Priory)
Location and Access
Hulne Park in Alnwick is free to park outside, unfortunately the park does not allow dogs or bikes due to the roaming wildlife, both cattle and wild. The park is open from 8am until 1700 or dusk. Several walks are available in the park shown in the Picture below. The yellow trail is the once you’ll see Brizlee Tower but what it doesn’t show is that on the same loop at the top of the hill there is a strange walled garden. The gates are ornate iron constructions which grab your attention. The pillars carry the Percy family symbol of the crescent moon and inside this walled enclosure, in the very centre is a tree, baron of a single leaf all year round, this is because it appears to be made of metal. I have no idea of the reason or of this rather odd place but that makes it no less captivating. I have been here twice now and both times the gates have been locked but I could have just been unlucky.
Hulne Park Entrance
The Various Walks
Jesmond Dene
Location and Access
There are several entrances into Jesmond Dene and it’s well signposted throughout that area. Some of the parking is pay & display but there are plenty of quiet side streets nearby to park for free. A popular place nestled in the heart of urban life sandwiched between Wallsend, Longbenton, Gosforth and the City.
History
Within the dene there are several buildings in various states of ruin, from the old watermill to the ruined banqueting hall all adding to the tranquil air of the park despite its location. For more information on Jesmond Dene then visit the website here.
Kielder Observatory
Location and Access
Situated in the Kielder Forest under one of the largest Dark Skies protected areas in Europe and third largest protected area in the world sits a unique observatory. This is the only observatory purely for use by the public and run by volunteers. To visit you have to book on an event which run most nights of the week covering varying aspects of astronomy and the universe. The events run regardless of the weather and condition of the sky but are tailored accordingly. On average 1 in 4 nights are relatively clear so don’t go with the expectation that you’ll get to view but the lecture from the volunteers are still entertaining and insightful no matter your level of knowledge. There are 2 reflector telescopes, one is a 16” and the other a 20” giving you a great view of the heavens. I managed to view Jupiter where you could see the 2 equatorial stripes and 3 of its moons. A trip here is worth every penny as it’s educational and entertaining. Winter gives you longer viewing times as it’s darker earlier but during the summer you can grab one of the comfy chairs and sit out on the observation deck under the stars without freezing. Very romantic and inspiring. Warning, it’s quite rustic, there is a toilet there but it is a composting toilet and be sure to take insect repellent during the summer!!
20" Telescope Looking at the Moon
The Moon and Jupiter from the Observation Deck
Morwick Dairy
Location and Access
If you are in the Warkworth area then stop by the Morwick Dairy for some AMAZING ice cream, it doesn’t have to be hot and sunny to enjoy but it helps. It’s Signposted along the road south of Warkworth and there is a car park at the dairy. They have an outdoor seating area and small kid’s playground where you can enjoy your treat with the cows of the dairy grazing in the field next door. All ice cream is made and flavoured on site, you can’t get a much lower carbon footprint if you tried. As you would expect they have a website too.
Northumberlandia
Location and Access
West of Cramlington near the A1068 is the park. Parking is free or was when I visited and the park is fully accessible. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept in control. They also have a visitors centre and café. You can see the lumps and bumps of the lady from the A1 as it’s such a large feature. If you have sat-nav then use NE23 8AU to find the car park.
History
Northumberlandia is a unique piece of public art set in a 46 acre community park with free public access and 4 miles of footpaths on and around the landform. The centrepiece of the park is Northumberlandia, a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady. Made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil, she is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long. Visit the website for more info.
Sycamores Gap
Location and Access
Turn off the A69 just after Bardon Mill and head to the B6318. You’ll pass the turn for Vindolandia, another worthwhile day out but this time just carry on. At the Junction with the B6318 you’ll see a National Trust Information place with a car park. Alternatively you can go over at the crossroads and you’ll come across another car park. It’s £4 for the whole day. At the visitors centre you’ll need change. The one further on allows you to pay by card. This is the one I would use.
History
The history of the wall is well enough known but this stretch was built by men of the 20th Legion. You’ll enjoy panoramic views from Steel Rigg and Highshield Crags. Sycamore Gap was made famous by Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. The walk to the gap is along the Pennine Way so is a well-trodden path with plenty of scope to go further.
The Boiler Shop Steamer
Location
For info on how to find this place see their website. This is a great experience for any food lover or culinary enthusiast as it has so many different types of food and drink which is held the first weekend of every month. All the vendors attending are listed on their site to give you an idea of what will be on offer. Go hungry and if you can go without having to drive then all the better as they have all sorts of ales and ciders for you to try too. There is no dress code but on the whole people are dressed quite smart/casual for some reason but jeans and a hoody aren’t entirely out of place.
Vindolanda
Location and Access
Off the A69 North or Bardon Mill you can visit Vindolanda. It is well signposted as are the Roman Army Museum and you are also not far from Sycamores Gap so if you want something to keep you busy all day then this area has plenty to offer. Vindolanda is part of Hadrian’s Wall that has been extensively excavated and its story told. Parking is free at the visitors centre car park. There is plenty for a family to do here with interactive parts and even a “Roman Fort” to play in to bring history to life. Visit their site to see what’s on offer.
Wine Tasting
Useful Info
Every year around the end of November Corruthers and Kent hold a large wine tasting event at As You Like It in Newcastle. Tickets are about £10pp but there are so many things to try. Several merchants come to sell their wines and you can taste as many of them as you like and as many times until they run out. It’s not just wine that is on offer, Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Port and even Sake can be tasted. The last event had over 100 different drinks to try and there is no obligation to buy anything either so you can easily get your money’s worth. Tickets can be bought from Corruthers and Kent wine shop in Gosforth.
They also do more intimate themed events above their shop. One such event I went to was for sweet wines and deserts where the expert shows you how to compliment the wine with certain dishes. Quite surprising and made a nice change for a night out. Check out their events here.
World War II Cheviot Crash Memorial
Location and Access
The Chapel that sits near the memorial is reputed to be one of the most remote chapels in the UK so if you want to visit then get your walking boots on. This is not far from Hethpool Linn mentioned in the Waterfall section. Park either at Kirknewton or at Hethpool and head South on the footpath, stay on the West side of the river and you’ll come across the Cuddystone Hall and Memorial after about 3-4km.
History
The memorial has a map on the top showing the crash site of WWII aircraft across the Cheviot Hills from 1939-1945 and the names engraved of those who lost their lives. There are 13 crash sites listed and at some of them large parts of wreckage can still be found.
I have not had a chance to explore this entry yet but hope to update this soon with more info. Several other walkers and bloggers have visited the memorial and some of the crash sites so you can view their pictures here until I get the chance to visit them myself.