Andrew Wainwright Walks Northumberland & Beyond
WATERFALLS
Aysgarth Falls - Yorkshire Dales
Location and Access
While strictly not in Northumberland it's not that much further and is well worth a mention. West of Leyburn follow the A684 towards Aysgarth, the falls are signposted and there is a purpose built car park and visitors center. Access is free but parking is at a charge. £2.50 for up to 2 hours, £4.00 for over 2 hours.
If you go east from the car park to High Force there is a picnic area and places to paddle in the shallows. Head west and there is a beautiful scenic walk through the forest with convenient viewing platforms to see Middle Force. The path goes close enough to lower force, there you can once again get up close and personal with the falls again for some great pictures. If you carry on the walk, as you exit the woods, look to the Northwest and you can see Castle Bolton, It’s a bit of a trek but it is walkable. I’d suggest you need a good portion of the day if you want to do justice to both the falls and the Castle.
For some of you these falls may look familiar, the upper and middle falls were used in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. The scene in which Robin fights Little John in order to cross the river. Not the only time you'll find yourself in the fictitious "Nottinghamshire" of that movie. See also Hadraw Force, Hulne Priory and Sycamore Gap.
UPPER FORCE
MIDDLE FORCE
LOWER FORCE
Carey Burn Waterfall
Location and Access
From the church in Wooler follow the route highlighted by the solid red line. The road gets pretty steep in places and is single file for some of it so driving here in icy, or snowy conditions could be a challenge. When you get to an iron bridge painted white you’ll find plenty of room to park your car on the grass verge. Strike out west along the north bank of the river, the path is well trodden and easy to follow. About half way on the other side of the river you can see another waterfall on the tributary. After about a mile and a half you’ll come across the falls, the time of year will greatly vary the volume coming down them but they are a pleasant sight regardless. The falls which have no specific name has a double drop and the plunge pool is deep enough to swim in, the water is clear and clean but not so deep that you can’t see the bottom.
You are in the National Park here and the variety of wildlife is abundant. The first time I hiked this route I saw a small Doe on my way up the valley so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
From here it's not far to the start point of Harthope Linn so why not plan so you can see both in the same day.
Tranquil in summer
Turbulent in winter
Crammel Linn
Location and Access
Head north from Gilsland and then northeast along the road which is the boundary of the RAF Spadeadam range. There is a bit of a layby on the right where you see a sign set a few meters off the road with information about RAF Spadeadam fishing. This is where you want to park. Once parked follow the trail past that sign towards the river. This must be the shortest walk from parking to the falls, it’s only a 10 minutes with a pretty steep final approach. You’ll get a good view of the falls from quite far off so you’ll know you’re on the right path. If it’s been wet then I’d suggest appropriate footwear as it gets a little boggy and the slope down to the falls pretty slippery. You can't see how deep the water is and I didn't test it so swim at your own risk but with it being such a remote spot it is great for a picnic.
Crammel Linn is Northumberland’s largest waterfall. It's only just considered to be in Northumberland as the river is part of the border between Northumberland and Cumbria as seen by the yellow indication on the map above. There is also reputed to be a “fighter Jet” parked in the forest by the falls from one source linked here. I didn’t know to look for it when I went but I’ll definitely be on the lookout next time!
Davidson's Linn
Location and Access
The route to Davidson's Linn follow the one I have indicated above, to see it in more detail check it out on an OS Map, a Landranger would do but I recommend using an Explorer. Use the same area for parking as with Linhope Spout (see Linhope Spouts map). There is a tarmac road for some of this but they are private and there are signs warning of fines if you drive on them. Also as you would have to drive through a couple of farms, I wouldn’t recommend flouting it. Although if you have an appropriate off road bike then this would be a possible alternative. If I go back that’s how I’ll do it as it was a 3 and a half hour walk there, it was only a 2 hour 45 minute walk back (I didn't need to consult my map as much).
The black arrows show where the farms are that you’ll pass through. The only part of the journey that isn’t as well marked is between the last farm and the forest but as long as you keep going west then you can’t really go too far wrong (famous last words).
Trekking through the forest is an easy and open path and you can see the waterfall not long after you round the last bend.
This must be the most remote waterfall I’ve visited, this is the only way to access it so expect to have it all to yourself when you get there. Be sure to take provisions as this is a goodly number of hours you’ll be committing.
Hardraw Force - Yorkshire
Location and Access
Again while not in Northumberland I though this waterfall was worth a mention. As the UKs highest single drop waterfall of 100ft, it can be truly impressive.
North of Hawes you’ll find the tiny village of Hardraw, there are a few road signs to get you here but not consistently enough to rely on. Once you find the village though you can find a car park behind the Green Dragon pub, a lovely old pub with open fires in the winter. To get to the falls you have to go through the pub. There is a £2 charge per person which goes to maintaining the footpath to the falls. You can see the money at work as it is a very well maintained easy route. There is a website for the falls which can be found here for more info.
This is another of the waterfall seen in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves when Maid Marion sees Robin washing naked in the falls.
Jerry's Linn and Goat Linn
Location and Access
A few miles east of Bellingham you'll find Lanehead and the remains of Tarset Castle (the left arrow on the left map above). The remains are mostly earthworks with a few jumbled rocks strewn about. Dally castle is also on the way, See Dally castle for more info but there is a waterfall just the other side of the river opposite the castle hill but to get to the start point of the walk in to Wark Forest in search of Goat Linn and Jerry’s Linn then just carry on down that road, you'll come across a house (The Bower) I parked just off the road near here.
The route to each Waterfall is indicated on the right hand map. I only include Goat Linn as it is on the map and I took the time to visit. Goat Linn is very overgrown, and hard to access as a result. It is situated in a deep gorge which you look down into through the trees. Jerry's Linn on the other hand is worth the walk, it's much easier to get to and it's on quite an impressive scale. The path is easy to follow and undulating providing some good views on the way.
Jerry's Linn
View from the Bridge towards Jerry's Linn
About as much of Goat Linn
as you get to See
Hareshaw Linn
Where to Park
Where to walk
Location and Access
Well worth a visit and one of my favorites! Next to the bridge in the village of Bellingham you’ll see the falls signposted, and there is also a car park as marked on the left map above. There are limited spaces but if the car park is full then alternative parking is available at the tourist information center where you’ll also find a rail cart converted into a tea shop.
The walk is a mile and a half from the car park via a well-trodden purpose built path winding through the trees. If you go around April time then you won’t be able to escape the aroma and see wild garlic growing like a carpet beneath the shade of the trees. There is a beautifully sculpted wooden bridge crossing the river on the walk and several smaller falls along the way. When you reach the falls you’ll enter an impressive and beautiful grotto which captures the late afternoon sun making it quite a magical place and the falls are truly beautiful.
Hareshaw Linn was the site of two blast furnaces established in 1833. Standing in the grotto it's hard to think of this tranquil place as a site of intense industry. Today Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rare ferns and lichen. Over 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. The Linn is also home to red squirrel, great spotted woodpecker, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, badger and daubenton’s bats. A leaflet provided by the National Park about the walk can be found here.
One of the Lower Waterfalls
Hareshaw Linn
Harthope Linn & Cat Loup
Location and Access
To get to the parking area indicated above follow the same route as Carey Burn but instead of parking at the bridge cross it and keep following the road. You’ll know when you reach the place to park as there is a sign saying you can’t continue as it becomes a private road. Once you are ready to set off on your walk don’t get caught out, there is a wooden sign pointing you south indicating you should cross the river and follow the path past Long Crags, if you’re feeling adventurous then crack on as the view from Hedgehope isn’t bad and if clear you can see all the way to the coast. But for the quickest route to the falls then you’ll need to walk down the private road, it’ll soon turn into a footpath which parallels the river. About 3 miles from the car park you’ll get to the waterfall. It’s a small one but it’s a pretty one and perfect for picnics and taking a dip.
Along the way as you approach a wooded area about half way along the path you should be able to hear some turbulent water. If you don't mind going a bit off piste then make your way down to the river and you'll come across Cat Loup which is marked on the OS Explorer map. The way the river has cut through the landscape means you and only really get to the top of the falls but as you can see from the pictures below it's still worth the effort and can be added value to your trip.
Be sure to wear and take insect repellent if you go any season other than winter. Also the same weather warning applies as with Carey Burn due to the roads, it’s not somewhere you want to get stuck.
Cat Loup
Looking down Cat Loup from the top
Harthope Linn
Hethpool Linn
Location and Access
Further up North past Wooler you’ll find the small village of Kirkewton nestled in the Newton Tors. These hills are riddles with hill forts, there is even a great walk that takes you round some of them, just follow the aptly named “Hill Fort Trail” trail markers. But if it’s the waterfall you want to see then you’ll need to follow the route highlighted above. Also of note in the area, and you may see signs of it as you drive up is Yavering. See "Other Places" for more info.
Next to the church, behind the village hall is where you’ll find parking. The Village hall sometimes holds art exhibitions and in the grounds of this well-kept pictures church are WWII war graves of Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and British Air force crews.
From the car park head south away from the main road, the first little bit makes you double back on yourself, from there follow the path round the hill until you see the farm buildings on the map labelled “Torleehouse” Turn right through the gate into the field and cross it until you climb the stile at the other end of the field, keep following the path in a south easterly direction where you’ll ford a stream and on to the larger river. From the bridge you can see the falls and you can get closer further down.
Don’t be tempted to follow that siren song leading you down to the water, following the water course may seem logical but is not the easy route you’d think it to be, stick to the path... and yes... I did learn that the hard way.
Hethpool Linn
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High Force - Co.Durham
Location and Access
High Force being such a large and striking waterfall with a drop of 21.5m means it deserves a mention despite not being in Northumberland. The sign posting is good making this easy to find. If you choose to park at the visitors centre then you’ll need to pay £2 for parking as well as your entrance ticket £1.50 per adult.
The main path to the falls is across the road and is a pleasant, easy 10 minute walk. This is designated as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” There is a path to the top of the falls too though this was closed off beyond a certain point at the time I went but I could hear and see people up there so there is possibly another way up.
Low Force, Bow Lee Beck and Gibson’s Cave are close by, I didn’t know this but on my next visit I will definitely make the time to take these sights in too.
High Linn - Co. Durham
Location and Access
Turn off the A689 into Eastgate. Opposite the village hall there is room to park. Follow the path that winds between a few houses and gardens leading down to the river, cross the bridge and head north. There are several falls on this stretch of river. As far as I can tell the first set of falls has no name, the next falls you’ll come across is High Linn. The water is good enough to swim in and the pools are large and beautiful and both worth a stop but that’s not all. Carry on and you’ll be rewarded with Turn Wheel Waterfall. The best time of year to go is around April when for about 6 weeks the wild garlic is in bloom in the shade of the deciduous trees amidst the bluebells the fragrance and blossoms are striking. While in the area take a trip to Stanhope, a lovely picturesque village built up around an interesting Castle right on the high-street.
Lower Falls
High Linn
Hindhope Linn
Location and Access
Situated in the Redesdale Forest Just off the A68 past Otterburn and 3.5 miles north east of Rochester before you get to Byrness Village there is a left turn signposted Kielder Castle. Turn here, follow the road until you cross the bridge, there is an information building with a layby for parking. From here there are signs to Hindhope Linn. Follow the Orange trail and it’ll take you right there. It’s a lovely walk through the forest which takes about an hour. The waterfall is idyllic and well worth the visit and the walk is beautiful and peaceful.
Leehouse Linn & Smiddy Linn
Location and Access
There are several maps above to help you find these waterfalls as it’s not the simplest of routes. From Elsdon follow the route highlighted in red. The turning in Elsdon is the crucial part, take the wrong one and you’ll be turning down a driveway, you’ll reach a house but if you do find yourself here you can visit the site of a Mott and Baily Fort site. There is an information board providing more info at the site. The correct turning requires you to open a gate. Once on this single track road just keep following it. It’s a metaled road all the way but watch out for the pot holes!!! There is a gate to get into Harry’s Wood. The road is a bit unnerving but have faith! Before you get to Eastnook there is a layby on the left (see below) Park here. Walk in the same direction as you were driving down a small hill until you find where the water course passes under the road.
To get to Leehouse Linn turn left off the road, follow the watercourse when it forks follow the right hand branch for a couple hundred meters. You’ll soon see the waterfall in a small clearing.
To get to Smiddy Linn, from the road turn right and follow the same water course, generally when it forks always stick to the largest course which is usually the left. After it makes a sharp right turn you’ll start going uphill, you’ll see the falls in a few hundred meters, it’s a little overgrown but nice.
WARNING!!!! DO NOT be tempted to drive any other route to or from Elsdon than the one indicated!! The highlighted route is a metaled road useable by any car (with care). The other roads through this forest rapidly deteriorate to mud and dirt tracks with deep channels with no way to turn round. These would be a challenge worthy of a 4x4, especially when wet. Also some of the other entrances/exits are blocked or gated by the Forestry Commission so you could find yourself trapped. It would appear that one simply does not walk into Harrys Woods.
The gate from Elsdon
The gate from Elsdon
Leehouse Linn
Smiddy Linn
Linhope Spout & Black Linn
Location and Access
Best bang for your buck of the waterfalls!
After a beautiful drive a few miles west of Ingram you’ll come across the hamlet of Linhope. It’s nothing more than a farm and a couple of houses. Park at the indicated spot, it’s a grass verge but you’ll know when you’re there as there are usually a couple of cars there already and no vehicles are permitted beyond as it’s a private road but it’s only a mile and a half walk from here. There are wooden signs guiding you from here and an information board just after the farm gate so it’s easy enough to find. There is a great area next to the falls for a picnic and the plunge pool is plenty deep enough to swim in, even jumping from some of the higher rocks we still never found the bottom.
To get to Black Lynn I followed the river from the spout but this was very overgrown and very hard going, instead from the car parking area follow the rout on the second map. You can only get to it from the northern bank, once there you’ll see why.
Linhope Spout
Black Linn
Roughting Linn
Location and Access
A few miles East of Ford there is a small patch of trees, park off the road near the junction and head through the trees in a north-westerly direction. The trail follows the stream. Some of the path can be a little overgrown but is still easily passable. Keep following the water and you can’t miss the falls. During the summer the falls can be a little light but during the wetter periods can be quite different.
Swinhope Linn
Location and Access
This small waterfall can be seen from the road out of Alnwick as you go down the hill before the Edlingham turn off. There is space for a car by the bridge for you to park. There is a path to the falls which is only about 50m
It’s small but worth a small stop, see also Edlingham Castle.
