Castle Morpeth Riverside Walking Festival 2007 - Selected Programme of Walks
This listing gives brief information about some of the longer walks being organised for the festival. For a complete festival programme download the programme from the festival website.
Longhirst Circular Walk 11km 22nd October A fairly flat easy walk around the reclaimed land of the former Butterwell Open Cast mine site. The area is rich in wildlife - vegetation, golf courses and agriculture are taking over the area quite rapidly and it is now difficult to imagine the mine being there at all.
Mitford Mid-week 11km 23rd October A stroll through mainly agricultural land to the west of Mitford, The walk passes through Newton Crook and Newton Underwood where the ruin of an old fortified bastle house has been incorporated into a modern dwelling. The route continues west to Throphill then turning north for a short stretch to return to Newton Mill and via Newton Park to descend the deep lonnen (known locally as the "Clarty Lonnen " for obvious reasons) and over the ford to Mitford.
Looking at Longhorsley 11.5km 24th October Descend from Longhorsley via Muckley to cross the lane and go almost due West uphill toward High Southward Edge. This is fairly rough pasture where deer and fox can be seen. The walk joins the Devil's Causeway (the route of the Roman Road which left Deere Street at Corbridge and led to Berwick) and follows this route through Todburn Moor, to turn west and return via Beggars Bush plantation to Lorghorsley using the streamside path created for the Millennium.
Heddon Loop 7km 25th October The walk descends through the woods from Heddon, past the Butterfly Millennium Garden to Close Lea and across fields to High Close House, before dropping down to Stephenson's Cottage on the banks of the Tyne. The walk uses the old waggonway along the river bank and returns to Heddon via Close House and Heddon Banks. There are magnificent views south over the Tyne Valley and the final climb makes these views even more breathtaking.
Ponteland Railway Circular 7.5km 26th October A very pleasant flat walk using the old railway route through Darras Hall before turning north to cross the river. The path returns via Coat Hill and alongside the river with the final stretch through the Riverside Pont at Ponteland.
Mitford and Beyond 11km 27th October Enjoy the splendour of Northumbrian countryside in early autumn as you strike out west from Morpeth to the village of Mitford and beyond to Newton Mill on this all day walk. Watch out for field fares, red squirrels, and dippers on your way. During this walk you will be following the river Wansbeck and going on to its tributary the River Font, stopping for a light lunch at Mitford.
Coastal Charms 8km 27th October The bus drops you off at the historic village of Widdrington and from here the walk takes you east to the ruins of Chibburn Preceptory and on to the nature reserves at Druridge Pools and Druridge Links. From here along the beach to Cresswell with a visit to the haunted medieval Pele Tower, finishing at the ice cream shop! Lots to do and see on this charming coastal walk taking in the beautiful coast line of the borough before getting the bus back to Morpeth. Spare binoculars will be available, but please bring your own if you have them.
Heritage Hike 9km 27th October From Morpeth, we head west to visit the ruins of Newminster Abbey, sister to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. From here the walk takes you through the Ancient Woodland of Borough Woods Local Nature Reserve (once owned by the Abbey itself) and on to the romantic ruins of Mitford Castle. There will be a stop for afternoon tea at Mitford before returning to Morpeth. NB: Access to Newminster Abbey can be muddy.
The Mighty Morpeth 12.6km 28th October The walk is in two halves enabling lunch to be taken in Morpeth, before completing the second half. The route covers the whole riverside corridor encompassing the Castles, Woods and Water area. The eastern loop goes to the south of the river Bothal and returns along the north bank of the river. The western loop meanders through Borough Woods to Mitford before returning via Highford weir and Lady's Walk.
Longhirst Hope 11km 28th October From the gates walk down to the grand Longhirst Hall and visit the Millennium Wood before walking east towards Hebron. Continue by East Shield Hill and Cottingwood Common via Bluebell Wood back into Morpeth.
String of Pearls 14km 28th October This is a spectacular full day walk for the experienced walker. Follow the river Wansbeck upstream from its mouth to Morpeth town, passing through Ancient Woodlands and viewing historical sites of 14th century Bothal Castle and the Jubilee Fountain. This route is muddy in places.
Sea, Sand and Birds
11km 28th October Take the bus to the seaside village of Cresswell and watch
the birds feeding at the waters edge at low tide. The walk will include a visit
to the bird hides at Cresswell and Ellington Ponds and a tour of the medieval
Pele Tower in Cresswell ( which affords spectacular views of the area) before
returning to Morpeth by bus. Packed lunch will be at Cresswell Village Hall,
which has spectacular views over Cresswell Carrs, and will include free tea
and coffee and a slide show of the Wildlife Trust's 5 coastal reserves (2 of
which we will cover during the walk).