nnp visitor guide 2014

20142015Visitor Guide

Your FREE 12 Month Guide to Northumberland National Park

What’s on • Where to goWhat to see and lots more!

www.nor thumberlandnat ionalpark .org .uk

Welcome to Northumberland National ParkNorthumberland National Park covers more than 400 squaremiles of awe-inspiring landscapes from Hadrian’s Wall WorldHeritage Site in the south, to Kielder Water & Forest Park in the west, then northwards to the Cheviot Hills along theScottish Border. Being the least populated of all the NationalParks, we have the clearest air and the cleanest rivers.

Criss-crossed by 700 miles of footpaths and rights of way,you can walk, cycle or horse-ride with only the sounds of nature for company. You’ll meet friendly folk who are passionate about their way of life and take pride in sharingit with you. You’ll discover wonderful food, observe uniquewildlife and explore ancient sites of international significance.Picturesque market towns and villages provide everythingyou need to make your stay as pleasurable as possible.

Officially recognised as having the darkest skies in England,Northumberland National Park together with part ofKielder Water & Forest Park, has the prestigious status of being England’s first and Europe’s largest, InternationalDark Sky Park (Gold Tier). Which means that on a clearnight you will see the Milky Way, and even the AndromedaGalaxy (2.5 million light years away) with the naked eye!

We’re hoping to start work on a major new developmentthis year. The project, called The Sill will be based on ourcurrent Visitor Centre site at Once Brewed, and will seethe construction of a new Landscape Discovery Centre and Youth Hostel. Exciting times ahead !

Tony Gates, Chief Executive, Northumberland National Park Authority

Sycamore Gap, Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.ukNORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK VISITOR GUIDE 2014

Making it personal There are many people out there who will go the extra mileto help you make the most of your day...

HADRIAN’S WALL National Park Information Points

Greenhead Tea RoomsGreenhead CA8 7HE T: 016977 47400www.heartofhadrianswall.com

Walltown Country Park Cafe Near Greenhead CA8 7JD T: 01697 747121www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

NORTH TYNE & REDESDALE National Park Information Points

Camien CafeRochester NE19 1RH T: 01830 520161

Old School Tea RoomFalstone NE48 1AA T: 01434 240459www.falstonetearoom.co.uk

Simonburn Tea Room Simonburn NE48 3AW T: 01434 681321 www.simonburntearooms.com

THE CHEVIOTS National Park Information Points

NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION POINTSLocated in friendly local businesses, such as pubs and tea rooms, our National Park Information Points provide a wide range of visitor information on attractionsand walks in the area. Look out for our signs at the places below.

Wifi HotspotsIf you have a Smartphone, you can access free Wifi at

the locations highlighted (to download National Park information). Free Wifi is also available at:

Cawfields - National Park Car Park NE47 6NN

Alwinton - National Park Car Park NE65 7BQ

Wooler Tourist Information Centre NE71 6BL

National Park Visitor Ambassadors (left) & two of the Once Brewed team (right)

NATIONAL PARK CENTRE AT ONCE BREWEDHadrian’s Wall NE47 7AN T: 01434 344396 E: [email protected]

April - October: Open Daily 9.30am - 5pm Winter: Weekends only 10am - 3pm

Located very close to Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, on the B6318 (Military Road), this award-winning centre is ideal if you want to explore Northumberland National Park and further afield. Recent Winner of a Green Tourism Business Scheme Goldstar Award, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to help you plan your day with useful information and insight! You can even rest your tired legs after a walkand enjoy a cup of fresh coffee or tea, and a slice of cake.

When you are out in the National Park, you may meet one of our Rangers or Visitor Ambassadors. They love to stop and chat... And can also advise on footpaths, wildlife and local history.

Cafe Maelmin Milfield NE71 6JD T: 01668 216323 www.cafemaelmin.co.uk

The Border HotelKirk Yetholm TD5 8PQ T: 01573 420237www.theborderhotel.com

Muddy Boots CafeIngram NE66 4LTT: 01665 578120https://mobile.twitter.com/MbootsIngram

COQUETDALE National Park Information Points

Barrowburn Tea RoomUpper Coquetdale NE65 7BPT: 01669 621176www.barrowburn.com

The Star Inn Harbottle NE65 7DG T: 01669 650221www.coquetdale.net

The Rose & Thistle Alwinton NE65 7BQ T: 01669 650226www.roseandthistlealwinton.com

Old School House Tea RoomElsdon NE19 1AA T: 01830 520389

Shepherds WalksRothbury NE65 7UPT: 01669 621044 www.shepherdswalks.co.uk

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK VISITOR GUIDE 2014

HADRIAN’S WALL

A picturesque estate villagenear the River North Tyne.

Services: Tea room/gift shop,church.

National Park InformationPoint at Simonburn Tea Room.

Walk: Wark Forest.

Nearby: Falconry Centre atStonehaugh, Chipchase Castleand Nursery. Black Carts, Brocolitia and Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall.

HALTWHISTLE

A gateway town into Northumberland National Park, situated onthe River South Tyne, just off the A69 and near to Hadrian’s Wall. Has a claim to being the ‘Centre of Britain’.

Services: Shops, cafes, pubs, banks, outdoor swimming pool/sportscentre, library, church, park, public toilets, camping and caravansites, petrol, bus and train service. Tourist Information Centre.

Walk: Haltwhistle Burn up to Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall.

Cycle: Pennine Cycleway R.68, Hadrian’s Cycleway R.72.

Nearby: Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site and Hadrian’s Wall.

Great places to visit

Simonburn

Greenhead

A small village near Hadrian’s Wall, just off the A69.

Services: Cafe, pub, hostel, church, golf course, farmers market -second sunday of month, bus service.

National Park Information Point at Greenhead Tea Rooms.

Walk: Hadrian’s Wall Path & Pennine Way National Trail, TipaltBurn woodland and Walltown on Hadrian’s Wall.

Cycle: Pennine Cycleway R.68, Hadrian’s Cycleway R.72.

Nearby: Carvoran Roman Army Museum, Thirlwall Castle.

A small village just off the A69,near Hadrian's Wall.

Services: Shop/cafe, pub, petrol,pottery, bus and train service.

National Park Centre atOnce Brewed 3 miles away.

Walk: Hadrian’s Wall.

Cycle: Pennine Cycleway R.68,Hadrian’s Cycleway R.72.

Nearby: Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads and Vindolanda.

Bardon Mill

A small village in Redesdale.

Services: Cafe, pub, church.

National Park InformationPoint at Camien Cafe.

Walk: Otterburn Ranges.

Nearby: Bremenium RomanFort, Catcleugh Reservoir.

BELLINGHAM

A small village on the banks ofthe River North Tyne.

Services: Shop, pub, church.

Cycle: Bellingham and NorthTyne.

Nearby: Fishing, ChipchaseCastle and Nursery.

NORTH TYNE & REDESDALE

BELLINGHAM

A gateway town into Northumberland National Park, self styled‘capital’ of the area nestling on the banks of the River North Tyne.

Services: Shops, cafes, pubs, bank, library, church, public toilets, golf course, petrol, camping and caravan site, bus service. Heritage Centre & Tourist Information Centre.

Walk: Hareshaw Linn, Pennine Way National Trail.

Cycle: Cycle hire & hub in Bellingham. Pennine Cycleway R.68,Reivers R.10, Bellingham & North Tyne cycle routes leaflets.

Nearby: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Low Cleughs Bastle.

RochesterWark

A small village at the heart ofRedesdale.

Services: Shop, pub, church,horse riding. Otterburn Millshop and cafe has local tourist information, bus service.

Walk: Otterburn Village Trail.

Nearby: Percy Cross, site of the Battle of Otterburn(1388). Otterburn Ranges -cycle routes and footpaths,open on certain days. Catcleugh Reservoir and Byrness.

Otterburn

A small village lying below thedam of Kielder Water, on thebanks of the River North Tyne.

Services: Shop/cafe, pub, children’s play park, church.

National Park InformationPoint at the Old School TeaRoom.

Walk: Falstone ‘Stell’ and riverside walk, Kielder Forest.

Cycle: Reivers R.10, Bellinghamand North Tyne.

Nearby: Kielder Water & ForestPark, Black Middens Bastle.

Falstone

For Bus Information: jplanner.travelinenortheast.info orT: 0871 200 22 33

Tourist Information Centre National Park Information Point


PowburnMilfield

WOOLER

COQUETDALE

Historic village centred around a village green, with a Medievaltower house (pele) and earth-works of a Norman motte andbailey castle.

Services: Pub/cafe, tea room,church, bus service.

National Park InformationPoint at Old School House Tea Room.

Walk: Elsdon & The Haining.

Cycle: Pennine Cycleway R.68.

Nearby: Winter’s Gibbet,Otterburn Ranges.

ROTHBURY

A picturesque gateway town on the banks of the River Coquet.Known as the ‘capital’ of Coquetdale, it is a good base for walking, cycling and exploring the hills.

Services: Shops, cafes, art/craft galleries, pubs, banks, children’s playpark, picnic area by river, cycle hire, library, church, golf course, public toilets, bus service.

Information Point at Shepherds Walks, The Coquetdale Centre.

Walk: Easy riverside walks, Simonside Hills - waymarked trails.

Nearby: Lordenshaws ancient ‘cup and ring’ rock carvings.

Elsdon

Alwinton

A small village, where the Rivers Alwin and Coquet meet. Holds the annual ‘Border Shepherds Show’ in October - a lively event.

Services: Pub, church, public toilets, bus service.

National Park Information Point at The Rose & Thistle.

Walk: The Border Ridge and Clennell Street.

Cycle: Pennine Cycleway R.68. Otterburn Ranges - cycle routesopen on certain days.

Nearby: Alwinton Lime Kiln, Biddlestone Chapel.

A small village in Upper Coquetdale, overlooked by the ruins of Harbottle Castleand the Drake Stone.

Services: Pub/small shop,church.

National Park InformationPoint at The Star Inn.

Walk: The Drake Stone andHarbottle Lake.

Cycle: Otterburn Ranges - cycleroutes open on certain days.

Nearby: Harbottle Castle,Holystone Lady’s Well.

Harbottle

A small village over the borderin Scotland.

Services: Cafe, pub, church,hostel, bus service.

National Park InformationPoint at the Border Hotel.

Walk: Pennine Way

Nearby: College Valley.

Kirk Yetholm

A small village on the edge ofthe Cheviot Hills.

Services: Church, toilets in village hall, bus service.

Walk: Yeavering Bell, HethpoolLinn, College Valley.

Cycle: Harthope Valley.

Nearby: Ad Gefrin.

Kirknewton

A small village on the edge ofthe Breamish Valley, just southof Wooler on the A697.

Services: Petrol, shop, pub, cafe, antiques centre, caravansite, bus service.

National Park InformationPoint at Muddy Boots, Ingram.

Walk: Linhope Spout waterfall,Wether Hill and Brough Law

Nearby: Branton Bird Hide. Ingram and Breamish Valley -picturesque riverside setting,perfect for picnic and paddle.

A small village on the edge ofthe Cheviot Hills, just north ofWooler on the A697.

Services: Shop, cafe/restaurant,pub, church, bus service.

National Park InformationPoint at Cafe Maelmin.

Walk: Maelmin Heritage Trail,Yeavering Bell, St Gregory’s Hill,College Valley, Humbleton Hill.St Cuthbert’s Way.

Nearby: Ad Gefrin historic site near Kirknewton. Battle of Flodden site (at Branxton).

THE CHEVIOTS

A small town and gateway to the wild Cheviot Hills, making it an ideal base for walking, cycling and exploring the hills.

Services: Shops, cafes, art/craft galleries, pottery, pubs, banks, library, church, golf course, garden centre, public toilets, petrol,camping and caravan sites, hostel, bus service.

Tourist Information Centre at The Cheviot Centre.

Walk: Wooler Common, Humbleton Hill and Yeavering Bell.

Cycle: Cycle hire and hub. Circular routes from town.

Nearby: Breamish Valley, Ford & Etal, Chillingham Castle.


Walks starting from WALLTOWN

Sun 8 June (MODERATE)

Wed 25 June (MODERATE)

Wed 16 July (MODERATE)

Sun 3 August (STRENUOUS)

Wed 6 August (MODERATE)

Sun 17 August (MODERATE)


Walks starting from ONCE BREWED

Wed 2 April (MODERATE)

Wed 16 April (STRENUOUS)

Sun 11 May (EASY)


Sun 22 June (EASY)

Sun 6 July (MODERATE)

Sun 20 July (STRENUOUS)



Sun 7 Sept (MODERATE)

Sun 14 Sept (STRENUOUS)

HADRIAN’S WALL

D AT E S F O R YO U R D I A RY

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Our GUIDED WALKS

Walks starting from ROCHESTER

Sun 15 June (EASY)

Walks starting from BELLINGHAM


Wed 1 October (EASY)

7


9

1 3

Walks starting from GREENHAUGH


Wed 9 July (MODERATE)

8Walks starting from WOOLER COMMON

Thurs 4 Sept (STRENUOUS)

THE CHEVIOT HILLS

Walks starting from HARTSIDE

Sun 22 June (STRENUOUS)

Wed 13 August (STRENUOUS)

Walks starting from WOOLER

Wed 14 May (MODERATE)


Tues 2 Sept (MODERATE)

Thurs 4 Sept (EASY)

Walks starting from ELSDON

Sun 20 April (STRENUOUS)

Wed 23 July (STRENUOUS)

COQUETDALE

Walks starting from HARBOTTLE

Sun 4 May (MODERATE)


Walks starting from ALWINTON

Sun 18 May (STRENUOUS)



Wed 10 Sept (STRENUOUS)

Walks starting from CAWFIELDS



Sun 12 Oct (MODERATE)

2

Walks starting from GREENHEAD


4

Walks starting from BROCOLITIA


5

Walks starting from HOUSESTEADS


6

Walks starting from CATCLEUGH

Sun 4 May (EASY)

Sun 1 June (EASY)

Sun 6 July (EASY)

Sun 3 August (EASY)

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11

12

13

Walks starting from WEDDER LEAP




Wed 24 Sept (MODERATE)

14

Walks starting from ALNHAM

Wed 11 June (STRENUOUS)


15

16

17

Walks starting from INGRAM BRIDGE



Wed 8 October (MODERATE)

18

19

Walks starting from CAREY BURN BRIDGE

Wed 3 Sept (MODERATE)

20

Walks starting from KIRKNEWTON

Fri 15 August (EASY)

Sat 16 August (STRENUOUS)

Sun 17 August (EASY)



Mon 1 Sept (EASY)

Tues 2 Sept (STRENUOUS)

Wed 3 Sept (STRENUOUS)

Fri 5 Sept (STRENUOUS)

Fri 5 Sept (MODERATE)

21

Walks starting from HETHPOOL



Mon 1 Sept (STRENUOUS)

22

2014

The National Park Voluntary Rangers are leading a number ofFREE, guided, easy-paced walks throughout the summer of 2014.No need to book - just turn up on the day. The programme comprises a number of different graded walks:

EASY - For people of average level of fitness, will include someunsurfaced paths.

MODERATE - Average level of fitness, with some steep pathsand open country.

STRENUOUS - For people with above average level of fitness,includes steep paths and open country walks.

Sorry - No dogs other than assistance dogs.

Further details are in a leaflet, and on our website, also on Facebook, or phone 01434 344396www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/voluntaryrangerwalks

Look on the map page for the start location numbers


Let the KIDS take the lead!

WORDS - see if you can work out wherethe words should be added to the walk

• smelly and dirty• stinky path• cheery bridge• squelchy gate• hairy tree• ploppy path• treasure castle• sleepy hill • owls and bats

SchoolChurch

Pub

Village Hall

HostelTea Room

Main Roadto Carlisle

Main Roadto Haltwhistle

Road to Walltown

Coal Yard

Thirlwall Castle

Footbridge

Footbridge

Tipalt Burn

Tipalt Burn

Road to Gilsland

Bridge

Monument

Thirlwall CastleFarm

Longbyre

GREENHEAD

Railway LineCycle RoadC72

Why not try this delightful walk that the children of GreenheadChurch Of England First School have come up with.It’s an easy walk of 1.4 miles (2.25 km).


Cycle RoadC72

Hadrian’s Wall

A Start from outside Greenhead School. Stay on the pavement and walk past the Church. At the Memorial Fountain cross over the mainroad (be careful).Go down the narrow road between the Tea Roomand the Village Hall, past the Hostel.

Go right up to the metal Coal Yard gate andtake the footpath to the right of it, signposted‘Pennine Way’.Follow the very narrow footpath. The Tipalt Burnis on your right and the railway line on your left.

Go through the gate at the end. Turn rightand go over the small wooden footbridge.Cross straight over the small road and go throughthe footpath gate (don’t go over the big bridgejust yet). Follow the grassy footpath alongside the TipaltBurn, up to Thirlwall Castle

Explore the ruins of Thirlwall Castle! Retrace your route back to the big bridge.

Cross the big bridge now and walk along the Cycle Route (72) which runs alongside theTipalt Burn. You will cross over two cattle grids.

Go over the bridge or paddle over the fordif you are brave! Turn left and walk back along the narrow roadinto Greenhead.

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INSTRUCTIONS!

Big Bridge

Cattle grid

Cattle grid

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CharneyBurn

CARVORAN - Roman Army Museum

Postcode: CA8 7JD T: 01434 344277

At Carvoran, Roman Army Museum, near Greenhead, watch the inspiringfilm ‘Eagle’s Eye’, giving you a sense ofthe Wall’s scale from above, and whatit was like to be a Roman soldier.

WALLTOWN COUNTRY PARK

HADRIAN’S WALL Built in sandals, walked in boots!

HOUSESTEADS - Roman Fort

Postcode: NE47 6NN T: 01434 344363

Visit Housesteads Roman Fort to see some of the best preserved bits of Hadrian’s Wall, including Romanmulti-seat toilets, under-floor heatingand hospital.

VINDOLANDA - Roman Fort

Hadrian’s Wall near Caw Gap

Hadrian’s Wall Farmers Market at Greenhead

Up the road from Greenhead, you’ll find Walltown - a country parkwith its picturesque lake and flower meadows, giving no hint of itsindustrial past as a quarry. In the 1800s, men blasted rocks there to help build the growing towns and cities of Victorian England.

Now reclaimed and landscaped, with trees, paths and an informationpoint with refreshments available, its a great place for kids to runabout and have fun, with a quiz trail, orienteering course and wildlifeponds. Walk a little further, to see a magnificent stretch of Hadrian’sWall, perched high above the old quarry edge.

Common Blue Butterfly

Long-eared Owl

Parrot Waxcap

Postcode: NE47 7JN T: 01434 344277

Vindolanda is a classic Roman Fort, and home to the famous ‘VindolandaTablets’ (postcards). Its story is stillbeing unearthed with archaeologicaldigs from April to September, revealing treasures from the past.

Postcode: CA8 7JD OS GR: NY 668 659

Hadrian’s Wall Farmers Market

Second Sunday of the Month

From Ravenglass on the west coast to South Shields on the east, the Hadrian’s Cycleway covers 174 miles. It offers breathtakingviews and fascinating Roman history. It should take 3 - 5 days for cyclists of average fitness. The sections through the National Parkmake perfect day bike rides on lovely quiet country lanes. www.sustrans.org.uk

HADRIAN’S CYCLEWAY - ROUTE 72

Walltown Pond

You must see Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, Britain’s largest and longest ancient monument.This mammoth feat of engineering only took three legions around six years to build! The mostspectacular section is arguably between Chesters and Walltown, in Northumberland National Park,and, we have really dark skies over Hadrian’s Wall at Cawfields, which is now a Dark Sky Discovery Site.The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is 84 miles long between Wallsend in the east and Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Walk the Wall’s entire length or just explore the most fascinating parts.Every aspect of Roman life on and around the Wall is now on display in local museums. Pop in to our award winning National Park Centre at Once Brewed for local tourist information.

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK VISITOR GUIDE 2014 HADRIAN’S WALL

HADRIAN’S WALL

WALK: STEEL RIGG & CRAG LOUGH, HADRIAN’S WALL

Time: 2 hours Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) Grade: Moderate Map: OS Explorer OL 43 1:25000 Hadrian’s Wall

Leave Steel Rigg View car parkby the wicket gate in the corner,signposted ‘Hadrian’s Wall’. Follow the footpath straight on.

When you meet Hadrian’s Wallturn left through the gate.

Follow Hadrian’s Wall down agrassy bank to meet a paved foot-path at the bottom. Turn left ontothis path and climb steeply up tothe top of Peel Crags.

Follow the footpath alongsideHadrian’s Wall to Milecastle 39, then the tree at Sycamore Gap. Milecastles are small fortified gate-ways, built every Roman Mile, oftenprotecting weak points along Hadrian’sWall. No 39 is a good example.

Start: Steel Rigg View - National Park Car Park OS GR: NY 752 677

Nearest National Park Centre& Toilets:1/2 mile at Once Brewed

Public Transport: Hadrian’s WallBus stops at Once Brewed

Description: A walk suitable forfamilies along some of the mostscenic sections of Hadrian’s Wall

Terrain: Footpaths and tracks,some short, sharp ascents, may be muddy in places

Stiles, footbridges, gates

You will need: Sturdy footwearand waterproofs

Please keep dogs on a lead - this is agricultural land - and follow the Countryside Code

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Go through the gate and followthe track to a ladder stile by a gate.

Turn immediately to your leftand go over a step stile by thefootpath sign. Head straight acrossthe field, and over the stile. Crossthe next field to the footpath sign.

Turn onto the farm track untilyou reach a ladder stile. Cross thestile and head across the nextfield to an enclosure and barn.

Keep the dry stone wall onyour right, follow the path until itbecomes a farm track. Continuealong this until you reach theroad. Turn left onto the road, uphill back to the car park.

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Keep following the footpath,which goes along the top of High-shield Crags, where you look downto Crag Lough, a glacial lake. Takecare - very steep drop here!Follow the path through the woodand cross over the stile then overthe next stile on your right.

Cross the farm track and followthe paved path through the gate,signposted ‘Housesteads’. Continue straight ahead up thegrassy footpath to a stone stepstile on your left by Hotbank Farmgate, near to the farm buildings.

Cross the stone step stile, and go straight ahead keeping the farm buildings on your left.

GREENLEE LOUGH - National Nature Reserve

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The use of an Ordnance Survey Map is recommended

OS GR: NY 748 690 Walk: 4 miles (6 km) 2 Hours Grade: Moderate

Parking: Small permissive car park, 1.8 miles (3km) north of Steel Rigg Car Park

Listen to the sounds of Greenlee Lough: www.northumberlandnational-park.org.uk/understanding/wildlifehabitats/soundsofnorthumberlandnationalpark

Discover something special at Greenlee Lough. This tranquil, glaciallake, just north of Steel Rigg and Hadrian’s Wall, is excellent for observing wetland birds in their natural habitat. A walk over roughfell ground, then along a boardwalk will lead you to a bird hide onthe water’s edge. Truly wonderful in Winter and glorious in Summer!

Hadrian’s Wall ONE YEAR Car Park PassWhy not buy a Hadrian’s Wall Car Park Pass for the whole year?

The car park pass can be used at all 6 National Park car parks alongHadrian’s Wall (Walltown, Cawfields, Steel Rigg, Once Brewed, Housesteads and Brocolitia), every day of the year.

You can buy the car park pass from Once Brewed National Park Centre, Housesteads Visitor Centre, Haltwhistle Post Office.

Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus & Other Bus ServicesFor up to date information on bus servicesalong Hadrian’s Wall, go to: www.visithadrianswall.co.ukOr contact the National Park Centre at Once Brewed on 01434 344396.

Greenlee Lough Walltown Bus Stop

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H E

Milecastle 39 and Crag Lough, Hadrian’s Wall

Wild Thyme

Sycamore Gap

Crag Lough & Hot Bank Farm

Sycamore Gap

HADRIAN’S WALL

HADRIAN’S WALL

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Permissive Parking forwalk to Greenlee Lough


NORTH TYNE & REDESDALE NORTH TYNE & REDESDALE

FALSTONE STELL

Postcode: NE48 2DF T: 01434 220616

www.bellingham-heritage.org.uk

The award winning Heritage Centre, also a Tourist Information Centre, is alively local museum with fascinating collections. There are displays on theBorder Reivers, farming and mining ofthe area, and the now defunct BorderCounties railway. Hands on displaysmake this a worthwhile stop! The oldphotographic workshop of local lad Walter Percy Collier (1875-1937) has been recreated too.

Whilst here treat yourself to a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Railway Carriage Tea Room.

There’s a wonderful charm about the valleys up in the North Tyne between Kielder and Bellingham.Here, conservation of wildlife and timber production go hand in hand. Large forests provide rare red squirrels with a secure home. You may even catch a glimpse of otters in rivers or salmon leaping. Scattered through untamed landscape, once home to notorious Border Reiver clans, areruined castles and historic bastles (fortified farmsteads).

Discover the ruins of a Roman Fort at High Rochester or the Percy Cross commemorating thefierce 14th century Anglo-Scottish battle at Otterburn. Close by is the Otterburn Ranges, a vast Ministry of Defence Training Area, open to the public for walking and cycling.

Look around Bellingham, a historic market town on the Pennine Way National Trail and discover Hareshaw Linn, a beautiful waterfall and great place for family walks. Head up the valley, calling in at Tarset, Greenhaugh and Falstone, where you’ll find great pubs and tearooms. Or spend the day at Kielder Water & Forest Park, northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, followed by an evening visit to Kielder Observatory to see our wonderful dark skies.

Falstone BorderShepherd’s Show

23 August

Hareshaw Linn

Walking up to Hareshaw Linn

Falstone Play Park

Byrness Church

Red Squirrel

Percy Cross

Start: Falstone Old school Tea Room NE48 1AA

OS GR: NY 723 874 Distance: 3/4 Mile (1.2km) Time: 1/2 hour Grade: Easy

A short walk suitable for families along the River North Tyne.

With the Old School Tea Room on your right walk along the road pastthe car park, Church and Village Hall to the bend in the road by thetennis courts. Take the footpath on the left signed ‘Riverside Walk’. The footpath follows the River North Tyne downstream to ‘Stell’.Artist Colin Wilbourn worked with local people to create this quirky,innovative sculpture. Continue following the path alongside the river to the stone bridge. Bear left and go up the field and through a wicket gate. Follow the path to the road and head back up to the Falstone Old School Tea Room.

River North Tyne at Falstone and Stell

THE HERITAGE CENTRE - BELLINGHAM


Start from the Holly Bush Inn andturn left, up the road to GreenhaughFirst School. Keep following theroad, and at the junction take theleft and continue along the lane.

Cross the bridge over the TarsetBurn, and at the junction turn left.Continue along the lane and past St Aidan’s Church at Thorneyburn,on your left.

Just before Thorneyburn Lodgeclimb over the stile on your leftand walk down across the opengrazing land to the bottom of thefield (it may be quite muddy inplaces and there may be sheep or cattle here).

Cross over the stile and walkthrough the wooded dene toBoughthill Farm.

A

At Boughthill Farm, turn leftand walk down the farm trackto the bridge, cross over, andwalk up past Greenhaugh Hallto the road. There are lovelyhay meadows here in May andJune, full of wild flowers.

At the road, turn left andwalk back into the village.

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WALK: GREENHAUGH MEADOW

Time: 1 - 1.5 hours Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) Grade: Moderate Map: OS Explorer OL 42 1:25000 Kielder Water

Start: Outside the Holly Bush InnNE48 1PW OS GR: NY 795 872

Description: A walk suitable forfamilies around the picturesquevillage of Greenhaugh with viewsacross the Tarset Valley

Terrain: Footpaths and tracks,may be muddy in places



Please keep dogs on a lead - this is agricultural land - and follow the Countryside Code


Best time to see the

hay meadow is

from May

to July

Black Middens Bastle

CYCLE: GREENHAUGH AND BLACK MIDDENS BASTLE

Time: 2 hours Distance: 11.5 miles (18.25 km) Grade: Moderate Map: OS Explorer OL 42 1:25000 Kielder Water

START: Outside the Holly BushInn NE48 1PW OS GR: NY 795 872

Description: A delightful half daybike ride exploring remote lanes,with dramatic views, some hills!

Bike: Mountain bike or hybrids

Local Services: Falstone andBellingham

Cycle Hire/Repair: Bellingham

Equipment: Take waterproofs,warm clothing, food and drink.Spares - puncture repair kit orspare inner tube and bike lock

Start from the Holly Bush Innand turn left, up the road to Green-haugh First School. Keep on road.

At the junction turn right, sign-posted ‘Black Middens/Highgreen’.

At the crossroads turn left toBlack Middens Bastle. Stop andlook around - it is very peacefulhere! Bastles are ‘fortified farmhousesbuilt in the 16/17th centuries to with-stand the frequent cross border raids.

Retrace your route back alongthe road to the crossroads atpoint 3, and go straight over.

Keep going straight on up the hill towards Highgreen.

At the T-junction turn right,signed ‘Garretshiels’ but immedi-ately look out for a right sign to‘Sundaysight’.

Take the right to Sundaysight. (Don’t panic, this is a road! Fromhere there are wonderful views andan exhilarating sense of wilderness).Go through the gates and pastSundaysight Farm.

At the T-junction turn right,signed ‘Greenhaugh’. Take carehere, especially with young cyclists on this road. This is alovely long downhill stretch withswitchbacks.

At the T-junction turn right,back into Greenhaugh and thecar park.

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The River Coquet near Barrowburn

Coquetdale has a rich cultural heritage of music, castles, magnificent houses and historic churches.Throughout the summer, you can enjoy a succession of community agricultural shows, held in thepicturesque towns and villages in Coquetdale and throughout the National Park.

For some of the region’s very best hay meadows, rich in wildflowers, head further up the valley towards Barrowburn in Upper Coquetdale. Descend back down, following the River Coquet,through Alwinton, from where lots of high hills walks start and the annual Border Shepherd’sShow takes place in October. Then head on to Harbottle with its 12th century Castle ruins andthe mythical Drake Stone. And on to Holystone and the Lady’s Well, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.Close by, the 17th century Woodhouses Bastle (fortified farmstead) nestles in the hill side.

Just east of the Simonside Hills lies the small vibrant town of Rothbury sitting on the banksof the River Coquet. Here, amongst this bustling community, you’ll discover an area stilldeeply rooted in traditions that have shaped a way of life here for centuries.

OS GR: NT 966 003

A short walk through the field takes you to this historic bastle (fortified farmhouse),dating from the early 17th century, withVictorian modifications. Situated in theparkland of Holystone Grange there arelovely views over to the Simonside Hills.

THE SIMONSIDE HILLS

Harbottle Drake Stone

Start at: Simonside - Forestry Commission Car Park OS GR: NZ 037 997

Description: Woodland/forest walk up to the top of Simonside 1411ft (430m)

Time: 2.30 - 3 hours Length: 4.2 miles (6.7 km) Grade: Strenuous

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/thingstodo/walking/rangersfavouritewalks

No visit to Rothbury and Coquetdale is complete without a walk in The Simonside Hills - the distinctive ridge that stands guard over the town, and from which there are stunning viewsover the Coquet Valley to the Cheviot Hills and the coast. A wonderful place for a picnic too.Nearby are Lordenshaws ‘cup and rings’ rock art - ancient stone carvings, a true mystery.

Ravens Heugh

Tosson HillThe Beacon

Dove Crag

Old Stell Crag

Lordenshaws

COQUETDALE COQUETDALE

SIMONSIDE

The Simonside Hills

WOODHOUSES BASTLE

Otter

‘Cup and Ring’ rock art

Alwinton Border Shepherd’s Show

scan for the

walk route

Alwinton Border Shepherd’s Show

11 October


Start: Slyme Foot - Park carefullyon the grass near the bridge atthe fork in the road OS GR: NT 860 115

Nearest Public Toilets: Alwinton

Description: A strenuous hill walkin Upper Coquetdale, one of themost dramatic landscapes in theNational Park, following an olddrovers’ route ‘The Street’ up toWindy Gyle and Russell’s Cairnon the Scottish Border.

Terrain: Road, tracks and footpaths


You will need: Sturdy footwear,waterproofs and refreshments

Please keep dogs on a lead andfollow the Countryside Code


WALK: THE STREET & WINDY GYLE

Time: 4 1/2 hours Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5 km) Grade: Strenuous Map: OS Explorer OL 16 1:25000 The Cheviot Hills

COQUETDALE

Pick up a leaflet from our local Information Points or download: www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/MicroSite/DIO/Ourpublications/DTE/Otterburn OpenAccessMap.htm

OTTERBURN RANGES

As one of England’s remotest upland areas, Otterburn Ranges - Military Training Area - offers walkers and cyclists miles of tranquilwalks and rides in some breathtaking scenery. The landscape is rich in history, folklore and wildlife, even with its own wild goats and rareblack grouse. Firing Notices are published fortnightly in advance and posted in ourNational Park Centre, local Post Offices and local Information Points.

There are two zones where different access arrangements apply:The Open Access Area: Visitors are free to explore this area any day of the year.The Controlled Access Area: When RED flags are flying on the perimeter of this area, the roads are CLOSED to visitors - training with live ammunition is taking place. On non-firing days, (no red flags flying), you can drive, ride or walk along the dedicated paths and bridleways.

PLEASE - Obey all signs and red flags.If in any doubt about access please contact Range Control: 0191 2394261

Cross the bridge, and bearright through the gate signed ‘Border Ridge’, and climb steeplyuphill. Continue on through thenext gate, following the path as itbears round to the right keepingthe fence on your left. On passingthrough the next gate the fence is now on your right.

Once through the gate followthe grassy track to the right as itbears around Hindside Knowe.Continue on keeping the fence on your right.

Keep along the well used trackas it skirts Swineside Law before itclimbs steeply up Black Braes.

At the junction leave The Streetand branch right, signed ‘WindyGyle’, to follow another track acrossrough ground. After descending,then climbing steeply, you reachthe Border fence. Keeping thefence on your left continue on.

At the junction of paths, bearright to follow the broad greentrack along the grassy ridge, keepingthe wooded valley of the WardlawBurn on the far left.

Bear right downhill, you arenow looking down to the TrowsBurn, pass through the gate andcontinue on down the grassy track.

Go through the gate, cross the footbridge and turn rightalong the road, passing the Trowsand Rowhope back to Slyme Foot.

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On leaving the cairn followthe path signed Coquet Valley, gothrough the gate and follow thewell defined route downhill.

Usway Burn at Davidsons Linn

Russell’s Cairn

Red flag flying, Upper Coquetdale

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View from Hindside Knowe

Russell’s Cairn

Slyme Foot


LinhopeSpout

THE CHEVIOTS THE CHEVIOTS

OUTDOOR - WOOLER

Linhope SpoutRiver Breamish near Ingram

Eruptions of lava, then 400 million years of ice, wind and rain has left many rounded hills along the Cheviot ridge, now criss-crossed with bridleways and footpaths, enabling mountain bikers and walkers to follow the routes of ancient cattle drovers. The distinctive whale-backed shape of Cheviot is quite flat on top covered with peat bog, up to 2 metres thick, and at 2,674 feet (815 metres), it is the highest point in Northumberland.

Just beyond the bustling town of Wooler, don’t miss a walk up Yeavering Bell (‘hill of the goats’) a great twin peaked hill with massive Iron Age stone fortifications where you will have stunningviews over to the coast and Scotland. Below its towering presence is Ad Gefrin, the site of thefirst Royal Centre of Anglo Saxon Northumbria. Further on, walk up to Hethpool, in the CollegeValley, to experience the tranquillity of an ancient landscape with just a single track road windingthrough the hills. At the base of Great Hetha, look for the remains of an ancient henge, while thehills above show traces of cultivation terraces from the Bronze Age. Hillforts, such as Ring Chesters,were built during this period, probably on top of earlier settlements.

The Breamish Valley is one of the most popular destinations in The Cheviots, offering both river-side picnic spots, where kids can paddle safely, or a range of more strenuous walks into the hills to view some of the best preserved hillfort archaeological sites in the UK. Many walk up to thelovely waterfall at nearby Linhope Spout.

Glendale ShowMonday

25 August

Glendale Show

Wooler Outdoor WeekThursday 22nd - Sunday 25th MayFour days of adventure, outdoor learning and most of all… FUN! www.wooleroutdoorweek.com

The Cheviots from Kilham Hill

Adder

Cycling around WoolerThere are 7 cycling routes radiating out of Wooler, taking youfrom heather moorland to fertile agricultural plains and sweepingcoastal views, through pretty villages and past isolated farmsteads.Travelling on two wheels is the ideal way to see this area.www.wooler.org.uk/cycling/373-wooler-cycle-hub


From the car park turn left andfollow valley road to CuddystoneHall. At the Hall take the left handfork in the road. Cross SutherlandBridge and continue up the roadfor a short distance.

Turn left at corner of the fenceand go through the wicket gate,signed ‘Hethpool Mill’. Follow thegrassy track uphill, passing througha gate. Just before the second gateleave the track and bear left downthrough the trees. Continue on thepath along the hillside, keeping thefence on your right.

Keep to the path as it headsdownhill, cross the burn and upthe other side. Continue alongthe path, following the fence line.

Make your way downhill, crossthe burn and follow the path uphill,(quite a steep climb), to the wicketgate ahead.

Go through the gate, followpath down through the tree’s. Atthe bottom of the bank follow thepath along the riverside to thewicket gates ahead. Pass throughthe gap in the fence to the left ofthe gates. Continue on along thehaughland keeping to the grassytrack through the gorse.

At the corner of the wall/ fencego through the field gate and turnleft up the grassy bank. At the topof the bank turn left through thewicket gate and continue throughthe recently planted area. Followthe path down the steps throughthe trees and continue walkingalong the valley bottom.

Cross the stile and follow thepath through the field.

On joining the track turn left,and follow this road over the College Burn back to Hethpooland the car park.

THE CHEVIOTS

WALK: COLLEGE VALLEY AND COLLEGE BURN

Time: 2 hours 30 mins Distance: 4.75 miles (7.65 km) Grade: Moderate Map: OS OL 16 1:25000 The Cheviot Hills

Start: Hethpool - National ParkCar Park OS GR: NT 893 280

Local Services: Wooler, Milfield

Nearest National Park Information Point: Milfield

Description: A great new routewhich introduces the walker tothe tranquil College Valley, anarea rich in history and wildlife

Terrain: Road, tracks, footpaths,some steep inclines



Wildlife: College Burn, runningthrough the College Valley, is part of the Tweed catchmentand is an important burn for migratory fish - salmon and seatrout, as well as resident browntrout and brook lamprey. Heron,dipper, common sandpiper, and greyand pied wagtail are all birds oftenseen along the burn. Alder is foundgrowing along the rivers edge andwillow in wet areas. Look out foradder, with their distinctive zig-zagmarkings, often basking in the sunon rocks or in the bracken. Theyare harmless if left alone. TheWild Cheviot Goats can usually be seen (and smelled) on thehillside near Hethpool Mill.

Please keep dogs under controland follow the Countryside Code

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Cuddystone Hall

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If you liked this walk

then try ‘The Cochrane

Pike Walk’ next...

T: 01665 578120

Muddy Boots Cafe and Gift Shop isa National Park Information Pointtoo. Call in for a cup of tea andhomemade pie after a walk, or anice cream and paddle in the river.

Branton Conservation Pond and Bird HideBranton, near Powburn (OS Grid Ref: NU 046 163)The bird hide on this conservation pond looks out over what was a sand and gravel extraction site. It has been reclaimed for the benefitof waders, waterfowl and other birds and wildlife. Worth a visit.

College Burn

Hethpool

Wild Cheviot Goat

War Memorial

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No Vehicles beyond this point



Branton Bird Hide


Frogs lay thousands of eggs in clumps(frogspawn), whilst toads lay eggs inlong ribbons. Look in ponds and lakessuch as Walltown Pond. Only a smallnumber will survive to become frogs.Most of the eggs will be eaten bybirds, fish, newts and dragonflies!

WILDLIFE WATCH

Ravens start nesting early and can beseen around the Simonside area, in the Cheviots, the College Valley andHadrian’s Wall. They are the biggestmember of the crow family, and nest on rocky crags.

Mad March hares can be seen ‘boxing’as the females fight off and weigh upmales prior to mating. Look on moorsand farmland, especially near YeaveringBell and Kirknewton in the Cheviots.

RavenFrog and frogspawn

Heather burning, College Valley

A More Accessible ParkThough the National Park is wild and the terrain can be rough,there are some fine viewpoints and picnic sites for people withwalking difficulties. These include:

HADRIAN’S WALLWalltown County Park & Refreshment Kiosk

Steel Rigg Car Park easy-access path to Hadrian’s Wall itself

Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site & Picnic Site

COQUETDALEElsdon - Village Green & Tea Rooms

Rothbury - River Coquet easy-access riverside walk & Picnic Site

THE CHEVIOTSIngram - Breamish Valley Picnic Sites beside the river & Tea Room

Hadrian’s Wall Farmers Market At Greenhead Village Hall10am - 2pmLocal food and crafts, every second Sunday of the month.www.hadrianswallfarmersmarket.co.uk

Log on to our website forevents throughout the yearwww.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/whatson/eventhighlights/events-calendarLook on Facebook and Twitter And visit:www.visitnorthumberland.com

FARMINGFOCUS

Hare

Did you know?

Controlled burning is a technique used to manage upland habitats. It keeps a mosaic of different

ages of heather, which improves its valuefor some wildlife such as red grouse andgolden plover.

In March, before ground nesting birds return, farmers and land managers willset fire to the heather to improve thehabitat and make way for new growth.If you see the land on fire, stay awaybut don’t be alarmed!

The Spring Equinox is on the 20th March, when the Sun moves from the southern to the northern half of the sky. Day and night are of equal length.

MARCH

Ingram Bridge

Yeavering Bell


Bats come out at night now its spring

HISTORY FOCUS

Bastles in Reiver CountryBastles, fortified farmhouses of the 16th/17th century, are unique features of the Northumbrian landscape. Explore a range of well preserved structures along the Tarset Bastle Trail in the National Park.www.tarset.co.uk/visiting/bastletrail.cfm

Hillforts in the Cheviots The Cheviot Hills are rich in evidence of activity from the late Stone Age onwards with an amazing concentration of very impressive and mysterious Iron Age hill-forts. Yeavering Bell, just north of Wooler is one that is well worth walking up to.

Early Bumblebees are beginning

to buzzzz around

Heavens Above!

E ve n t s MARCH 2014


WILDLIFE WATCH

Wood anemone, one of theearliest woodland flowers carpets forest floors. Woodsorrel, with its bright greentrefoil leaves grows in smalldelicate groups. HareshawLinn and Harbottle woods.

E ve n t s APRIL 2014

Migrant birds such as warblersand waders will be arriving now and are in full voice. Tree pipit, redstart, and willowwarbler can be seen in wood-land, look along the banks of the Otter Burn.

If you're lucky you may seeshy roe deer with fawns inconifer forests in areas suchas Wark, Harwood, Falstoneand Simonside.

Willow Warbler

BlackthornWood Anemone

APRILWhinchat Redstart

Wood Sorrel

Hawthorn

Ceilidh Saturday 5 April 7.30pmCeilidh in aid of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Teamwith Whistling Sheep Ceilidh Band.Ticket costs £16 includes supper. AtPonteland Memorial Hall. T: 01670 730550

Berwick Walking FestivalSaturday 5 - Monday 7 AprilWalks for all abilities. www.berwickwalking.co.uk

British Heart Foundation Hadrian's Hike Sunday April 27Charity Event - Start at Housesteads.E: [email protected]

Haltwhistle Spring Walking FestivalSaturday 26 April - Monday 5 MayWalks from 4 - 15 miles, for all abilities.www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org

Orange-tip butterfly are

fluttering by

Mars is opposite the Sun on the 8th April so it will be visible all night and at its highest, due south, around 01:00 BST.

The Lyrids Meteor Shower on the 22nd and 23rd April is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

Bike Ride to the Stars Event Saturday 26 April

Starting from: Newcastle Quayside Ending at: Once Brewed, National Park Centre (Hadrian’s Wall)

A bike ride from Newcastle Quayside ending up at the National Park Centre, Once Brewedfor a presentation on the sky at night, followed by night sky observations (weather permitting).www.thecyclehub.org/uncategorized/ride-to-the-stars-to-infinity-and-beyond/ Sycamore Gap

Hawthorn blossom, often called ‘May’ and

blackthorn (sloe) blossom is all out now in hedgerows.

Red squirrels are scampering around the woodlands

Roe Deer

FARMINGFOCUS

Black Grouse

Lambing gets underway for the hill farms.On farms which have intakes or inbye ground (lower level, higher quality land close to the farms) the ewes are broughtin off the open hill to make lambing easier. Ewes continue to be fed with supplements, and some farms may feed root crops such as turnips or sugar beet. Please do keepyour dogs under control at this sensitive time - thank you.

Did you know? Staff and volunteers will be rising early and counting black

grouse during April. They’ll be listening out for a bubbling sound coming from the male black grouse, in order to

identify ‘leks’ - where the males gather and try to out-displayeach other to impress the females. Our team will be contributing to a national survey which aims to work out how many of these rare birds there are left across northernEngland. If you spot a black grouse, take a photo and upload it to our Facebook page telling us where it was.

Heavens Above!



WILDLIFE WATCH

In woodlands bluebell, primroseand ramson (wild garlic) comeinto bloom and can be seenaround Harbottle and atHareshaw Linn. You may smellthe garlic before you see it!

Curlew are on moorland and rough pasture. They begin nesting on the ground within grassy tussocks.

E ve n t s MAY 2014

MAY

Sundew

Bluebell

Primrose

Ramson

Curlew

Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower on the 5-6th May. The Eta Aquarids is an average shower, capable of producing up 30 meteors per hour at its peak in the northern hemisphere.

Best time to view Saturn this year will be on the 10th May. It lies due south at 01:00 BST. Best location is at Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site on Hadrian'sWall after midnight.

Cotton Grass

FARMINGFOCUS

Lambing continues for the first part of May. Ewes with one lamb are often turned straight back to the hill whilst those with twins will be kept on the better grass of the inbye until the grass starts growing on the higher ground. Fields that are to be cut for hay or silage are cleared of stock (or ‘shut-up’).

Cattle that have been housed over winter are turned out to grass. Cows that have spring calves will be very protective of their offspring, so please keep away from them and do not take dogs in fields with cattle. Curlew

chick

New Star Gazing Spot - Stonehaugh and Warksburn Residents of Stonehaugh, a village near Wark, havebeen working with students from Newcastle Universityto build a new star gazing pavilion. The circular woodenstructure is situated in the centre of the village and can also be used for observing wildlife.

Curlew chicks

lie low in the grass

Cawfields

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Emperor Moth

Listen to the sounds of Holystone Wood at dawn: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/understanding/wildlifehabitats/soundsofnorthumberlandnationalpark

Listen out for the wonderful

dawn chorus early morning

Festival of the Heavy Horse At Milfield - Sunday May 4Showcase driving, riding + traditional skills.www.heavyhorsefestival.co.uk

Rothbury’s Food & Craft FestivalBank Holiday Monday 5 MayA great day out for all the family, withfood and craft stalls + much more.www.rothburyfoodandcraftfestival.co.uk

Music at Alwinton ChurchClassical music concerts in May & June.Sunday 11 May 3.00pmSaturday 31 May 7.30pmSaturday 21 June 7.30pmwww.alwintonconcerts.org

Wooler Wheel Borderlands 170 Cycling SportiveSaturday 17 MayBritish cycling-affiliated sportive (170km)and a British junior sportive ride (30km),ideal for children. All juniors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.www.woolerwheel.com

Stonehaugh

Cotton grass - the white seed heads cover wet areas at this time of year, providing

food for birds and insects.Look out for Sundew, it liveson bogs and eats insects bytrapping them on its leaves!

Yay! Some of my tadpoles

are now frogs

Emperor moth can be seen flying low and fast in the day-time. The eye spots on theirwings confuse predators.Dragonflies and damselflieshave started to emerge, lookon Walltown pond.

Heavens Above!


E ve n t s JUNE 2014

WILDLIFE WATCH

Hay meadows are at their best in June and can be seen in theNorth Tyne Valley and Upper Coquetdale. Traditionally managedby farmers to provide a crop to feed their animals, thesemeadows have developed into a haven for wild flowers suchas meadow cranesbill, yellow rattle, pignut and buttercup.

Lots of birds can be seen in the meadows and on themoors at this time of yearsuch as lapwing, skylark, swiftswallow and house martin.

Chimney sweeper moth and thebrightly coloured burnet mothlove hay meadows. Bumblebees like the white-tailed bumblebee are busy pollinating plants too.

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/whatson/eventhighlights/events-calendar

Haydon 100 Cycling SportiveSaturday 7 JuneThe route goes up to Hadrian’s Walland over to the North Pennines. (100km & 60km) - Need to book.www.haydonhundred.co.uk

Roman Wall ShowSaturday 14 JuneTraditional sheep show and fell race - Hadrian's Wall, near Twice Brewed Inn.

Lapwing

Virgin Money CycloneThursday 19 – Sunday 22 JuneOne of the biggest cycling festivals inthe UK, including the Women’s CurlewCup, sponsored by Northumberland National Park.www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk

Rothbury Walking FestivalSaturday 21 - Saturday 28 JuneWalks in and around Rothbury -something for everybody.www.rothburywalking.co.uk

Look out for the conjunction of the Moon and Mars on the7th June, when the Moon passesvery close to Mars in the eveningsky. Look for both objects in thewestern sky just after sunset. Bothwill be visible for about 6 hours.

The June Solstice occurs on the 21st June when the NorthPole of the earth will be tilted furthest towards the Sun.This is the first day of summer (Summer Solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere.

Linhope Spout

White-tailed bumblebee

zip around the

hay meadows

Upper Coquetdale hay meadow

Mountain Bumblebee on KnapweedJUNE

SwallowChimney Sweeper Moth

Burnet Moth

Skylark

Listen to the sounds of Greenhaugh hay meadow: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/understanding/wildlifehabitats/soundsofnorthumberlandnationalpark

Heavens Above!

Did you know? From June some of the cows in the Cheviots will be wearing collars fitted with GPS devices. This means we can track them wherever they go.

Why? I hear you say. We want to know how they behave in bad weather and where they go when the sun shines. This informs how the farmers look after them.

FARMINGFOCUS

College Valley cows with their tracking devices


WILDLIFE WATCH

Bog plants such as bog rose-mary, bog asphodel, cranberryand the insect eating sundewcan be seen on the BorderMires, on blanket bog in theCheviots and Simonside Hills.

Large heath butterfly are on bog plants such as bog asphodel, look out for them on the Border Mires, in theCheviots and the SimonsideHills too.

Common blue damselfly canbe seen over slow movingwater at Walltown pond,Branton pond and Greenlee

Lough.

Roadside verges are in bloomeverywhere now. Look out formeadow cranesbill, scabious andbetony. Hay meadows are stillflowering in Upper Coquetdale.Bumblebees are still busy.

E ve n t s JULY 2014

JULY

Sundew

Bog Rosemary

Large Heath Butterfly onBog Asphodel

Bog Asphodel

Brinkburn Music FestivalFriday 4 - Sunday 6 Julywww.brinkburnmusic.org

Haltwhistle Challenge WalkSaturday 5 Julywww.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org

Music at Alwinton ChurchThe Alistair Anderson BandSaturday 12 July 7.30pmwww.alwintonconcerts.org

Rothbury Traditional Music FestivalFriday 18 - Sunday 20 JulyA small friendly community basedmusic festival.www.rothburymusicfestival.co.uk

Glendale Festival Bike RideSaturday 19 JulyFree guided family bike ride, 13 miles.Children must be accompanied by anadult. www.woolerwheel.com

Glendale Festival at WoolerSunday 20 JulyStreet music and performance.www.wooler.org.uk

Festival of British ArchaeologySaturday 12 - Sunday 27 JulyGet hands on with history with this annual celebration of archaeology.Choose from excavation open days,behind-the-scenes tours and work-shops, guided walks, talks and findsidentification, family fun days, and more. www.new.archaeologyuk.org/events/festival-of-archaeology

Coquetdale Community Archaeology (CCA)Thursday 17 - Sunday 27 July(rest day Tuesday 22 July)CCA return to their excavation of a medieval fulling mill at Barrownburnin Upper Coquetdale.www.facebook.com/pages/Coquetdale-Community-Archaeology/239819912702826

National Parks WeekMonday 28 July - Sunday 3 AugustGet outdoors and active in ourbeautiful National Park. Lots of eventsfor all - at Walltown near Greenhead.www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Rare Noctilucent Clouds (electricblue clouds at night) might be seena couple of hours after sunset lowin the northwest, or a couple ofhours before sunrise low in thenortheast.

The low Full Moon will appearhuge when close to the horizon on the 12th July.

Look out for Dark Sky Events atKielder Observatory throughout the yearwww.kielderobservatory.org


White-tailed bumblebee on Scabious

Hedgehogs are snuffling

2014

© Don B Stevenson Alamy

Common Blue Damselfly

Butterflies

are fluttering!

Heavens Above!


FARMINGFOCUS

2014

Some

activities

FREE

Young people are at the heart of the local communities living in and around theNorthumberland National Park. Our Young Volunteer Programme aims to provide young people with opportunities to experience, enjoy and be involved in the work of the National Park Rangers. We run the John Muir Award alongside our Volunteer Programme, which means that young people can gain a nationallyrecognised award as they volunteer.

For further information contact Margaret Anderson T: 01434 344485

Clipping of the adult sheep is completed. While sheep are in the pens they will be treated for internal and external parasites. They will often also have a pedicure to keep their feet healthy.

If the weather is good, hay and silage will be cut and baled or stored in a silage clamp where the grass is pickled to preserve it for winter feed. Bracken may be cut or sprayed to control its spread.

Age 16 - 18?

At Walltown

National Parks WeekMonday 28 July to Sunday 3 August

outdoor activities for all the family

For more information T: 01434 344396

Geocache Trail & Bushcraft Adventure Activities

Have a go at Archaeology

Zip Wire

Climbing

Archery

Water Activities

Guided Walks

And much more... ! www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/whatson/eventhighlights/events-calendar



E ve n t s AUGUST 2014

WILDLIFE WATCH

Heather is in bloom turningthe moors a lovely shade ofpurple. There are three typesin the National Park: calluna(ling), cross-leaved heath and

bell heather.

Heathery areas are alsohome to red grouse, whichcan be found in areas such asSimonside and the Cheviots.Listen out for their distinct ‘go-back, go-back’ call.

Mountain bumblebee can bespotted on moorland inamongst the heather and inadjoining fields, hunting outpollen. Look out for theirdistinct red/orange bottoms!

Bats are active at dawn anddusk all over the National Park,particularly near water or whenthey emerge from buildings. Ifyou are being bitten by midges,remember that one bat caneat thousands of them in anevening, so they are well worthcheering about!

Cross-leaved Heath and Bell Heather Red Grouse in Heather

AUGUSTPipistrelle Bat

Look out for Perseids MeteorShower on the 12th August. It isone of the best meteor showerswith up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak!

The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of brightmeteors. Best viewing will be froma dark location like Cawfields DarkSky Discovery Site or on Simonsideafter midnight. Meteors will radiatefrom the constellation Perseus,but can appear anywhere in the sky.

FARMINGFOCUS

Did you know?Over summer we will usea heat detecting camera in the Simonside Hills tocheck for any uncontrolledwildfires that could burnon important landscapes and habitats.

Please be very careful inhot dry conditions andlook out for our fire warning signs in times ofextreme risk!

Mountain Bumblebee

Mountain Bumblebees are

buzzzzing in the heather

Badgers love woodland, sleeping during

the day and out and about at night

Lots of lovely juicy insects

are in the undergrowth mmmm

Kirknewton Show & SheepdogTrialsSunday 17 AugustTraditional village show.T: 01573 420614

Falstone Border Shepherd's ShowSaturday 23 August

Glendale Show at WoolerMonday 25 August (Bank Holiday)Bringing the town & country together! www.glendaleshow.com

Elsdon FeteMonday 25 August (Bank Holiday)www.elsdonvillagehall.org.uk

Bellingham ShowSaturday 30 Augustwww.bellinghamshow.co.uk

Kirknewton Walking WeekSunday 31 August - Friday 5 Sept Free guided walks, no need to book.www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Heavens Above!

© Don B Stevenson Alamy

Powburn Show & Sheepdog TrialsSaturday 2 Augustwww.powburnshow.com

College Valley ShowSunday 3 AugustTraditional show with dogs, sheepdogtrial, fun fell race. T: +44 01289 388484

Gilsland Agricultural ShowSunday 3 Augustwww.gilslandshow.co.uk

Simonside Country FairSunday 10 Augustwww.simonsidefair.co.uk

Kirknewton Archaeology FestivalFriday 15 - Sunday 17 AugustHistory and archaeology of the CheviotHills brought to life with free walks,talks and exhibition. Border Ballads Course Saturday 16 August Explore the rich heritage of Border Ballads surviving in song, poetry andprose. £10 Booking T: 01668 282123www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk


E ve n t s SEPTEMBER 2014

Red Squirrel can be seen throughoutwoodlands in the National Park, gathering food for the winter beforeresting in their dreys (nests). They areoften easier to see when there are no leaves on the trees.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Delicate blue harebell and yellow tormentil are flowering on grassy hills.Heather is still flowering on the moorsbut will come to an end this month.

Other plants are fruiting including blackberry in hedgerows and bilberryand cranberry on moorland and bogs. Many different types of fungi can beseen in woodland. Rowan with clustersof red berries is in woodlands.

Cranberry

BilberryBlackberryRed Squirrel

Tormentil

SEPTEMBER

Harebell

At this time of year, the Wild Cheviot Goats begin to rut. ‘Rutting’ is a term used to describe the mating period. During this season they try to mate with as many of the

females as possible. Baby goats, known as kids, are born five months later. They can

be seen around Yeavering Bell and the College Valley in the Cheviots.

Harvest Moon on the 9th September.

The September Equinox is on the 23rd September when the Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day Autumn.

Local Astronomical SocietiesThere are a number of local astronomical societies that run public star gazing eventsthroughout the year. Their members are often enthusiastic and keen to share theirknowledge and expertise with beginners and specialists alike. Keep an eye on thefollowing websites for details:www.newcastleastronomical.org.uk www.nastro.org.ukwww.kielderobservatory.org www.sunderlandastro.comwww.p3publications.com/New%20BAS/starternew.htm (The Border Astronomical Society)

Crammel Linn

Rowan

Things are hotting up for spiders

who are looking for lurv!

FARMINGFOCUS

33rd Cheviots ChallengeSaturday 6 September Start/Finish: Rose and Thistle Inn, Alwinton. A fund raising challengewalk in aid of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.www.nnpmrt.org

Harbottle ShowSaturday 6 SeptemberTraditional village show with sheep anddog classes, horticultural, industrial and children's exhibits, craft demonstrationsand Cumberland wrestling. www.harbottleshow.com

Heritage Open DaysThursday 11 - Sunday 14 September An opportunity to see buildings and archaeological sites not normally open to the public. Localexpert guides will revealthe hidden stories. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

BaafestAt Brownrigg near BellinghamThursday 11 - Sunday 14 SeptemberA musical treat with real ale bar.www.baafest.co.uk

Ingram ShowSaturday 13 SeptemberA small village agricultural show.www.ingrambreamishvalley.co.uk

Upper Redesdale Show at RochesterSaturday 27 September T: 01830 520717

Wild Cheviot Billy Goat

Wild Cheviot Goat and Kid

Heavens Above!


E ve n t s OCTOBER 2014

Haltwhistle Walking FestivalSaturday 11 – Sunday 19 OctoberGuided walks for people of all abilitiesclose to Hadrian’s Wall.www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org

WILDLIFE WATCH

Fungi continue to be presentin woodland. Waxcaps (waxytopped fungi) are found onunimproved grassland that isalso often rich in mosses suchas along Hadrian’s Wall.

Aspen Hazel

Rose Hips


Alwinton Border Shepherds ShowSaturday 11 OctoberLast traditional Sheep Show of the season. Fun for all the family.www.alwintonshow.co.uk

Wooler Wheel Classic sportive100 & 50 km routes Saturday 4 OctoberJoin in the cycling fun.www.woolerwheel.com

Oak with Acorn

Red Squirrel are hoarding nuts for winter

Look out for the bright yellow of aspen leaves, which makes it a good time of year to spot these uncommon native trees. Oak, hazel and elm display a variety of yellow, red and orangeleaves. Acorns and hazel nuts are ripening and rose hips andsloes (blackthorn berries) are in the hedges.

Crimson Waxcap

Fly Agaric

Migrant birds are arrivingand passing through theskies - look out particularlyfor skeins of greylag and

white frontedgeese.

Oak leaves turn

lovely colours

FARMINGFOCUS

At this time of year, the farmers are preparing to sell their animals. Lambs that are ‘fat’ go to slaughter, others

will be kept to replace the old ewes(an adult sheep). Additionally, the saleof rams or tups (male sheep) start totake place in Autumn.

Did you know?Waxcaps are our grassland gems andindicators of an ancient landscape untouched by fertiliser or plough thathas been grazed by both cattle andsheep. These waxy topped toadstoolscan be recognised by their jewel likebright colours - red, pink, white, orange,yellow and green, with names reflectingtheir colour - Ballerina, Parrot, Butter.

Sites in the North Tyne near Tarsetand along Hadrian's Wall have beensurveyed and found to be internation-ally important. We would love to hearfrom you if you spot any!

Look out for the Orionids MeteorShower that will peak on the 21st October. The Orionids is an averageshower producing up to 20 meteors per hour from dust grains left behindby Comet Halley. This will be a goodyear for the Orionids because therewill be no moon to interfere with the show. Best viewing will be from a darklocation after midnight like CawfieldsDark Sky Discovery Site. Meteors willradiate from the constellation Orion, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Cawfields Butter Waxcap

Waxcaps -

grassland gems

Blackening Waxcap

OCTOBERGreylag Geese

Sloes on Blackthorn

Heavens Above!

Ewes are gathered into the tupping fields. The sheep are often treatedfor liver fluke before the rams or tups (male sheep) are put out tomate with the ewes. You may see some tups wearing a harness or‘raddle’ contains a block of dye called keel which marks the backs ofany ewes that have been mated.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Salmon and sea trout are making their way up-streamto spawn and leaping at waterfalls. Good places to see them include theRiver Tyne, River Breamish, including Linhope Spout andCollege Valley at HethpoolLinn.

Hedgehogs are starting to hibernate as the weatherturns colder. Check yourbonfire or piles of leaves before you burn them toprotect these garden helperswho eat loads of slugs in thesummer!

Salmon Hedgehog

E ve n t s NOVEMBER 2014

Hadrian’s Wall Farmers MarketAt Greenhead Sunday 9 Novemberwww.hadrianswallfarmersmarket.co.uk

Ford Christmas MarketSunday 30 November 11am - 3.30pmA family day out with food, craft stalls and music. 9 miles north of Wooler.www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/events

Look out for the Leonids Meteor Shower on the 17th and 18th November. The Leonids is an average shower, producing an average of up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. Skies should be dark enough for a good show.

Best viewing will be from any dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Davidsons Linn

Heavens Above!

FARMINGFOCUS

Otters can be seen in therivers in NorthumberlandNational Park all year round,with a bit of patience. Lookout for signs such as otterfootprints in the snow at this time of year and ‘spraint’ (otter poo) on top of rocks in the river.

Otter

Otter tracks have 5 paw marks

Wood mice are very activestoring or 'caching' food tofeed them over the winter.They don't hibernate but keepwarm in nests of leaves, and

sometimes in bird boxes! They are most active at

dawn and dusk, avoid predators such as tawny owls.

NOVEMBERTawny Owl

Wood Mouse

Heron have very long toes!Garden snails

hibernate too

Did you know?It is a good time of year to do wetland work on a farm. For instance dig a new pond! Frogs and other amphibians need damp areas to live. During the summer, many ponds have dried up. Ponds help provide a breeding ground for lots of wildlife and are a great base for the start of the food chain. Upland waders, such as curlew, need insects from muddy areas to feed their chicks.

Curlew



Sheep are often given supplementary feed to keep them in goodcondition. If snow is lying hill sheep are fed hay. Hoggs (young ewelambs) have to be tagged.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Robin, the Christmas cardfavourite can be seen all overthe National Park at this timeof year. They eat insects andother invertebrates by foragingon the ground. When thereis snow please put out meal worms and suet in the garden.

Holly is one of the few nativetree and shrub species thatkeep their leaves all yearround. The berries are animportant food source at thistime of year for birds such asmistle thrush, redwing andfieldfare which come to theNational Park from furthernorth to find food and enjoyour warmer climate!

Grey partridge are native toBritain. Coveys (family groups)can be seen on the edges ofthe National Park at lower altitudes where there arehedges and field margins. More brightly coloured red-legged partridge were intro-duced as a game bird in the early twentieth century.

Huge flocks of starling are a real winter treat. Flyingaround in the sky at duskas a large black mass thatseems to create patterns inthe sky. Their chatter can bevery loud until eventually they drop down to roost.

Robin Redwing and Holly

Starling

Grey Partridge

Red-legged Partridge

DECEMBER

Look out for the Geminids Meteor Shower on the 13th and 14th December.Considered to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multi-coloured meteors per hour at its peak. It should be a good show with bestviewing from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

The December Solstice falls on the 21st December, when the South Pole of the earth is tilted furthest towards the Sun. This is the first day of winter(Winter Solstice).

Remember to ask your loved one for a telescope this Christmas!

Simonside looking towards Rothbury

FARMINGFOCUS

Robins are fluffed up to keep warm

Look out for our Dark Sky Eventswww.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Dippers don’t seem to feel the

cold, dipping in and out

of the river

Heavens Above!


A winner in Byrness

Cawfields

Forest View Walkers InnForest View is a small family run 3* Inn which provides a great welcome and exceptional service to visitors. Five milessouth of the Scottish border, it is an idealdestination for walking, cycling, relaxingand star gazing. www.forestviewbyrness.co.ukWinner of the Northumberland National Park‘Welcoming Park Award 2012’ and theNorthumberland National Park ‘ExceptionalVisitor Experience Award 2013’

WILDLIFE WATCH

Snowdrop - Sometimes calledCandlemas Bells because oftheir appearance aroundCandlemas (2nd Feb) theyare often found aroundchurchyards and priories.Most originate from plantedstock, but they may be nativein the south of England.Their leaves have hardenedends to help push throughfrozen ground.

January is the time whenbadger have their young -usually two or three cubswhich will not emerge

from the sett until spring.

Look out for wintering wildfowl on the loughs along Hadrian's Wall.Whooper swan, mute swan,wigeon, teal, tufted duck andgoldeneye can all be seen.

Snowdrop Badger

JANUARY and FEBRUARYWhooper Swan

Pregnant ewes may be scannedto see how many lambs theyare carrying so that they canbe fed appropriately and keptin the right groups at lambingtime.

Livestock continue to be fedas required. Lambs whichhave been gradually fatteningare sent to slaughter. Routinemaintenance jobs are done as weather and short dayspermit. Time for traditionalcrafts such as stick dressingready for summer Shows.

Stoats can be seen huntingrabbits and small mammals.You can tell them apart fromweasels by the black tasselon the end of their tail. Inwinter they can be partiallyor all white (in ‘ermine’), allexcept for their black tail tuft!

Look out for the Quadrantids Meteor Shower, with up to 40 meteors perhour at its peak. The shower runs annually from 1st - 5th January. Best locationis at Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site on Hadrian's Wall after midnight.

Jupiter is very bright this month – look ENE an hour after sunset.

New Moon is the best time to view faint objects such as galaxiesand star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

28 February 2014 Northern Lights near Yeavering Bell

FARMINGFOCUS

Male roe deer have

short antlers,

usually with

six points!

Wigeon

Ladybirds start to

wake up later in

the month

RANGERS... Out and About

When you are out and about you maybump in to one of our National ParkRangers or Voluntary Rangers, on duty.They can help with route planning,what the weather may hold in storeand local interests.

Northumberland National Park Rangerscan often be found working on foot-path or conservation projects even in

the worst of winter weather!

Repairs to the Pennine Way National Trail on Cheviot

Stoat

Heavens Above!


You can enjoy the beauty of the night sky on your own by following these simple steps:

Find a good place in the Dark Sky Park, away from street lights and built up areas to view the night sky. There are a number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites like Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall, with 24 hour toilets and car park facilities.

Wrap up warm - Stargazing involves a lot of standing or sitting around looking upwards. Take a foldable chair or deckchair to sit on for comfort.

Keep warm - Go out after a hot meal, ideally in a local hostelry nearby.Take a thermos with hot drinks and snack.

Use a simple star chart (planisphere) to guide you round the night sky. They can be easily downloaded from many astronomical websites: www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk

You don’t need an expensive telescope to go star gazing, a pair of 10 x 50 binoculars will show you the moons of Jupiter and the Andromeda Galaxy! Just letting your eyes get used to the darkness (in 20 minutes) will amaze you.

Take a red light torch. Red light does not affect your night vision, whereas white light will knock it for six!

REMEMBER - This is a tranquil area, so please be courteous tolocal residents, when out late at night. Thank You!


Heavens Above!It’s official! Northumberland has the darkest skies in England(CPRE), and in December 2013 the International Dark SkyAssociation granted Gold Tier International Dark SkyPark status to the combined areas of, all of NorthumberlandNational Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park.Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is thefirst of its kind in England and the largest in Europe.

Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is one of thebest destinations in England to see our dark skies, with aworld-class observatory at Kielder and a growing programmeof stargazing events to entice you.www.kielderobservatory.org

www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/whatson/eventhighlights/events-calendar

Be inspired. Look at our Award Winning ‘NorthumberlandNational Park by Night’ short film, which won a Royal Television Society Award for Best Promotional Film (NorthEast & The Border Region) this year!www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/thingstodo/stargazing/darkskiesvideo

Sycamore Gap, Hadrian’s Wall

Message from Ben Fogle, President of the Campaign for National Parks

"I am absolutely thrilledand honoured to be the President ofthe Campaign for National Parks. As akeen walker, adventurer and advocate ofthe countryside I believe that our workis vital for the continuing conservation ofour world class National Parks. Supportus from just £3 a month.” www.cnp.org.uk

What to do when you need assistance from Mountain Rescue Call the Police on 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue. If you are lost, stay where you are the Mountain Rescue Team will soon be out looking for you, even in the dark.

GOOD NATURE FUND

Would you like to make a donation toour Northumberland National ParkGood Nature Fund?

The Good Nature Fund supports conservationprojects in Northumberland National Park. This includes footpath maintenance work, volunteer projects and wildlife conservation.Thank you. www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/grantsandsupportgoodnaturefund

Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team

Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team is a volunteer organisation (Registered Charity No. 511313), providing an important life saving service, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

The team assists Northumbria Police Authority on search and rescue tasks. Their operational area is 2159 square miles, which includes the whole of North-umberland and the Tyne and Wear conurbations, as well as the National Park.

They also work closely on call outs with North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, HM Coastguard, and the Ambulance Service.

If you would like to help the Mountain Rescue Team by making a donation go to:www.nnpmrt.org

Before you adventure out

Always tell someone where you are going.

When you expect to be back.

Who to call if you have not returned in time.

Always carry these 10 essentials:

Compass & Map (know how to use them)

Whistle (to signal searchers if you are lost)

Torch (with spare batteries and bulb to signal searchers at night)

First Aid Kit

Warm Drink & Food

Wind & Waterproof Clothing

Hat & Gloves

Extra Warm Clothes

Emergency Rations

Emergency Shelter (large poly bag, big enough to get into)

Always carry the 10 essentials


Two of the Rescue team & Rescue dog on Simonside

Never ending experiences, everlasting memories...

Pass on your love of Northumberland National Park through a legacy

If you would like to discuss leaving a legacy to Northumberland National Park Authorityplease e-mail us on: [email protected]

YOUR legacy could help us:• Conserve the special qualities and habitats of Northumberland National Park.• Reach hundreds of children and young people through our youth engagement and

educational programmes.• Maintain access for people of all abilities to those special places in Northumberland

National Park.

The Sill will inspire countryside visitors...Plans for an exciting new National Landscape Discovery Centre along Hadrian’s Wall


Named after the Great Whin Sill, The Sill will replace the existing National Park Visitor Centre and Youth Hostel atOnce Brewed.

The £11.2 million project will create an emblematic newbuilding ‘inspired by the landscape and of the landscape’. The building design, launched at a public event in January has been shaped through extensive consultation with residents, businesses and tourists and has been subject to high-level architectural review. It reflects the undulatingcontours of the landscape surrounding the Great Whin Sill. It will characterise the distinctiveness of the landscape of theNational Park, incorporating whinstone alongside sandstonewalls. Its innovative accessible Whin grassland roof will be the first of its kind and will allow visitors panoramic viewsacross Hadrian’s Wall country, Northumberland and theNorth Pennines.

High quality visitor information including engaging exhibitions,extensive activity programme for all ages, excellent tourist information provision and cafe and shop selling locally-sourced goods will encourage more visitors to explore and discover the inspiring countryside of NorthumberlandNational Park from the dramatic heart of Hadrian’s WallWorld Heritage Site all the way up to the Cheviot Hills bordering Scotland. Activities will take place not just here but across and beyond the National Park, and will focus on its distinctive natural and historic landscape, incorporatingwildlife and star trails.

The development phase of the project was made possiblethrough funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund. The finalproject proposals are now awaiting planning consent and willbe submitted for Round 2 Heritage Lottery Funding during2014. Fingers crossed!

For more information visit: www.thesill.org.uk Facebook: The Sill Twitter : @thesillproject

Rediscover your active spirit in wild Northumberland!www.outdoorsnorthumberland.co.uk


B6401

WOOLER

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5 miles0

0 10 kilometres

Colt CragResr

Greenhead

Emergency Contact DetailsPolice, Fire & Ambulance Emergency T: 999

NHS Direct (24 hour helpline) T: 0845 4647

Hospitals with Accident & Emergency Berwick Infirmary T: 01289 356600Alnwick Infirmary T: 01665 626700Wansbeck (Ashington) T: 08448 118111Hexham General T: 08448 118111 Cumberland Infirmary (Carlisle) T: 01228 523444

Vets: www.any-uk-vet.co.uk

This publication is produced by Northumberland National Park Authority. Details are believed to be correct at the time of going to print (March 2014). All images and photographs are copyright and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Front cover: Group at Once Brewed © DEVE Photography. Wild Cheviot Goats © Will Nicholls. Kids at National Park Dark Sky Event © Mackenzie King. Crag Lough © David Taylor. Bat from the Embroidered Map. Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly © Joanna English.

Photographs ©: Paul Appleby, Roger Clegg/Northern Horizons, College Valley Estates, DEVE Photography, Falstone Strollers, Simon Fraser, Anthony Hope, Alasdair King, NNP Mountain Rescue Team, Brian Rogers, Cain Scrimgeour, Don B Stevenson/Alamy, David Taylor, Alex Telfer, Joan Thirlaway, NNP Voluntary Rangers & NNPA Staff.

Wildlife ©: Laurie Campbell, Peter Eeles, Shaun Hackett, EJ Steele, NE Wildlife, Will Nicholls.

Illustrations ©: Cathy Brett, Joanna English, Tony Hopkins and the Embroidered Map Group.Thanks to lots of children for their brilliant drawings of wildlife in Northumberland National Park.

Printed on woodfree silk paper. Please recycle.

Where we areThis publication includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and database right 2014. Ordnance Survey 100022521

Publisher: Northumberland National Park Authority, Eastburn, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1BS Tel: 01434 605555

WE AREHERE

U K N AT I O N A L PA R K S

CairngormsLoch Lomond & The Trossachs

Northumberland

North YorkMoors

Lake District

Yorkshire Dales

Peak District The

Broads

SouthDowns

NewForestDartmoor

Exmoor

Snowdonia

PembrokeshireCoast Brecon

Beacons

Map © 2014 Digital Vector Maps

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National Park Voluntary Ranger led Guided Walk start points

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nnp visitor guide 2014

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