EARLIER this year, Northumberland National Park staff and volunteers worked with the Google Trekker project to capture images of some of Northumberland’s most iconic spots, including Hadrian’s Wall, the Pennine Way and many more.

Visitors from all over the world can now see the national park from the comfort of their own home!

Since 2007, Google Maps has captured and released imagery of the world on ‘street view’, enabling people to see the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon, the Canadian Arctic and more via computer and mobile devices — all you need is an internet connection.

And now Northumberland National Park is another must-virtually-visit destination.

In January, Northumberland National Park was accepted on the Trekker Loan Program, allowing us to use Google’s Trekker equipment to collect views of remote and unique locations in Northumberland.

Throughout May, national park volunteers and staff captured stunning views of both Hadrian’s Wall and the Pennine Way. They also covered some of the national park rangers’ favourite walks including Hareshaw Linn and the Simonside Hills.

Google has now added the images to ‘street view’ in Google Maps as interactive 360° imagery that allows you to go on a self-guided tour of the landscape. This fabulous resource is freely available online for the world to enjoy.

The imagery is currently being embedded on the national park website to help illustrate walking trails and to let users explore habitats and conservation work.

We were thrilled to work with Google to allow more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of our landscape.

Thanks to this immerse online imagery you can now explore a section of the world famous Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, the Pennine Way and many other beautiful locations where we offer ranger-led walks and activities for the whole family.

TONY GATES

Chief executive,

Northumberland National Park Authority