ARE you feeling like you need to blow away those Christmas Day cobwebs?
Going on a walk during Twixmas - the term used to describe the period between Christmas and New Year - can be a great opportunity to reflect, meet up with friends and family outdoors, and think ahead to the New Year.
Northumberland National Park has compiled a list of five self-led walks you can enjoy this week:
Winshield Crags & Cawfields (Hadrian’s Wall)
This steady 6-mile route, starting from The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, is a moderate walk that will take you past some of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall. You’ll also be treated to fantastic views from the highest point on the Wall. Parking at The Sill is £2 (up to 2 hours), then £1 per hour thereafter (up to a maximum of £5.) You can pop in for a hot drink, sweet treat or light lunch at its Once Brewed café, explore its shop which supplies locally produced items and gifts, and venture through its exhibition spaces. The current temporary exhibition is The Lost Spells: Listening to a Landscape of Voices, which showcases artwork and words by Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane.
Breamish Valley Hillfort Trail (The Cheviots)
If you enjoy a hill walk, this one is for you! Starting from Bulby’s Wood car park, this 4.5-mile route is for those who are more used to walking in the countryside. The route will take you via five hillforts, and you’ll experience some of the most breathtaking views in the Breamish Valley. Before, or after your walk, visit Ingram Café which is just one mile away from the car park. Here you’ll be greeted by friendly faces, and you can relax while indulging in a homemade bake and a cuppa.
Falstone Circular (North Tyne and Redesdale)
The Falstone Circular is a short 2-mile route which will take approximately one hour to complete. The route takes you around dramatic riverbanks and an old railway line. Falstone Old School Tearooms is nearby, and welcomes walkers and cyclists, offering home-cooked food, tea and coffee, lunches and cakes.
Lordenshaws Loop (Coquetdale)
Starting from Lordenshaws Car Park, enjoy a lovely walk over Lordenshaws hillfort, with great views (on a clear day) over to the Cheviots. The 3-mile walk starts by visiting the impressive remains of an Iron Age hillfort built 2,000 years ago, followed by splendid views over Rothbury to the famous Armstrong Terraces and beyond to the Cheviots. You’ll also experience views of the Simonside ridge and discover some of the mysterious and extensive Cup and Ring markings. There are no facilities near this walk, but a short journey will take you to Rothbury which has a plentiful supply of cafes as well as toilet facilities.
Yeavering Bell (The Cheviots)
Yeavering Bell is a hill on the very edge of the Cheviot Hills, where on it lies the remains of the largest Iron Age hillfort in the region. It’s also home to wild goats that graze the area, which are frequently spotted. The 3.5-mile walk offers stunning views, where on a clear day you’ll be able to see for miles and miles. The hilltop is steep and very exposed, so in poorer weather, people are advised to be extra careful and go prepared.
Before heading out, Northumberland National Park has urged people to follow their winter guidelines:
- Check what the weather will be like and plan ahead
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you’ll be back
- Take food, a hot drink and warm clothing with you
- Make sure you have the right kit (torch, suitable shoes, blanket, waterproof, map, compass)
- Respect local communities, heritage and wildlife
- Keep dogs on leads, and clean up after them
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