Four bracing walks to shake off the winter blues

Ranger Kate’s favourite coastal walk - Craster to Low Newton
 

For a bracing and beautiful coastal walk, Northumberland is without compare.  Enjoy magnificent views and miles of sandy bay

“I love this coastal walk that takes you from one fishing village to another along some of the most scenic coastline in Northumberland.  If you time it right there are beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as visits from migrating birds.  It’s the perfect place to escape for some peace.”

Start: Craster, grid ref: NU258201

1. Start in Craster and walk towards Dunstanburgh Castle, passing Craster harbour. Craster used to be a busy fishing village, but now only a few boats moor in the harbour. No visit is complete without trying Craster's famous smoked kipper - L. Robson and Sons have been smoking fish here for nearly 100 years. The path takes you through farmland with the rocky shoreline to your right. It's worth looking in the sheltered rockpools for eider duck.
2. Pass the castle (or pop in - National Trust members can visit the castle for free). In summer, roosting swallows swirl overhead and amongst the ruined chambers and staircases.
3. After edging around the base of the castle, note the peculiar cliff formation to your right. The Greymare Rock was formed by volcanic pressure that folded the limestone. From April to August it's a breeding spot for kittiwake and fulmar.
4. Pass a golf course on your left and descend onto the beach. The concrete bunkers on the sand were built during the Second World War. Stroll to the far end of Embleton Bay and cross Embleton Burn as it trickles into the sea. If you haven't already - and if it's warm enough - you may want to take your shoes and socks off.
5. Look out for oystercatcher and other shore birds around the Emblestones as you approach the harbour at Newton Haven. Sometimes seals can be spotted basking at the far end of the rocks. Search for marine creatures such as sea anemones, limpets, crabs and starfish in the rockpools. There are also lots of seaweeds, like pink-coloured coralline, bladder, saw and knotted wracks.
6. Climb up from the beach to Low Newton's picturesque three-sided square. Take a break at the Ship Inn or head to the National Trust information place. Like Craster, Low Newton has a strong fishing heritage. The little square of cottages was built in the 19th century for local fishermen. Look north from the village to see a former Coastguard Station on top of the hill: it's now a National Trust holiday cottage. Continue inland via a track that starts behind the village square, cottages and boat park.
7. After 450yd (400m) walking next to sand dunes and through a little woodland, you reach two wildlife hides that face out over the waters at Newton Pool nature reserve. The smell of meadowsweet in summer is delightfully strong.
8. Continue on this path towards Dunstan Steads. Dunstanburgh's precipitous cliffs loom large again as you pass the golf course.
9. After the castle, climb up to your right on a higher-level track back to Craster.

End: Craster, grid ref: NU258201

Ranger Emily’s favourite walk at Wallington - Greenleighton Moor walk
 

The Greenleighton Moor walk is a challenging circular walk across moorland, around the shores of Fontburn Reservoir and past some of Wallington's oldest archaeology.

“There’s nothing better than a crisp walk on a frosty day, and on this one there’s so much to see along the way.  Whether you’re interested in wildlife, archaeology, geology, or just want to take in a beautiful views across the rugged moorland.  It's fantastic!”

Start: Greenleighton Quarry car park, grid ref: NZ035915

1. Follow the path up the hill, with the quarry on your right. At the top, go over the stile and bear to the left. You will go through a woodland area and then over the moorland.
2. The northern edge of the Greenleighton walk takes you past a steep sided valley known as Fallowlees Flush.
3. Once you reach the western edge of Fontburn Reservoir, the large mound of earth and stone is a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site.
4. As the reservoir appears on your left, look out for the cup and ring marked boulder on your right.
5. Carry on walking along the southern edge of the reservoir.
6. Before coming to the end of the reservoir, turn right back down over fields and across the moorland.

End: Greenleighton Quarry car park, grid ref: NZ035915

Head Ranger Duncan’s favourite Cragside walk - Gun walk at Cragside
 

A challenging 3-mile stroll through the heart of Cragside taking in some of the estate's most stunning highlights. Follow the red waymark discs.

“Winter walks at Cragside offer stunning scenic views and beautiful reflections in lakes.  I love walking through the towering conifers on the Gun Walk which takes you through the heart of Lord Armstrong’s estate.  Look out for wildlife including robins and roe deer.”

Start: House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021

1. Beginning at the house forecourt, walk a short distance along the Estate Drive until you reach a path on the left, signposted to Cragend. Climb the stone steps, bearing right at the top, towards Cragend. Follow the path towards Cragend until you come to a crossroads.
2. Continue straight ahead towards the Gun Walk and Cragend. Large crags line the path as you continue straight on through the next three junctions, following the signposts for Cragend Quarry.
3. Continue along the path as it begins to climb, bending sharply left almost back upon itself. At the junction at the top of the steep climb, turn right then follow signs to Cragend down the rock slope.
4. At the track in front of you turn left to enter Cragend Quarry.
5. Follow the footpath signposted Viewpoint and Crozier. Continue straight on at the next junction and up a small set of wooden steps. The path now continues steeply up until you reach the Viewpoint and a well-placed bench. From the viewpoint, continue along the path until you reach the next junction. Carry straight on, heading for the Lakes. At the next junction turn right, following the sign to the South Lake. Crossing a short boardwalk, the path leads on until joining the Estate Drive.
6. Turn left and walk along the Estate Drive. After the bridge, bear left into Crozier car park where toilet facilities are available. Passing the play area to your left; follow the signs towards the Trim Trail. Go around a vehicle barrier at the far end of the car park and onto a track.
7. At Trim Trail 1, bear right, and continue to follow the signs for the Trim Trail. Continue along the track until you reach a large engraved stone and a fingerpost directing you left to the House. Follow that path down the stone steps which will take you past a series of engraved stones to the slipper lake.
8. When you reach the lake, turn right along the broad track. After 440yd (400m), turn left at the next junction to return to the house and main car park.

End: House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021

Ranger Mick’s favourite walk along the Leas – The Souter Saunter
 

Take the Souter Saunter and discover much more than a lighthouse standing alone on the coast.

“This 2-mile walk along The Leas at Souter Lighthouse passes Frenchman’s Bay, the site of an historic rescue in the 19th century, Manhaven Bay where fisherman have plied their trade for centuries and Marsden Bay.  The fresh sea air and stunning views are always a winner for me.”

Start: Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

1. Start your journey from the Foghorn House. Make your way through the gate and continue to the coastal footpath.
2. Turn left and follow the coastal path along to the fence.
3. Follow the fence line until you reach the public footpath.
4. Turn left again and follow the public footpath past the lighthouse and through to the entrance to the car park - about 550yd (500m).
5. Turn right this time follow the road down to the car park. It's signposted Whitburn Coastal Park so it's difficult to get lost.
6. Take the path around the Nature Reserve and stop off at the viewing screens for a spot of bird watching.
7. Pick up the coastal path again at the bird hide, take a left and start to make your way back towards the lighthouse.
8. Continue along the coastal path.
9. You're nearly there - continue along the coastal path to the fence line.
10. Take a left back towards the Foghorn House. We hope you've enjoyed your walk and discovered some interesting things on the way.

End: Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

With thanks to the National Trust for allowing the reproduction of these walks. To find out more click here