4 Stunning Locations in Northumberland
The Cheviot Hills
The Cheviot Hills straddle the England/Scotland border and can be found just south of the Anglo-Scottish border between the Scottish Borders in the south and Northumberland in the north. The hills are one of the most spectacular natural features in the UK, stretching from the Scottish borders in the south through to the Northumberland border between the Northeast of England and Scotland. The hills originate from the collision of the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate, between 400 and 300 million years ago, as the two continents drifted together. This created the Cheviot Mountain range as the rocks were forced upwards, breaking and cracking as they went. There are several types of rock found in the Cheviot Hills, the most common being granite which is pink in colour. The hills are also home to a number of rare plants and animals, including the black grouse, the golden plover, and the adder.
The area was declared a national park in March 2005 after years of campaigning from the local population, and the government finally gave the go-ahead for the park to be formed. The park covers an area of more than 700 square miles, which is mostly rolling hills, with the Cheviot Hills forming the border between England and Scotland.
The Northumberland National Park is the largest of the 15 National parks in England and Wales and the second largest in the UK and has a range of landscapes within its borders, from the Cheviot Hills, which are the highest mountains in the North of England, to the picturesque coastline of the North Sea. As well as the impressive landscape, the park is also home to a number of rare species, including the red squirrel and the wildcat.
The best way to explore the Cheviot Hills is on foot, and there are several routes to choose from. The most popular route is the Pennine Way, which runs for 267 miles from the Peak District National Park in the south to the border with Scotland. If you're looking for a shorter walk, the Northumberland Coastal Path offers some stunning coastal views.
2. Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall, the remains of the Roman frontier fortification, is the largest tourist attraction in the Northeast and the second most visited monument in the UK (after Stonehenge). Built during the 2nd century AD, the Wall was built along the border between England and Scotland to protect the Romans from the Pictish invaders. The Wall stretches for 73 miles from the Solway Firth in the west to the North Sea in the east and is made up of a number of forts, milecastles, and turrets. The Wall was named after the Roman Emperor Hadrian who ordered its construction.
There are many ways to explore Hadrian's Wall, on foot, by bike, or even by horse. The Hadrian's Wall Path is a long-distance footpath that follows the Wall from the west to the east. If you don't have time for the whole path, there are a number of shorter walks available. The best way to see the Wall is by visiting one of the many forts along the Wall. Each one has its own unique history, and the most popular fort with visitors is the Roman Fort of Vercovicium, known as Housesteads in the modern-day. If you want to get an idea about what the Wall was like nearly 2000 years ago, Hadrian's Wall Country offers a glimpse into the past with the help of the Hadrian's Wall Heritage Trail.
3. Kielder Water and Forest Park
Covering almost 10% of the Northumberland National Park, the Kielder Water, and Forest Park is the largest man-made lake in the country. The forest park was formed by the Northumberland Forest Partnership, which involved the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Agency, the National Trust, and local authorities. Today the park offers countless outdoor activities, including cycling, walking trails, angling, canoeing, and the Northumberland Dark Sky Observatory.
4. The Farne Islands
The Farnes, a group of islands situated off the coast near the town of Seahouses in the Northern part of the county, are home to the largest colony of Atlantic grey seals in Europe. The islands can be found at the edge of the continental shelf, which means the water surrounding the islands is very deep. The depth of the sea surrounding the Farne Islands is as much as 700 metres. The islands were used as a base for the monks who built the nearby Lindisfarne monastery in the 8th century, and today visitors can explore the ruins on one of two boats that leave from Bamburgh. The islands are also home to many birds, the most famous being the puffin.
The Northeast of England is a beautiful and diverse region with something to offer everyone. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or outdoor activities, the Northeast has something for you. Why not visit Northumberland and experience some of the best the region has to offer?
