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Our Favourite Spring Walks

Here at Wooden Star Cottages, we’re very lucky to have the great Northumberland countryside surrounding all of our stunning properties. Most of our homes are under a 40 minute drive away from many fantastic and famously photographed walking trails and points of interest, which means that every day can bring a new adventure when staying with us.

From short walks and picture perfect picnic spots, to breathtaking views of beautiful Northumberland, here are a few of our favourite trails.

Kielder Forest 

Home to England’s largest forest and biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, Kielder Forest is definitely one to add to your list. You can take in the wildlife at the nature reserve and viewing platforms around the lake, track down all of Kielder’s stunning art displays and of course complete a number of well-paved walks around the site. 

Kielder Forest is only a 25 minute drive from our very own Steadings which is our newly converted Northumbrian Stone Farmstead house with four beautiful ensuite bedrooms. Great for those active family holidays.

Greenlee Lough, Northumberland

It’s wildlife galore at Greenlee Lough. From deer and foxes to birds and insects, the 3.8 mile circular is the best way to explore and take in a range of different habitats managed by the Northumberland Nature Reserve.

Head there at dusk or dawn to catch the deer and foxes!

Hareshaw Linn, Northumberland

A hidden gem. Take the magical walk on the Hareshaw Linn trail to track down the beautiful waterfall and if you’re feeling brave, even take a dip! The three mile trip will take you over bridges, past a Victorian bandstand and down into the deep forest.

Why not stay at our stunning Charlton Gate property when you visit. It’s just a short 5 minute drive away from the walk.

Aydon Castle 

Right on the doorstep of our Twenty Princes Street property, is the popular Aydon Castle circular. You can either do a short version of the walk or challenge yourself with the six mile circular, taking you through the woodland and up the steep incline to Aydon Castle.

The 13th century English manor house was lived in up until 1966, despite being burnt by the Scots in 1315. Make sure to take a picnic as the castle walls provide the perfect wind shield and create a sun trap in the warmer months.

Otterburn Ranges

Described as ‘beauty and the battlefield’ Otterburn Ranges is a remote haven at the heart of Northumberland’s National Park. Today this land is used for military training and although you may see soldiers, there is no live firing in the immediate area.

Insead you can enjoy spectacular views across the rolling hills, wildlife such as Moorland birds and wild goats, and historical remnants of Roman roads and camps.

The site is only a 30 minute drive from our Hexham based properties, including Hexham House Apartments and Seal Cottage.

Rowley Burn and Devil’s Water

One of our favourite circulars from Hexham is the Rowley Burn and Devil’s Water trail. The 4-mile walk starts at Whitley Chapel, just South of Hexham, dropping down into Rowley Burn and then onto Devil’s Water.

You’ll pass some incredibly picturesque little hamlets and criss-cross the rivers over a number of bridges until you reach Devil’s Water (Definitely the best named river in the UK!)

Only an 11 minute drive from our beautiful Seal Cottage. This cottage provides a peaceful resting place in a superb central location for exploring.

Crag Loch and Hadrian’s Wall 

You can’t visit the wall without taking in the fantastic structure of the surrounding crags.

Take this historic route, walk along the wall and enjoy all of the beautiful grassland overlooking the Northumberland landscape.

We would recommend this three mile circular that’s good for all levels – make sure to bring your walking boots!

Twice Brewed Inn and Sycamore Gap

You can’t visit the wall without taking in the fantastic structure of the surrounding crags.

Take this historic route, walk along the wall and enjoy all of the beautiful grassland overlooking the Northumberland landscape.

We would recommend this three mile circular that’s good for all levels – make sure to bring your walking boots!

Follow the link here to see our full list of properties and plan your upcoming walks whilst staying at our relaxing Wooden Star Cottages.