Trifter

Location

The Park covers an area of 1049 square kilometres (405 sq. miles), which includes about a quarter of the county of Northumberland.  Stretching northwards from Hadrian’s Wall, it encompasses the valleys of the North Tyne, Rede, Coquet and Beamish rivers as well as the beautiful Cheviot Hills.  The northern part of the park follows the border between England and Scotland.

The park is easily accessible by road from major towns and cities in Scotland and northern England, including Newcastle, Carlisle and Edinburgh, as well as by rail along the East Coast Main line and Trans-Pennine routes.  The Hadrian’s Wall Bus calls at all the major sites along the Wall, from which a traveller could set out northwards to see more of the park.

Attractions

Like all the National Parks, Northumberland has its fair share of protected wildlife, outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.  The particular seclusion and remoteness of this park is part of its special appeal.

As well as walking and hiking pathways all over the park, there is an extensive network of routes suitable for horse riders and cyclists, ranging from quiet open roads to challenging routes across secluded valleys and wild moorland.

In the summer, the hay meadows at Falstone and Barrowburn are particularly colourful, and from August onward, the whole park is blanketed in dense and beautiful heather.  If you are out walking, riding or cycling, look out for rare red squirrels as well as curlews and an unusual type of black grouse.

The park is full of historical attractions too.  At the south end of the park is the historic Hadrian’s Wall (a World Heritage Site) with its family-friendly visitor centres, museums and forts, and, travelling north, the Cheviot Hills are home to examples of Neolithic rock art, clusters of Bronze Age roundhouses and Iron Age hillforts, the largest of which is at Yeavening Bell.

Although the park is sparsely populated, there are plenty of places to stay, and several pretty villages well worth visiting.  One of these, Harbottle, once had the distinction of being the centre of government in the region and as such was the site of a royal castle, the remains of which can still be seen.

Fascinating Facts

• The Park gives a ‘B&B for Bumblebees’ award to accommodation providers who create a welcoming environment for six major species of bumblebees.
• Only around 2000 people actually live in the park area – that’s 2 people per square km!
• The park contains 432 official ancient monuments.
• The park’s official website provides a printable species identifier to take with you on your walks, as well as an interactive wildlife calendar.
• Northumberland National Park is part of a great debate about whether extinct species should be re-introduced into Britain.  These could include wolves, bears, lynx and wild boar.

Other National Parks in Britain include:

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

The Cairngorms