Walking

The Northumberland Coast has an excellent Public Rights of Way network form which to explore some of the more remote corners of the AONB. A continuous coastal trail is currently being developed, you can download a leaflet about here, it will not be officially open until 2006, however as most of the route follows Public Rights of Way, much of it can be walked today.

To fully explore the AONB on foot you will need the relevant Ordnance Survey Maps, the most appropriate maps for walkers are the ‘Explorer’ series and the following sheets cover the AONB

Explorer 346 – Berwick–upon-Tweed

Explorer 340 – Holy Island & Bamburgh

Explorer 332 – Alnwick & Amble

Ordnance Survey maps are available from Tourist Information Centres, bookshops and from the Ordnance Survey Website http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/

St Cuthbert's Way

The life and work of St Cuthbert has provided the inspiration for this new long distance walking route from Melrose to Holy Island. Cuthbert started his ministry in Melrose in about 650AD. He later became Prior and eventually Bishop of Lindisfarne (Holy Island) where he died in 696AD. His remains were taken from the island in 875AD after Viking raids. After much travelling, they were eventually laid to rest within a loop of the River Wear and this became the site for the magnificent Durham Cathedral.

The 100 Kilometre (62 mile) St Cuthbert's Way from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne also links the Southern Upland Way to the Pennine Way. The route includes Melrose Abbey, the Eildon Hills, the River Tweed, Dere Street Roman Road, the Cheviot Hills, St Cuthbert's Cave in the Kyloe Hills, and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. It is suggested that the walk be completed over 4 days:

Day 1: From Melrose to Harestanes (15 miles);

Day 2: From Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm (18 miles);

Day 3: From Kirk Yetholm, across the Scottish border to Wooler (13 miles);

Day 4: From Wooler to Holy Island (17.5 miles).

Circular Walks

Details of Circular walks will be available here soon.

When walking in the countryside, please follow the County Code.

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