From the Tyne to the Roman Wall
Rushing water and dramatic gorges - the Haltwhistle Burn can be a tranquil stream or a raging torrent. Pictured below, it washes the cliff of faces, the towering sandstone cliffs of Herding Hill Crags. The rocks of the Burn tell the story of the Northumberland of 300 million years ago
Explore The Burn
Take a gentle amble from the Market Town of Haltwhistle along the well signed route beside the Haltwhistle Burn. Enigmatic ruins, abundant wildlife and the tranquility of the flowing water: a short stroll or the start of a day’s walk through Hadrian’s Wall Country.
Schools
Secret places and make-believe lands - let your child’s imagination run wild.
From rocks and soils and habitats to the Victorian’s and the way we used to live, Haltwhistle Burn is a brilliant way to give your class a real experience to enhance their learning. Visit the schools web pages for curriculum ideas and resources.
The Burn is for Everyone
Recently re surfaced and with new bridges and wickets, the footpath beside Haltwhistle Burn is accessible by wheelchairs and buggies for most of its length. The very gentle gradient is hardly noticeable so it makes the route ideal to push or toddle along.
Winding its way down from the Roman Wall to the old stone houses of Town Foot, the wooded valley of the Haltwhistle Burn has a secret to unfold.
Starting from the peaty soil of the wild moor land high above the town, the water of the burn runs through the military zone of the Roman Wall, across high meadows, through a dramatic sandstone gorge and down, between lushly wooded banks, to join the waters of the River Tyne. A newly re-laid footpath beside the Burn gives access for all to this delightful walk through beautiful rural scenery.
But it was not always a place of tranquility.
Woollen mills, coal pits, quarries, lime kilns and brickworks lined the banks of the Burn, plundering the rocks and powering their machinery with its waters. From the first corn mill built by the Romans until the closure of the last fireclay works and narrow gauge line in the thirties, this small stream was the industrial powerhouse of Haltwhistle bringing employment and prosperity to the people of the town.
Walk the Burn and enjoy the diversity of wildlife and peace of the countryside.
Walk the Burn and discover the secrets of its industrial past.
Fresh and green in spring and summer or bathed in the golden light of autumn or winter the Burn brings solace to the soul.
Shy and elusive, the red squirrels of Haltwhistle Burn will be seen only by the quietest visitors. Deer browse in the hazel woods and otters are occasional visitors to the river banks. Walk quietly and you will surprise the Heron fishing or spot the amazing dipper as it walks under water to feed on the stream bed.
More pictures
More about rocks
The Haltwhistle Burn Project
A four year project run by Haltwhistle Partnership.
Phase 1: The improvement of a mile and a half of footpath beside the Haltwhistle Burn, reinforcement of the bank-side , the replacement of three bridges and the installation of five kissing wickets, four of which are fully accessible.
Phase 2: Research into the history of the Burn industries, collation of information about the wildlife and geology of the Burn area and publication a range of books and leaflets designed for a range of audiences. Guides walks, talks, workshops and field trips tailored to different age-groups and interests are available as part of the project,
Find out about educational visits for schools here.
For guided walks or talks for your group please contact Haltwhistle Partnership Office. .
A project funded by:
A charitable company limited by guarantee and Matrix accredited
Company Reg. No. 03324145
Reg. Charity No. 1062486
VAT Reg. No. 686 8626 69
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Welcome to Haltwhistle Burn