Scaling the Scottish Border, The Cheviots include vast swathes of
Northumberland National Park – the least populated of all the UK’s national parks put together. Roam along lakesides, discover shrouded waterfalls and watch otters play from the riverbanks of this paradisiacal landscape.
Pack a picnic and have a paddle in the
Breamish Valley or Harthope Valley and tuck in to lunch on the romantic riverbank. The valleys’ ancient hay meadows form a riot of colour in summertime and are a wildlife haven throughout the year. Set out to find the dramatic waterfall of Linhope Spout, or visit the tucked-away ponds of
Wooler Common.
The Cheviots’ routes are made for walking, so step into your hiking boots and explore the peaks of the Otterburn Ranges, the Cheviots and
Simonside Hills. Hike Scotland’s border on the Border Ridge route and
Pennine Way, or challenge yourself to the incline of The Cheviot, the highest point in
Northumberland National Park.
See elusive wild animal herds including Northumberland’s Neolithic goats at Yeavering Bell (hill of goats) and
Chillingham’s famous Wild Cattle.
Go historical-site-hopping and see Yeavering Bell’s Iron Age hillfort,
Rothbury’s mysterious cup-and-ring rock at Lordenshaws and the peaceful countryside at
Flodden that once saw the bloody clash between English and Scots soldiers that changed the course of history forever.
For a more recent historic experience, head to
Cragside, the fairytale-esque house that was built by the inventor William Armstrong and was the first house in the world to be lit by electricity. If you fancy a fright, visit
Chillingham Castle, the castle with the highest levels of paranormal activity recorded in the UK. Dim lighting, creaking stair cases and a gloomy ‘Torture Chamber’ all add to the thrill of exploring this haunted, historical site.