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Two girls walking along the banks of the Nelly's Moss lakes
Nelly's Moss lakes at Cragside | © National Trust / Annapurna Mellor
North East

Nelly's Moss lakes walk, Cragside

Discover two of Cragside's historic lakes on this easy circular stroll. The lakes were originally engineered by Lord Armstrong as part of his pioneering Victorian hydro-electricity system. They're also home to lots of wildlife, so keep an eye out for frogs crossing the paths and herons dipping their feet in the water. Follow the blue waymarkers.

Follow the waymarkers

Blue waymarkers will show you the way around the lakeside trail.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Crozier car park, Carriage Drive, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7XJ. Grid ref: NU076016

Step 1

From the car park, walk north towards the lakes and turn right across the dam with Nelly's Moss South Lake on your left.

Step 2

After the bridge, take the path to the left, signposted Nelly's Moss South Lake / North Lake. Follow this through the trees and alongside the edge of South Lake.

Step 3

At the end of the South Lake path turn right, keeping Nelly's Moss North Lake on your left. Continue around the lake until you reach the boathouse.

Grey heron by the river
Grey heron | © National Trust Images/Derek Hatton

Step 4

Continue straight past the boathouse and follow the stone path along the lake to rejoin Carriage Drive. Then turn right to return to Crozier car park, where the trail began. This route has some small rock steps and gullies.

End point

Crozier car park, Carriage Drive, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7XJ. Grid ref: NU076016

Trail map

Map route for Nelly's Moss lakes walk
Nelly's Moss lakes walk map | © National Trust

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This walk has a short diversion following Storm Babet. A 2-mile circular walk along the Armstrong Trail at Cragside in Northumberland. Follow the water from Tumbleton lake through the Debdon Valley. Witness sparkling lakes, towering trees and tumbling cascades.

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DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Get in touch

Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7PX

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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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