Things to do outdoors at Cragside
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, there is a waymarked walk for everyone at Cragside. A network of 40-miles of footpaths takes you under the canopy of towering trees, across timber bridges, between rugged rocks, along the banks of sparkling lakes and under arches of rhododendron.
Re-opening this weekend
We're delighted to share that the Hydro-power Trail, Armstrong Trail, Views of Cragside walk and Gorge will be opening on Saturday 29 March. Our opening hours are also extending to 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), so you have some extra time for exploring.
Follow a waymarked walk
Open walks:
Building Cragside Walk, 2.5 miles, follow the yellow waymarkers
A challenging climb through the heart of Cragside. Clamber stone steps and discover Cragend Quarry, where rock was removed to build the House. Look out for blast marks on the sheer rock faces. Click here to view the map and directions.
Rocky Ramble, 1.5 miles, follow the brown waymarkers
Duck under boulders and wind between gaps in the rock on this adventurous hike through Cragside. Discover engineered crags and man-made rock formations as you climb the hillside. Click here to view the map and directions.
Inspiration Walk, 2 miles, follow the pink waymarkers
Delve inside the mind of William Armstrong. Find scientific and inspirational quotes by this pioneering industrialist carved into the rocks on this short but demanding circular hike. Click here to view a map and directions.
Nelly's Moss, 1.5 miles, follow the blue waymarkers
A family-friendly, flat walk around two engineered lakes which formed part of Cragside's hydroelectricity system. Look out for frogs, toads and even herons dipping their feet in the water. Click here to view a map and directions.
Wetland Walk, 1.5 miles, follow the orange waymarkers
Walk to Cragside’s driest lake. Blackburn was once the largest expanse of water on the estate until it burst its banks in 1927. This area is now a wetland making it a great place for wildlife spotting. Click here to view the map and directions.
Gun Walk, 3 miles, follow the red waymarkers
Follow the path of the Armstrongs’ Gamekeepers. Walk between impressive rock formations, along craggy paths, and through tunnels of rhododendrons on this challenging walk. Click here to view a map and directions.
Re-opening Saturday 29 March
Armstrong Trail, 2 miles, following the green waymarkers
This Armstrong trail is a tour of the lower estate that takes you past some of Cragside’s historic landmarks including the House and the Iron Bridge. Click here to view a map and directions.
Hydro-power Trail, 6.5 miles, follow the purple waymarkers
On the Hydro-power Trail you will discover William Armstrong's engineered lakes and experimental technologies that were created to produce hydroelectricity and power hydraulics. Click here to view the map and directions.
Views of Cragside, 5 miles, follow the black waymarkers
This brand new walk has been designed by the Rangers. Witness the patchwork quilt of fields of the Northumberland Valley from the top of the estate. See the undisturbed views of the Simonside Hills from the Formal Garden lawn and admire the spiralling chimneys of the House roof. Click here to view the map and directions.
The Gorge
The Gorge will re-open on Saturday 29 March
Nestled between the giant conifer trees of the Pinetum and the Powerhouse - the hub for William Armstrong’s hydroelectricity generation – is this spectacular craggy ravine with tumbling waterfalls.
Sturdy footwear and an adventurous spirit are essential as you ascend steps cut into the rock, cross timber bridges and squeeze by the cliffy rockfaces.
Water from the Debdon Burn has always flowed into the Coquet River using this route, but with spectacular vision on a big scale, the Armstrongs blasted this route to increase the waterflow and make the valley more dramatic. Not only that, the rocks and boulders were carefully re-arranged to engineer an impressive cascade to add further drama to an already extraordinary landscape.
What to bring with you when walking at Cragside
As the name suggests, Cragside is built on to the side of a crag. The terrain is rocky, uneven and there are lots of hills to climb. There are steep drops in places and the paths can be muddy and slippery underfoot. Please wear sturdy footwear if you’re planning a walking adventure. Walking poles are also advisable if you need them.
Being located in Northumberland, the weather can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before travel to make sure you have the right clothing for the day. If it’s sunny, it’s good to bring a hat and some sunscreen as well.
Don't forget to stay hydrated. At some parts of the grounds, you can be 3-4 miles away from an eatery or kiosk so pack plenty of water and snacks for your visit.
Where can I find a walking map?
We’re reducing the amount of paper we produce at Cragside so if you would like to start a waymarked walk we recommend downloading the map on the dedicated walking pages to your mobile device before arrival. There are printer-friendly options if you would like to print the map and directions at home before your visit.
Alternatively, you can pop to the map room at the visitor centre where all of the maps are displayed on the wall. Draw your chosen route on to your Explore Cragside welcome leaflet (that you’ll receive on arrival) using a pencil provided. The Armstrong Trail, Gun Walk, Nelly’s Moss and Wetland Walk are already shown on the map inside the leaflet.
Share your walk with us
With views over the hills of Northumberland, paths through nooks and crannies and wildlife to discover, we’re sure you’ll take lots of photos while out exploring. You can share your discoveries with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using @NTcragside.
Things to do on the estate at Cragside
Stretching your legs in the cool winter air is a great way to blow away the cobwebs and recharge your batteries. You could re-discover some of your favourites hidden gems, or perhaps find a couple of new ones on a walk at Cragside.
Family fun at Cragside
Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds will feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and spring wildlife.
Information on ticks and Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks – find out how we manage the risks at our places and find helpful links to the NHS here.