River walk at Wallington
Take a tranquil walk along the banks of the River Wansbeck, crossing over bridges and stepping stones, it's the perfect spot for a stroll whatever the season. Explore the woods and see what wildlife you can find on this riverside walk.
Caution
During the autumn and winter months, water levels can be high on the River Wansbeck, which means the stepping stones may be underwater. Speak to the team on your arrival at Wallington who can advise if the stepping stones are open on your visit. If they are closed, please take extra care and head along the road to cross the river using Paine’s Bridge instead.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Wallington Courtyard, grid ref: NZ028843
Step 1
Start in the courtyard with the clocktower behind you and head to the gateway in the left-hand corner. Pass through the gateway, turn left onto East Drive and away from the house to the main road.
Step 2
Take care as you cross over the road and enter the East Wood. Head straight ahead down the Serpentine Walk to reach Garden Pond.
Step 3
Follow the path around the edge of Garden Pond and enter the beautiful walled garden through the doorway known as Neptune Gate. You can pause here to explore the garden or simply walk straight ahead along the terrace with the conservatory on your left and exit via the far doorway.
Step 4
On leaving the walled garden, head down Gooseberry Walk until you reach a gateway beside the road. You’ll see the Paradise Gates at the bottom of the walled garden behind you, and Garden House on your left.
Step 5
Cross the road and enter the small woodland opposite via a gate. Follow the path to the River Wansbeck and carefully cross over the stepping stones. Be aware that when the river levels are high, the stepping stones may be underwater. Please take extra care and head along the road to cross the river using Paine’s Bridge instead.
Step 6
Once over the river, there is a choice of paths, either through the meadow along the edge of the river or on a hardened pathway through Deanham Wood.
Step 7
Pass under Paine’s Bridge, through a gate and continue to follow the pathway into the woodland known as Wallington Dean.
Step 8
Continue on the path alongside the river and through the woods, eventually crossing over the river again at Trout Bridge. Follow the path as it rises uphill.
Step 9
Once at the top of the valley, you have a choice of two paths. To the right is a shorter route, which takes you through the West Wood and back to the courtyard at Wallington. To extend the walk, take the path to the left and along Fenwick’s Drive further into the West Wood. When you reach a junction in the paths, turn left and keep straight ahead. Turn right and pass Top Pond on your left. The path then bends to the right. Continue straight ahead and back towards the house and courtyard.
End point
Wallington Courtyard, grid ref: NZ028843
Trail map
More near here
Wannie Line walk
Follow this circular walk along the Wannie and Rothbury railway lines and discover Wallington's post-industrial landscape.
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