Route: Wallington
Area: Northumberland
Date of walk: 27th March 2015
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 5.6 miles
Weather: Mostly overcast with some brighter spells
We last visited Wallington over 20 years ago and a return visit was long overdue. This vast 13,000 acre estate is owned by the National Trust and is full of interest
After walking round the wonderful walled garden, which is worth a visit in its own right, we set off along the River Walk, which is well waymarked throughout. After crossing the stepping stones over the River Wansbeck we followed the path along the riverbank and then entered woodland where there’s a wildlife hide. I spent some time there hoping for a sighting of a red squirrel but was out of luck today, though there were plenty of woodland birds visiting the well stocked feeders
After completing the walk, we visited the house, which is full of beautiful antiques, collections and curiosities
The River Walk is only 1.5 miles or so but we clocked up over 5 miles in our wanderings around this fascinating place. I’ve included the usual maps page, but this is a place full of distractions and it’s best to follow your whim and make your own way around
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
On the way to Wallington, we stopped off to visit Housesteads Roman Fort, located on a dramatic escarpment
This is the most complete Roman fort in Britain, with huge views in all directions
An hour or so later we arrive at Wallington a 13,000 acre estate which was gifted to the National Trust
The house at Wallington
We walk towards the walled garden, which we last visited about 20 years ago
We enter the Edwardian conservatory
The walled garden
We leave the walled garden to start the river walk
Crossing the road to head down to the river
Stepping stones over the River Wansbeck
Ladies first
The River Wansbeck
We pass under Wallington Bridge
As we walk along the riverbank, there’s a view back over to Wallington Hall
Footbridge over the River Wansbeck leading into Huntly Banks
A last look along the river before we head back towards the house
On the way back, there’s a bird hide in the woods……
Nuthatch
Wren
Blue tit - but no red squirrels today
The Boathouse Pond
We enter the house, which is superbly maintained by the National Trust
I’ll drink to that - what a great start to our short break in Northumberland
