Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough
Walking Festival
Incorporating the Border Marches
Programme
14th -20th May 2007
Information for Walkers
Welcome to the inaugural Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Walking festival incorporating the 14th Border Marches. We are delighted that with the support of our partners, we are able to offer a varied programme of walks, covering hills, coast, moorland and towns. There is something to suit everyone during the festival week including, sections of the North Sea Coast path and St Cuthbert's Way. There will be opportunities to explore the Archaeology and Ecology of the Cheviot Hills with National Park officers and tours of a modern country estate with Lord Joicey at Ford and Etal, as well as much more.
We are sure you will have an enjoyable spring time in the borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Festival Organising Committee
Bookings and Walk Fees
Please use the enclosed booking form to reserve places on your preferred walks. The medical conditions and allergies section is to aid our walk leaders.
All walks are priced at £3 unless otherwise stated as free. The Border Marches are priced as follows £5 per adult, teams of 6 people and over £4 per person, £3 per child under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult), toddle and all abilities stroll £2 per person.
During the event you will be able to pick up your complimentary goody bags and pre-ordered t-shirts from the Tourist Information Centre, 106 Marygate, Berwick.
Equipment
Please ensure you are suitably equipped for the walks. Most walks require walking boots and waterproofs. Please also remember to bring a packed, where stated.
Entertainment
Saturday 19th May 7:30pm in the Guildhall, Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Festival Ceilidh, including live music and a buffet supper.
Limited numbers, tickets £10 please use the booking form enclosed.
Dogs
This is a very sensitive time for ground nesting birds and very young animals, therefore we are unable to permit dogs on any of our walks.
Partners
Special thanks for all the support of our partners: Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council, Northumberland Coast AONB, Northumberland National Park, Berwick Ramblers, Northumberland NHS Caretrust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Berwick Museum, Ellingham Parish Council and Ford and Etal Estates.
For more information telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 01289 330733 or email tourism@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Monday 14 th May
Walk |
Leader |
Distance/Grade |
Start Finish |
Notes |
W1 Belford to St Cuthbert’s Cave |
Iain Robson
Northumberland Coast
Brian Rogers
Walking to Health |
9 miles Moderate |
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 9.45am or meet at Market Cross Belford 10.30am
Finish 3.30pm |
This walk offers some of the finest views of Holy Island, Fenham Flats and the Farne Islands
Bring Packed Lunch
Boots
Max 25 |
W2 Berwick Castle |
Jim Herbert
Berwick Museum |
0.5 mile
Easy
|
Front of railway station main building
2pm
Finish 3pm |
A narrated archaeological/historic exploration of the remains of Berwick Castle. Sensible footwear advised.
Max 30
|
Tuesday 15 th May
Walk |
Leader |
Distance/grade |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W3 Spittal Prom Abilities Stroll |
Jo Curtis
Disability Sports Officer |
0.5 mile
Easy |
Far end of promenade.
11am |
All walking aids
Free no booking required |
W4 St Cuthbert’s Cave to the Holy Island Causeway |
Ron Shaw
St Cuthbert’s Way Originator |
6 miles Moderate/ No steep hills. |
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 10:30am Pick up at Lowick White Swan 10.45am or meet at Holburn Grange car park at
11am
Finish 3.30pm |
This attractive section of the St Cuthbert’s Way takes in stunning views and a varied landscape starting with a visit to St Cuthbert's Cave and finishing at the mainland end of the Holy Island causeway. Don't forget the camera and binoculars.
Hill walking gear and packed lunch required
Max 30 |
W5 The Mediaeval Defences of Berwick-upon-Tweed |
Jim Herbert
Berwick Museum |
2 miles
Easy |
Railway station car park
10am
Finish 1pm |
A narrated archaeological/historic exploration of the mediaeval defences of Berwick-upon-Tweed, including entry into two hidden towers! Sensible footwear advised.
A torch would be useful!
Max 30
|
Wednesday16th May
Walk |
Leader |
Distance/Grade |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W6 In search of a Cup and Ring Marked Stone (Ellingham)
|
David Griggs
Ellingham Parish Council |
6.5 miles
Easy
|
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station 10am Pick up Belford Market Cross 10.40am.Or meet at Ellingham Village Hall 11am
Finish 3.30pm |
This walk takes in Wandylaw Moor and farm. Some gradual uphill walking and some moorland
Hill walking gear required
Start off with bacon butty at the Pack Horse Inn and finish with afternoon tea at the Village Hall (additional cost)
Max 25
|
W7 Bluebells (Ellingham)
|
Derek Gerrard
Ellingham Parish Council |
3.5 miles
Easy
|
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station 10am Pick up Belford Market Cross 10.40am.Or meet at Ellingham Village Hall 11am
Finish 2pm
|
This walk takes in the pond, a long house, deciduous woodland and St Maurice's church. A gentle low level walk with much of interest to see.
Start off with bacon butty at the Pack Horse Inn and finish with afternoon tea at the Village Hall (additional cost)
Max 25
|
W8 The Call of the Curlew, Carey Burn Bridge |
Gill Thompson
National Park Ecologist |
4.5 miles
Moderate |
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 10am, Pick up at White Swan, Lowick 10.15am, Pick up at Wooler 10.40. Or meet Carey Burn Bridge 11am (Grid Ref NT 9761 2500)
Finish 2.30pm |
A walk through the inspirational volcanic Cheviot Hills to hear the call of the curlew – Northumberland National Park’s emblem bird. Also hear other birds and find out about the area’s other important wildlife and their habitats.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch.
Max 25 |
W9 The Mediaeval Defences of Berwick-upon-Tweed |
Jim Herbert
Berwick Museum |
2 miles
Easy
|
Railway station car park
1pm
Finish 4pm |
A narrated archaeological/historic exploration of the mediaeval defences of Berwick-upon-Tweed, including entry into two hidden towers! Sensible footwear advised. This takes in the Tower Tour Walk.
A torch would be useful!
Max 30
|
Thursday 17 th May
Walk |
Leader |
Grade/Distance |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W10 Ringchesters Round, College Valley
Circular |
Rob Young
National Park Archaeologist |
5.5 Miles
Moderate |
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 9.30am, Pick up at Millfield Cafe at 10am or meet Hethpool car park 10.30am (Grid Ref NT 8939 2799)
Finish 16.00 |
This circular walk with some good climbs, great views and really interesting archaeology along the way, including the magnificent hillfort of Ringchesters, the remains of Romano-British settlement sites and the small hillfort site of East Laddies Knowe and more.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch
Max 25 |
W11 Wooler to Yeavering Bell
|
Erica Bamford
Gill Hanham
Berwick Ramblers |
10 miles Strenuous |
Transport leaves Berwick railway Station at 10am or meet at Padgepool Car park Wooler at 11am Finish 5pm |
A hill walk from Wooler taking the St Cuthbert' Way to Yeavering Bell with an optional climb to the top to visit the hill fort, with fabulous views across Glendale to the sea, returning over White Law and around Humbleton Hill.
Hill walking gear and packed lunch required
Max 20
|
|
W12 Ford Moss Nature Reserve Circular |
Anthony Johnston Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Steve Nutt Ford and Etal Estates |
3.5-4 miles
Moderate no steep hills
|
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station 10am
Or meet
Ford Village outside Lady Waterford Hall
10.30am Finish 2.30pm |
Ford Moss is a lowland raised peat bog set between farmland to the north and a sandstone ridge to the south. The raised mire is set in a hollow and has grown over a small lake, which would have been present shortly after the last ice age. The most striking feature is a large brick chimney, part of what remains of a former coal mine.
Waterproofs and stout footwear
Max 40 |
|
Friday 18 th May
Walk |
Leader |
Grade/Distance |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W13 Seahouses to Belford on the North Sea Trail
|
Iain Robson
Northumberland Coast
Anthony Johnston
Northumberland Wildlife Trust |
10.7 miles Moderate
|
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 9.15am or meet Seahouses Tourist Information Centre (NU 218321) at 10 am
Finish 5pm
|
This walk offer fantastic views of Farne Islands and Holy Island and takes in the historic villages of Bamburgh; once capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria and still dominated by the huge Castle and Belford.
Start time coincides with the arrival of the 501 service from Alnwick Bus Station (leaving 08:55)
Return to Seahouses will be made on the 16:21 411 service (arriving 16:40)
Return to Alnwick will be made on the 16:21 501 service (arriving 17:15) Usual bus fares apply.
Walking Boots and pack lunch required.
Max 30 |
W14 Ford and Etal Circular - a tour of a modern Estate
|
Lord Joicey
Steve Nutt
Ford and Etal Estates |
7.5 miles Moderate /strenuous
5 hours |
Transport leaves Berwick Railway Station at 10am or meet at Heatherslaw Visitor Centre
10.30am |
This walk goes through the Estates of Ford & Etal, which is steeped in history. The balance of commercial, environmental, tourism and natural history pressures is a difficult one. Lord Joicey will explain all.
There are fabulous views across to the Cheviots and Ford Moss.
Waterproofs and stout shoes required
Packed lunch required or provided by Heatherslaw Tearoom additional cost - please pre-order (tel 01890 820737).
Max 40 |
W15 The River Tower Tour |
Jim Herbert
Berwick Museum |
Easy
0.5 mile |
Ness Gate
Berwick Ramparts
2pm
Finish 3pm |
A narrated archaeological/historic exploration of the river defences of Berwick-upon-Tweed, including entry into two hidden towers!
Sensible footwear advised.
A torch would be useful!
Max 30 |
W16 Berwick’s First Ghost Walk |
Chris Green
Berwick Museum Curator |
Easy
|
Guildhall Steps, Marygate
7pm
Finish 8pm |
A guided walk through the historic heart of Berwick exploring local tales of macabre and supernatural happenings at the very sites that they occurred. Based on new research some of these stories have never been hears in public before.
Max 25
|
Saturday19th May
Walk |
Leader |
Grade/Distance |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W17 Northumberland Coast Path, Holy Island Causeway to Berwick-upon-Tweed
|
Erica Bamford
Berwick
Ramblers |
Moderate
10.5 miles |
Transport leaves Council Offices Wallace Green 10am
Finish 4.30pm |
This walks follows the Northumberland Coast Path from the Holy Island causeway to Berwick with a tea stop at the Pot-a-doodle-doo cafe.
Waterproofs, rucksack and stout shoes.
Packed lunch required
Max 50
|
W18 Lowry Trail
|
John Smithson |
Easy
1.5 miles |
Old Bridge at Bridge Street, Berwick
2pm FREE
Donation to preservation trust
2 hours |
A circuit of the Lowry Trail on the Berwick side. Starting at Bridge Street, then heading towards the Lady Jerningham statue, round the Berwick Ramparts, to the Lions and the Stanks, finishing back at Bridge Street |
Sunday 20 th May
Walk |
Leader |
Grade/Distance |
Start and Finish |
Notes |
W19 Border Marches Short |
Self led
Map and route provided. Stewards available on route |
Easy/10km |
Grassed area opposite Berwick Barracks 12.00pm |
This walk takes in the Elizabethan Walls, the Old Bridge, part of the Lowry Trail, Spittal Prom, Coast and Castles Cliff top walk and Tweedmouth
Price £5 per adult Under 16s £3 must be accompanied by an adult. Teams of 6 or more £4 per person.
All walkers will receive a medal |
W20 Border Marches Medium |
Self led circular
Map and route provided. Stewards available on route |
Moderate 26km |
Grassed area opposite Berwick Barracks
10am |
This circular walk in the Tweed Valley takes in Horncliffe, the Chain Bridge and Paxton House.
Price £5 per adult Under 16s £3 must be accompanied by an adult. Teams of 6 or more £4 per person.
All walkers will receive a medal |
W21 Border Marches Toddle |
Self led
Map and route provided. Stewards available on route |
Easy /1km |
Grassed area opposite Berwick Barracks
2pm |
An easy walk for all ages around the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed
Price £2
All walkers will receive a medal and voucher for ice cream |
W22 Border Marches All Abilities Walk |
Self led
Map and route provided. Stewards available on route |
Easy /2km |
Grassed area opposite Berwick Barracks
2.30pm |
An easy walk for all abilities around Berwick-upon-Tweed Golf course
Price £2 All walkers will receive a medal |
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Walking to Health Groups
Free Weekly Walks, no booking required
Seahouses Short Walk (40 minutes/easy) Monday 2pm meet at the Resource Centre, Seahouses
Seahouses Long Walk (50 minutes/moderate) Monday 2pm meet at the Resource Centre, Seahouses
Belford Short Walk (30minute/easy) Monday 1.30pm meet at the Bellview Resource Centre, Belford
Belford Long Walk (60 minutes/moderate) Monday 3.00pm meet at the Market Cross, Belford
Berwick Long Walk (60 minutes/moderate) Wednesday 7.00pm meet at the Berwcik end of the old bridge, Brdige St, Berwick
Wooler Short Walk (30minutes/easy) Thursday 1.30pm meet at the Cheviot Centre, Wooler
Wooler Long Walk (90minutes/moderate) Thursday 1.30pm meet at the Cheviot Centre, Wooler
Berwick Short Walk (30minutes/easy) Friday 1.30pm meet at Council Offices, Wallace Green, Berwick
Leaflets in the Tourist Information Offices at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses and Wooler for the following walking routes
- Berwickshire Coastal Path Free leaflet
- The Hillfort Trail walks in the College Valley £2 Wooler only
- St Cuthbert’s Way Free leaflet or Trail Guide book and map £12.99
- St Oswald’s Way Book £11.95 or Pack of route leaflets £5.95
- Northumberland Coast Path part of North Sea Trail Free leaflet, section leaflets 50p or Guide book £4
- Specia l way marked, self led walks for festival week only, on Ford and Etal Estates telephone 01890 820338
You can get a booking form here
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