📌 Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland
★★★
This straightforward loop is the shortest and probably the most interesting of several National Trust-advertised trails starting from the grand mansion at Wallington, Northumberland. After a meander through the wonderful gardens (best in summer), a path leads down to a set of stepping stones across the River Wansbeck, which can be followed upstream eventually looping back towards the start. You must buy a ticket for Wallington itself to access most of this route – allow half a day to explore the house, grounds and the walk itself.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Wallington, off the B6342 2 mi east of Kirkwhelpington
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NZ 028844
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.153770,-1.959343
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park – compulsory admission fee for Wallington
📝 Key info
▶ 4 km / 2 mi | ▲ 40 m | ⌛ 1 hr
Features: 🏰 Wallington ★★★★; 💧 River Wansbeck
⬤ Easy | Clear path with a little ascent / descent – potentially a few muddy spots. Stepping stones may be impassable after heavy rain – in which case there is a less interesting detour available via nearby roads.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit: start & Wallington House – China Pond – Garden Pond – Walled Garden – stepping stones across River Wansbeck – follow south bank upstream – Boathouse Pond – start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Mallard ducks, small birds.
Weather: Mostly sunny, temperature in high teens.
August 2021
