Getting back into walking: Buttermere
After suffering knee injuries, Hilary Tomlinson is optimistic about getting back into hiking. She starts here with a picturesque stroll around Buttermere Valley.
Check out some fantastic things to try in Northumberland National Park this July in celebration of National Parks week 2016! From stargazing to Wild Goats, Northumberland National Park has everything you need for this summer's adventure.
Fancy an 84-mile (135 km) National Trail stretching coast to coast? This trail runs from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The Hadrian’s Wall Path enters the Northumberland National Park just in time to show off some of the most iconic spots of the Wall including Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap.
Northumberland National Park is out of this world for stargazing and astronomy. It officially has the darkest skies in England. Here, on a clear night, you can see millions of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away) with the naked eye. Every night, there is something different to see, from meteor showers to the Northern lights.
Northumberland National Park is a cyclists paradise; quiet roads, challenging climbs and stunning scenery. You could also attempt the Sandstone Way; a new 120 miles mountain biking route between Berwick upon Tweed and Hexham along the Sandstone Ridge in North Northumberland linking numerous sandstone features, crags and outcrops. The route traverses through an amazing ever-changing landscape which is rich in history, geological features and iconic scenery.
The Harthope Valley is the starting point for many inspiring walks up onto the Cheviot Hills. It is always a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic, taking in the wonderful scenery. The contrast of low-level burns and high hills around it gives the Valley a real sense of drama and wildness.
Not only does North Northumberland have an abundance of dramatic high hills and historic hill forts, it is also home to the wild Cheviot goats. Pay a visit and see if you are lucky enough to spot them.
