Bolam Lake – Shafto Crags – Medieval Sites, in one walk.

Bolam Lake – Shafto Crags – Medieval Sites, in one walk.

Explore the serene beauty of winter with a picturesque walk encompassing Bolam Lake, Shafto Crags, and many medieval sites. Embrace the tranquillity of the season as you follow this enchanting route, immersing yourself in the natural and historical charm that awaits. Discover the magic of winter walking in this enjoyable journey through nature and history.

Other resources:

Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps for this route.

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Turn by Turn Directions

We start this walk at the southeast corner of Bolam Lake Country Park in Northumberland (see start point link below), and take a gentle walk along the southern Shaw of the lake (see Video at 1:40). Leaving Bolam Lake behind us we head Sandyford (see Video at 3:40). We continue along the track, passing West Tofthill on or way, reaching the path sign for East Shafto Hall (see Video at 4:40).

Heading over the fields we cross the path of the Devil’s Causeway (see Video at 5:20), a Roman road from Corbridge to Berwick-upon-Tweed, for around 45 miles, more info. Our path now takes us to the Trig Point at Shafto Crags (see Video at 7:00), with some great views across the Northumberland countryside. You do not need to climb too much to get some great views across Northumberland.

We walk along the side of Shaft Crags, on our right, before turning left and passing Half Moon Plantation. We need to cross the stone wall (see Video at 9:20), which is hidden by gauze bushes. As we cross the field we pass a large standing stone (see Video at 10:00) on our way to Middleton South and continue north towards the bridge over River Wansbeck.

Coming to the bridge we have the site of the Medieval Village of South Middleton (see Video at 1:10). Passing Middleton Mill Farm we head down the side of River Wansbeck, and cross a footbridge (see Video at 12:25). Our route now takes us past Corridge (Farm) and Corridge Plantation as we pass the Devil’s Causeway (see Video at 13:50) once again.

We now pick up a track, passing Angertonmoor Cottage, reaching a single-track road, and head south towards Bolam Lake Country Park. It is worth viewing the walk video (see Video at 15:30), for a full view of the shoreline walk around the lake.

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Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…

Mapping and Directions:

OS Map App – Ordnance Survey Maps and routing

Maps – Ordnance Survey Maps

Compass – Must have

Equipment used:

Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket – Equipment Review

Jacket – Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket

Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX

Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTX – Equipment Review

Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants

Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant

Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer

Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch – Equipment Review

Backpack – Hi Gear Active22

Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir

Camera Kit

GoPro 5 – Go anywhere action camera

hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliser – Making your video professional

Lavalier Microphone – Capture professional audio

Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camera – bringing video to a new dimension

Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick – make it look like a drone

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