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June 6, 2024V-Trail 2.0 Mens – Pompeiian Red Black
January 21, 2025Exploring the Historic Treasures of Northumberland: Etal Castle, Duddo Tower, and Beyond
Northumberland is a land rich with history, where every turn leads to another fascinating glimpse into the past. Our walking journey takes us through some of its most iconic and lesser-known sites, starting from the medieval stronghold of Etal Castle, moving on to the enigmatic Duddo Tower and the ancient Bronze Age Duddo Stones, and ending with the serene waters of the River Tweed and the dramatic ruins of Twizel Castle along the River Till. This walk is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the scenic beauty and historical depth of this enchanting region
Other resources:
Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps for this route.
Choose the best equipment at Plan Watch Walk equipment reviews.
All of our Northumberland walk videos can be found here
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Turn by Turn Directions
After parking in Etal (see start location link below), Begin your adventure at Etal Castle, a 14th-century fortification built by Robert Manners. As you explore the remains of this once formidable structure, imagine the battles and sieges it has witnessed. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect starting point for our journey (see Video at 1:45).
The walk now takes along the pleasant River Till path. Passing the site of St Mary’s Chantry Chapel (see Video at 4:25), the trail leads us over a small ancient bridge before coming to a folk in the road (see Video at 5:35). For now, head right up the slight include, our path will return on the lower trail.
Now heading over through the fields, the views across The Cheviots and north into the Scottish Boarders are one to savour. You do not need to climb heights to get magnificent views. We now head over to the fields (see Video at 6:35) on our way to Duddo and the Duddo Stones. At Duddo, you can take a slight detour and visit Duddo Tower (see Video at 8:15).
We leave Duddo, heading north to the Duddo Stones, which can be traced back around 4000 years to the Bronze Age. As we get close to the stones, we head up the path (see Video at 9:00). Leaving the 5 Duddo Stones behind us, we continue north and pick up Grievestead and onto Grindon, where we can take in the tranquillity and views (see Video at 10:15). Continuing on we cross the A698, passing East Newbiggin before a great walk through Newbiggan Dean (see Video at 11:35).
Now we reach the magnificent River Tweed (see Video at 12:35), and we have a great few miles along the River Tweed. We leave the Tweed and head towards Twizel Castle (see Video at 14:21), which dates back to the 1400s. We now pick up the River Till (see Video at 15:10).
The route follows the Till for around 5 miles, with some great walking through tranquil woods and riverside paths. Then, coming back to the path we took at the beginning of the walk (see Video at 17:00). Retracing our trail down the ride of the Till, coming to Etal once again and the conclusion of a great day in the lowlands of Northumberland and the magnificent history it has to offer.
Outdoor Catch-Up:
Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walk ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.
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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Other Walks & How to equipment guides you may be interested in:
Other Walks:
Simonside Hills Circular in the Northumberland National Park
Walking The Cheviot horseshoe route via Hedgehope Hill
Sweethope Loughs – 3 Lakes, Ruined Towers and Fell Walking
Ingram Valley – Linhope – Ravenhill
Hen Hole, Three Sisters, Dunsdale & The Cheviot – What Great Walking.
Historic Market Town of Morpeth, Surrounding Countryside & River Walking.
Expert Review links:
Plan Watch Walk – Expert Reviews.
How to buy – The best Waterproof Jacket.
How to but – The best Walking Trousers.
Exploring the Historic Treasures of Northumberland: Etal Castle, Duddo Tower, and BeyondNorthumberland is a land rich with history, where every turn leads to another fascinating glimpse into the past. |
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18.4 miles |
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OS Explorer 339 |
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8.20 |
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