Recently I walked a couple of routes using the old carriageway of Cragside Estate, the past home of Sir William Armstrong, now a National Trust property. The drive was constructed to give Sir William and his guests a scenic countryside drive.
The area is not within the present boundaries of the NT property, but above the town of Rothbury on heather clad hills.
At this time of year the heather is stunning and there are excellent views across to Simonside and over to the Cheviot hills.
Looking towards the Cheviot Hills
Climbing through the heather
The cairn looking to Simonside
The trig point on Ship Crag
Heather tracks and the Cheviots
There are many interesting features on the way around, including many ancient cairns, sheepfolds and old boundary stones.
Ancient cairns looking towards Cartington Hill
Old boundary marker
Ruined sheepfold
Old sheepfold near Glitteringstone
a lens in the landscape 
Oh, heather-covered moorland is among our National Treasures, isn’t it? And you’ve reminded me. MUST visit Cragside.
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Wait until the schools go back. My wife works in the tea rooms and it’s frantic at the moment!
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Good tip. I’m a volunteer at NT property Fountains Abbey, so I understand completely.
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Beautiful! Another part of Northumberland I’m looking forward to exploring next year. And yes, Cragside is on my ‘must visit’ list too.
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