For real spirit of place, it is hard to match Northumberland. Christian faith spread from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne when it became the Cradle of Celtic Christianity in the 7th century. Hope played out on Northumberland’s medieval battlefields. And charity came in the form of local personalities who helped shape Northumberland’s social and political life.
Start: Berwick upon Tweed
End: Berwick upon Tweed
Journey Times
- Berwick upon Tweed to Ford 30 mins
- Ford to Flodden Battlefield Site 15 mins
- Flodden Battlefield Site to Kirknewton 40 mins
- Kirknewton to Berwick upon Tweed 1hr 10mins
Arrive: Berwick upon Tweed
Here’s why: Berwick upon Tweed is undoubtedly a town with several stories. And all of them fascinating. For Christian heritage interest, Holy Trinity Church is a “must see” as it was one of the very few churches built in England during the Commonwealth period of the 17th century. And don’t miss the town’s Elizabethan ramparts or some of the first purpose built army barracks in Great Britain at Berwick Barracks.
Depart: Berwick upon Tweed
Here’s how: A698 – join A1(s) – B6354 – Duddo – Etal – Ford
Arrive: Ford
Here’s why: Louisa, Lady Waterford (1818-1891) was a benevolent and charitable owner of the Ford estate in the 19th century. The village school she provided for the children of her tenants is now Lady Waterford Hall where her talent as an amateur artistcan now be enjoyed by all. Enjoy her beautiful paintings of Biblical scenes.
Depart: Ford
Here’s how: B6353 (direction Crookham) – join A697(n) - take left to Branxton (follow brown signs for Battle of Flodden site). Road leading to Flodden Field battlesite car park is narrow and entrance to car park area is tight therefore unsuitable for long vehicles/trailers.
Arrive: Branxton / Flodden Battlefield site
Here’s why: Flodden Battlefield site is one of the best preserved battlefields in the whole of northern Europe. On 9th September 1513 armies from England and Scotland faced each other across the muddy landscape of Northumberland and hope came to nought for the Scots from the north. Today, the site still has a poignant and eerie atmosphere. 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of the battle.
Depart: Branxton / Flodden Battlefield site
Here’s how: Return to Branxton – join A697(s) - B6352 (w) – West Flodden – Howtel – B6352 – Kilham – join B6351 – Kirknewton
Arrive: Kirknewton
Here’s why: St Gregory’s church in Kirknewton is a hidden gem of Christian heritage. Step through its doors and step into 800 years of history. A sculptured stone panel inside depicts the Adoration of the Magi (apparently wearing Scottish kilts!). And the churchyard is the last resting place of Josephine Butler (1828-1906) a Victorian feminist, charitable campaigner for women’s rights and a passionate Christian who ranks alongside Florence Nightingale as a woman who influenced and changed the world she lived in.
Depart: Kirknewton
Here’s how: B6351 (direction Wooler) – pass site of Ad Gefrin – Yeavering - Akeld – A697(s) – Wooler – B6348 (direction Belford) – B6349 (weak bridge 6’6” wide near Fowberry Tower– care needed) – Belford - A1 (n) – Berwick upon Tweed (Alternative route to A1 avoiding weak bridge near Fowberry is via B6348/Chatton)
Here’s why: A journey in the footsteps of the early Northumbrian Christians. The Anglo-Saxon site of Ad Gefrin (roadside monument) lies within the shadow of the once sacred mountain top of Yeavering Bell. Over a period of 36 days, in AD 627, Bishop Paulinus baptized the local community in the nearby River Glen. And to the north of Yeavering and Akeld lies the Milfield Basin rich in archaeological evidence including henge monuments, stone circles and Bronze and Iron Age remains.
Arrive: Berwick upon Tweed
Walk Options:
- St Cuthbert’s Way - 62 mile long distance walking route linking Melrose in the Scottish Borders to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne via Wooler.
- St Oswald’s Way – 97 mile long distance walking route linking Heavenfield (near Chollerford) with the Holy Island of Lindisfarne via the Northumberland coast.
- Kirknewton – Hillfort Heritage Trail walk cards are available from Kirknewton Village.
Did you know……
- The Holy Island of Lindisfarne - is the jewel in the crown of Northumberland’s early Christian heritage. Accessed by a tidal causeway, please ensure you check safe crossing times on www.northumberland.gov.uk before planning your journey.
- Farne Islands – The great northern saint, Cuthbert, died on Inner Farne on 20 March 687AD. Boat trips to the islands can be enjoyed from Seahouses harbour (seasonal).
- Maelmin Heritage Trail – at Milfield village. A reconstructed henge, Mesolithic hut and Dark Ages house can be seen.
Nearest Tourist Information Centre
Berwick upon Tweed +44 (0) 1289 301780
Wooler +44 (0) 1668 282123
Useful websites:
www.visitnorthumberland.com
www.northumberland.gov.uk
www.disabledgo.com
www.traveline.info
www.maelmin.org.uk
www.english-heritage.org.uk
www.ford-and-etal.co.uk
Northumberland Coast AONB
