Alnwick lies in the heart of some beautiful countryside, none more so than the historic Capability Brown-devised Parkland which surrounds the Castle itself.
Northumberland Estates owns and manages much of this land, so to encourage visitors and the local community to enjoy it, a number of circular routes have been devised on Estate owned land in the Alnwick area.
These vary in length, with all paths clearly marked. Parts of the routes may not be existing public rights of way, so won’t be found on an OS map. Permissive access granted at the discretion of Northumberland Estates has made these routes possible, and you can download our maps of the individual routes below.
Many of the paths cross farmland. We have a duty of care to our farmers and therefore ask that users abide by the Countryside Code, keeping to the marked footpaths, shutting gates behind them, keeping dogs under strict control and taking their litter home. This is also for your own safety.
Hulne Park, once the hunting grounds of the Percy family, is one of the most popular walking routes. As a number of residents live inside the Park, opening times for the public are from 11am until 4pm each day when the gates will be closed. At certain times Hulne Park may be closed to visitors, please check the website before you visit or alternatively check for closures by calling the Estate Office on 01665 510777. Dogs and cyclists are not permitted.
Biosecurity - Avian influenza Preventative Steps
Preventative steps are being taken at Hulne Park to reduce the risk of an Avian Influenza outbreak. Until further notice, please ensure that vehicle(s) are disinfected when travelling into the Estate. Disinfectant foot dips and sprayers have been placed at both entrances of the park and vehicle drive-on mats will be sited in due course. Signage will notify the public of the procedures and will be monitored by CCTV.
Further restrictions may be applied if these procedures are not adhered to.
Please note Hulne Park will be closed on the following dates:October: 25
November: 1-2, 4-6, 8-9, 11-12, 15-16, 18-19, 22-23, 25-26, 29-30
December: 4-5, 7, 9-10, 13-14, 16, 20-21, 23,28, 30
January: 4, 6-7, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 29-31
February: 1
Much of this route follows the old Aln Valley railway line making it great for cyclists as well as walkers, with the red route joining Alnwick to the Sustrans cycleway.
For those on foot, the Lesbury route follows a different section of the River Aln through more open countryside and farmland and provides access to the picturesque village of Lesbury with its pub and village shop should a refreshment stop be required.
Two routes of slightly differing lengths which can be joined from The Alnwick Garden car park. Both follow the River Aln for much of the route as well as passing through farmland. Much of this land is a conservation area so please keep dogs under strict control.
There is currently a diversion in place on this route around the Riverbrook Gardens housing development.
A popular route to the east of the town with those working and living in Alnwick.
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