Great winter walks in the North East near a cosy pub (part 2)

From Northumberland’s Iron Age hill forts to the dramatic limestone stack of Marsden Rock, here are 5 pub walks that reveal the beauty of the North East’s winter landscapes

With subtle light, a muted colour palette and pared back beauty, winter can be a wonderful season to head outdoors for a bracing walk. The North East of England offers an immense variety of walking terrain. From breathtaking hilltop views and spectacular seascapes to woodland walks and gentle strolls in secluded dales, there is something to suit everyone. With the promise of a cosy pub at the end with a crackling fire, real ales and good food, the perfect hibernal walk awaits. Following on from part 1 of my feature, read on for the next 5 of my favourite places for an awesome winter walk within striking distance of a great pub:

Ros Castle & The Percy Arms, Chatton

Ros Castle

Walk: Not actually a castle but an impressive peak topped with a 3,000 year-old Iron Age hill fort. It is no surprise why our ancestors chose to build a stronghold here - it is the highest of the Chillingham Hills and the views from the top are spectacular; on a clear day seven castles can be sighted. Its remote location means you will have to hop back in the car for the pub. However, just a short distance away is The Percy Arms at Chatton, serving hancrafted drinks and good food by a roaring log fire in a large contemporary country style bar with comfy Chesterfield sofas.

Directions: From Hepburn Woods continue almost 1.5 miles to lay-by parking on the left at 55.5177, -1.8736. Follow footpath up to Ros Castle. Path is uneven in places.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle & The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

Dunstanburgh Castle

Walk: Standing on a remote headland, the imposing 14th century ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle can be reached by a gentle stroll along the rugged coastline from Craster. The seascape is magnificent with the prospect of spotting harbour porpoises and Atlantic grey seals, which are present all year round. If you want to extend the walk you could continue past the castle to the pristine sands of Embleton Bay. Back in Craster, The Jolly Fisherman, is an award-winning historic pub, serving up excellent ales and steaming bowls of moules-frîtes from its famous seafood menu.

Directions: Park in Craster TIC car park, walk past The Jolly Fisherman pub and harbour and go through the gate to follow the coastal path to Dunstanburgh Castle.

The Drake Stone & The Star Inn at Harbottle

The Drake Stone, Harbottle

Walk: Northumberland excels when it comes to mythical boulders and the Drake Stone is one of the best. Known for its healing powers, this legendary nine-metre sandstone boulder teetering on the Harbottle Hillls was reputedly used in druidic rituals. It is an easy walk from the village with far-reaching views towards the Cheviot range. There’s even a shimmering moorland tarn on the other side. Then it’s back to Harbottle where The Star Inn awaits with a cosy fire, board games, a pizzeria and small shop.

Directions: From the village car park pick up a footpath sign on the opposite side of the road, and go diagonally across a field to follow the forest perimeter, then through a gate and onto a track up to the Drake Stone. Be mindful of MOD warning flags, sometimes there are exercises nearby, but the walk to the Drake Stone is outside the exercise area and always safe.

Walltown Craggs, Hadrian’s Wall & Milecastle Inn

Walltown Craggs, Hadrian’s Wall

Walk: Stride up this stunning and spectacularly preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall, as it snakes and twists along the dramatic crags of the Great Whin Sill. You will be rewarded with stupendous 360-degree views from the turret at the top. This is also one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. The site is exposed so dress appropriately. Return to the Milecastle Inn for home-cooked food, a good range of ales and sunset views over Hadrian’s Wall from the front patio.

Directions: From the main B6318 road follow the track marked ‘lightweight vehicles only’ to a parking spot (54.9894, -2.5085) then pick up the footpath sign for Hadrian’s Wall.

Marsden Bay & Marsden Grotto Pub

Marsden Rock

Walk: A beautiful bay with dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, caves and Marsden Rock as well as being home to one of England’s most important seabird colonies with thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, cormorants and gulls. Above the bay is The Leas, a long stretch of grassy land, perfect for scenic winter walks. Afterwards head to Europe’s only cave pub, Marsden Grotto, hewn out of the rocks when smugglers prowled these shores.

Directions: Situated on the A183 coast road with a designated car park. Follow the coastal path. South leads to Souter Lighthouse and north to the Leas towards South Shields.

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