Gun walk at Cragside
A challenging stroll through the heart of Cragside taking in some of the estate's most stunning highlights. Follow the red waymark discs.
Map
Start:
House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021
1
Beginning at the house forecourt, walk a short distance along the Estate Drive until you reach a path on the left, signposted to Cragend. Climb the stone steps, bearing right at the top, towards Cragend. Follow the path towards Cragend until you come to a crossroads.
Cragend
This walk is named as Armstrong’s preferred route for shooting parties.
2
Continue straight ahead towards the Gun Walk and Cragend. Large crags line the path as you continue straight on through the next three junctions, following the signposts for Cragend Quarry.
Memorial stone
After the next short rock tunnel, pass a memorial stone in memory of a local airman on the left-hand side.
3
Continue along the path as it begins to climb bending sharply left almost back upon itself. At the junction at the top of the steep climb turn right then follow signs to Cragend down the rock slope.
4
At the track in front of you turn left to enter Cragend Quarry.
Cragend Quarry
Cragend quarry is one of many quarries on the estate and the largest. The sheer rock faces of the quarry were left when the rock was removed in order to build Cragside house. The rock was exploded and you can still see the blast marks.
5
Follow the footpath signposted Viewpoint and Crozier. Continue straight on at the next junction and up a small set of wooden steps. The path now continues steeply up until you reach the Viewpoint and a well placed bench. From the viewpoint, continue along the path until you reach the next junction. Carry straight on heading for the Lakes. At the next junction turn right, following the sign to the South Lake. Crossing a short boardwalk the path leads on until joining the Estate Drive.
6
Turn left and walk along the Estate Drive. After the bridge, bear left into Crozier Car Park where toilet facilities are available. Passing the play area to your left; follow the signs towards the Trim Trail. Go round a vehicle barrier at the far end of the car park and onto a track.
Crozier Drive
Crozier Drive is named after long serving butler, Andrew Crozier who worked for three generations of Armstrong’s. Andrew Crozier is said to be the person who, as a young boy, turned the first electric light on at Cragside.
7
At Trim Trail 1, bear right, and continue to follow the signs for the Trim Trail. Continue along the track until you reach a large engraved stone and a fingerpost directing you left to the House. Follow that path down the stone steps which will take you past a series of engraved stones to the slipper lake.
Visions of Science
These stones; 'Visions of Science', use Lord Armstrong's words to describe his thoughts on science and its application for the use of mankind.
8
When you reach the lake, turn right along the broad track. After 440yd (400m), turn left at the next junction to return to the House and main car park.
Woodland estate
Lord Armstrong had a team of about 150 gardeners and estate workers who planted more than 7 million trees and bushes at Cragside to create the huge woodland estate you see today.
End:
House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021
