Now open: Nelly’s Moss lakes walk
Enjoy a family-friendly flat walk around two of Cragside’s historic lakes. The lakes were engineered by Armstrong and formed part of his pioneering hydro-electricity system. The lakes are home to lots of wildlife. Look out for frogs and toads crossing your path and even herons dipping their feet in the water. There's an alternative route for buggies and pushchairs too.
This short walk along established footpaths is quite easy and level, with some steps and there is an alternate route option for buggies and wheelchairs. Follow the blue waymarkers.
Map
Start:
Crozier car park, grid ref: NU076016
1
This walk starts at Crozier car park. To get to it, follow the signs for the Carriage Drive. The drive starts by driving through the archways of the House.
2
Once parked, walk back towards the Carriage Drive and turn right across the dam with Nelly's Moss south on your left.
Nelly's Moss South Lake
From the dam, you have a fine view of Nelly’s Moss South Lake. After the stone bridge you will see a small tower in the water. This contains a pipe and valve which would have originally carried water to power the hydro-electric turbine at the Powerhouse. The water from the South Lake also feeds the cascades in the Rock Garden at the front of the House too.
3
Take the path to the left, signposted Nelly’s Moss South Lake/North Lake. Follow the path along through the trees and alongside the edge of the South Lake.
Dam
As you continue along the lake you can see large areas of exposed bedrock. The path opens along the narrow dam wall where you can see the square stone blocks used to build the dam.
4
At the end of the South Lake path turn right, keeping what is now the Nelly’s Moss North Lake on your left. Continue right around the lake until you reach the boathouse.
Herons
Herons can sometimes be seen standing in the shallow water of the South Lake, particularly when the water level is low. They will stand very still, sometimes using their wings to cast shade and so enabling them to see the fish more clearly.
5
At the boathouse there are 2 options to complete the walk. Option 1 is a level path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and takes you back the way you came. Option 2 has a number of small rock steps and gullies but is still passable for the adventurous buggy-pusher, and returns alongside the right-hand bank of the South Lake to Crozier Car Park.
6
Option 1. Turn left at the boathouse and across a short stretch of boardwalk. Turn right to retrace your previous route and head back along the south lake, Carriage Drive and Crozier car park.
7
Option 2. Continue straight ahead past the boathouse, and follow the stone path along the lake side to rejoin the Carriage Drive. Turn right to return to Crozier car park.
End:
Crozier car park, grid ref: NU076016
