Wetland Walk, Cragside
North East
A walk from Cragside's driest lake. Blackburn lake was once the largest expanse of water on the grounds before it burst its banks in 1927. This area is now a wetland making a great place for wildlife spotting. This walk has been listed as moderate but there is a short challenging section towards the end of the walk, around Cragend Quarry. A suggested diversion is suggested in step 5.
Near to
CragsideStart point
Blackburn carpark. Grid reference: NU 08935 01682Trail information
Difficulty
Accessibility*
Full trail
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)Follow the waymarkers
Orange waymarkers will show you the way on this walk.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Blackburn carpark. Grid reference: NU 08935 01682
Stage 1
Park up at Blackburn car park which is accessed via the Carriage Drive.
Stage 2
From Blackburn car park look out for the orange starter waymarker directing you along a grass path.
Stage 3
Walk straight ahead. You will see Blackburn Dam on the right. This path bears left on to a bark-chipped path. From here you'll get a sense of just how big Blackburn Lake was until it burst its banks. You'll soon see the boathouse ahead. Walk down the grass bank, towards the tarmacked Carriage Drive.
Stage 4
Cross the Carriage Drive and walk on to the path ahead sign-posted for Cragend Quarry.
Stage 5
After a fairly long stretch between rhododendrons, trees and bracken, you'll come to a junction. From here, go right, following signs for 'Viewpoint' and 'Lakes'. (This next part of the walk is reasonably challenging with a steep incline and uneven path. If you would prefer not to do this section your can turn left which takes you straight to Cragend Quarry.)
Stage 6
Walk up the steep incline. This path soon levels out and bears left where you'll be greeted by the welcoming sight of a bench overlooking the Northumberland countryside.
Stage 7
When you're ready to start walking again, follow the rugged path downhill which takes you between some trees and past a huge boulder. At the next arrowed sign, go left following the sign for the Shepherd's Hut.
Stage 8
Follow the winding path downhill. The Shepherd's Hut will come into view on the right. Keep following the track. At the next post, bear left and following the winding path between the trees.
Stage 9
At the next sign go left towards Cragend car park.
Stage 10
With the quarry wall on your left, the next waymarker is ahead of you. Follow this rocky, uneven path. There are some uneven rocks to navigate as you go uphill.
Stage 11
Go right heading for the 'Thatched Boathouse', retracing your steps along the path lined with bracken, rhododendrons and trees. Eventually this path comes back out on to the Carriage Drive, next to Blackburn Lake. You will see the thatched boathouse on your left.
Stage 12
Follow the waymarkers back along the wall of Blackburn Lake and bear right at the end. You will soon be back at Blackburn car park once more.
End point
Blackburn car park. Grid reference: NU 08935 01682
Trail map
Wetland walk map | © Anonymous Design
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