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Cragend Quarry at Cragside, Northumberland. Sheer rock faces meet green grass. There are trees peeping out behind the rock and one in the foreground.
Look out for blast marks on the rockface at Cragend Quarry. | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler
North East

Gun walk at Cragside

Follow the path of the Armstrongs’ gamekeepers. Walk between impressive rock formations, along craggy paths lined with rhododendrons on this challenging hike through the heart of the grounds.

Follow the waymarkers

Red waymarkers will show you the way on this walk.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021

Step 1

Beginning at the house forecourt, walk a short distance along the Carriage Drive until you reach a path on the left, signposted to Cragend. Climb the stone steps, bearing right at the top. Follow the path towards Cragend until you come to a crossroads.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 4

At the track in front of you turn left to enter Cragend Quarry.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 8

When you reach the Slipper Lake, a petit lake in the hillside, turn right along the broad track. After 440yd (400m), turn left at the next junction to return to the House and main car park.

End point

House forecourt, grid ref: NU073021

Trail map

A map of the Gun Walk at Cragside
Follow the trail of the Armstrongs' gamekeepers. | © Anonymous Design

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Get in touch

Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7PX

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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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