Nelly's Moss lakes walk, Cragside
Discover two of Cragside's historic lakes on this easy circular stroll. The lakes were originally engineered by Lord Armstrong as part of his pioneering Victorian hydro-electricity system. They're also home to lots of wildlife, so keep an eye out for frogs crossing the paths and herons dipping their feet in the water. Follow the blue waymarkers.
Near to
CragsideStart point
Crozier car park, Carriage Drive, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7XJ. Grid ref: NU076016Trail information
Follow the waymarkers
Blue waymarkers will show you the way around the lakeside trail.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Crozier car park, Carriage Drive, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7XJ. Grid ref: NU076016
Stage 1
From the car park, walk north towards the lakes and turn right across the dam with Nelly's Moss South Lake on your left.
Stage 2
After the bridge, take the path to the left, signposted Nelly's Moss South Lake / North Lake. Follow this through the trees and alongside the edge of South Lake.
Stage 3
At the end of the South Lake path turn right, keeping Nelly's Moss North Lake on your left. Continue around the lake until you reach the boathouse.
Grey heron | © National Trust Images/Derek Hatton Stage 4
Continue straight past the boathouse and follow the stone path along the lake to rejoin Carriage Drive. Then turn right to return to Crozier car park, where the trail began. This route has some small rock steps and gullies.
End point
Crozier car park, Carriage Drive, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7XJ. Grid ref: NU076016
Trail map
Nelly's Moss lakes walk map | © National Trust
More near here
The Armstrong trail, Cragside
A 2-mile circular walk along the Armstrong Trail at Cragside in Northumberland. Follow the water from Tumbleton lake through the Debdon Valley. Witness sparkling lakes, towering trees and tumbling cascades.
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Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds will feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and spring wildlife.
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