Views of Cragside walk
North East
Explore the grand landscaped garden that wraps around Britain's original smart home and encounter amazing views across the Northumberland Valley as you follow the waymarkers through the grounds.
Near to
CragsideStart point
Nelly's Moss car parkTrail information
Total stages: 15
Total stages: 15
Start point
Nelly's Moss car park
Stage 1
Walk out of the exit of Nelly's Moss car park on to the tarmacked Carriage Drive, turn left and follow the waymarkers along the drive to the first right turn. At the end of this path, turn right towards Nelly's Moss Lakes.
Stage 2
When you reach the banks, turn left and keep to the path that hugs the banks of the twin lakes until you reach part of the Carriage Drive once more. Cross the drive on to the path ahead of you.
Stage 3
Follow the path until you reach a bench with views over the Northumberland Valley. Once you have had a breather, carry along the same path down to Cragend Quarry. This part of the walk downhill is a bit of a scramble. Please take care.
Stage 4
Keep following the waymarkers until you reach Cragend Quarry, where stone was blasted to build the House and create the Rock Garden.
Stage 5
From here, look out for waymarkers that hug the cliff. Keep following the path straight on. On this stretch you will walk past giant boulders and journey through gaps in the rock. After a while you will see a waymarker pointing up a grass track which leads to Slipper Lake.
Stage 6
Keeping the lake on your right, follow the wide track straight on between the trees. As you approach the House, you will uncover a picture-perfect shot of the House framed by the surrounding trees. Keep walking until the gravel paths starts sloping downhill.
Stage 7
Walk from the main car park towards the House archway. Don't walk through the archway, instead take the waymarked path leading down the stone steps through the Rock Garden. Follow this stone path to the Iron Bridge.
Stage 8
Cross the Iron Bridge and keep following the path straight on. You will come to a set of stone steps. Take the steps up hill. When you reach the top, turn left and go through the gate into the Formal Garden - please help us care for the plants by closing the gate.
Stage 9
As you walk through the gate you will pass an arched Yew Tree, with a bench underneath which is perfectly located to rest your legs following the climb up hill if needed. Shortly after Yew Tree is a path on the left. Follow the path around the side of the gardens, keeping the fence on your left. Pass the huge copper beech trees and bear right. Go through the gate in the middle of the fence - please close the gate behind you to protect the grazing animals in the Parkland and stop rabbits getting into the garden. Follow the mowed path through the Parkland until you reach another gate.
Stage 10
Go through the gate and follow the path to a small wooden bridge. Once you have crossed the bridge turn left and walk along the path until you see your next waymarker and signs for the Gorge and a black, metal, kissing-gate. Go through the gate and follow the path through the dynamited ravine.
Stage 11
As you reach the top of the Gorge, you will see another black kissing-gate. Go through this, and turn right over the small stone bridge. Go straight on, following the path under the tall trees of the Pinetum. You will come to another set of stone steps that climb back through the Rock Garden. Follow this path until you reach drive. Walk towards the House on your left.
Stage 12
Once on the forecourt of the House, take a hair-pin bend on to the Carriage Drive - please be aware of car on busier days in this area. Take the first path on your left up the stone steps. When you reach a wide track at the end of the path, turn right.
Stage 13
Walk along the track until you reach Slipper Lake, a small lake nestled in a clearing on the hillside. There's plenty of picnic benches here, if you'd like to stop for a little while.
Stage 14
Keeping the lake on your left, follow the track straight on. It bends round to the left as you climb the hill. Once at the top, you will see Trim Trail 1 - the first set of a series of climbing equipment. Keep left and follow the wide track. From here you will see views of the rolling hills of Northumberland. At one of the highest parts of the grounds, you are above many of the trees, and able to see for miles. You will be on this track for a while, but there are waymarkers along the path so you know you're heading the right way.
Stage 15
You will eventually see an arrowed sign for the labyrinth with a waymarker pointing right. This path returns you to Nelly's Moss car park where this waymarked walk ends.
End point
The bottom of the bank, between the House and the main car park.
Trail map
Views of Cragside map | © Anonymous Design
Get in touch
Discover more
Information on ticks and Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks – find out how we manage the risks at our places and find helpful links to the NHS here.
Hydro-power Trail
On the Hydro-power Trail you will discover William Armstrong's engineered lakes and experimental technologies that were created to produce hydroelectricity and power hydraulics.
Walking Cragside
Cragside is a great place to begin your walking adventure. With a detailed map, clear waymarkers and well‑signed routes, you can explore with confidence and enjoy the freedom to set your own pace. From exhilarating trails that feel like you're conquering a summit to peaceful pathways steeped in history, Cragside offers unforgettable walks for every kind of explorer.
