Walking Cragside
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.
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.
All winter waymarked walks
At a glance
| Walk name | Distance | Time | Terrain |
| Hydro-power trail | 7 miles | up to 4 hours | challenging |
| Inspiration walk | 2 miles | up to 1 hour | moderate |
| Armstrong Trail | 2 miles | up to 1.5 hours | moderate |
| Nelly's Moss | 1.5 miles | up to 1 hour | easy/moderate |
Hydro-power Trail
7 miles, up to 4 hours, challenging, follow the purple waymarkers
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.
Inspiration Walk
2 miles, up to 45 minutes, moderate, follow the pink waymarkers
Delve inside the mind of William Armstrong. Find scientific and inspirational quotes by this pioneering industrialist carved into the rocks on this short but demanding circular hike.
Armstrong Trail
2 miles, 1.5 hours, moderate, follow the green waymarkers
This Armstrong trail is a tour of the lower estate that takes you past some of Cragside’s historic landmarks including the House and the Iron Bridge.
Nelly's Moss
1.5 miles, up to 1 hour, easy/moderate, follow the blue waymarkers
A family-friendly, flat walk around two engineered lakes which formed part of Cragside's hydroelectricity system. Look out for frogs, toads and even herons dipping their feet in the water.
How to find your way around Cragside
Explore Cragside Map
On arrival, you will be given an Explore Cragside leaflet which introduces you to our history. Inside this is a detailed map. Although it is not to scale, all major footpaths are included and there are four waymarked walks plotted already to get you started.
What to bring with you when walking at Cragside
As the name suggests, Cragside is built on to the side of a crag. The terrain is rocky, uneven and there are lots of hills to climb. There are steep drops in places and the paths can be muddy and slippery underfoot.
Before you set off:
- Check the weather forecast ahead of your visit.
- Wear sturdy footwear to cope with Cragside's challenging terrain.
- Pack extra clothing layers. Cragside is high up and the weather can change quickly. Don't forget hats and sunscreen for warmer days.
- Bring walking poles if you need them.
- Pack bottles of water and snacks.
Where can I find a walking map?
- Download your waymarked walk from the website ahead of your visit. A print-friendly option is also available.
- Choose your walk at the map room at the visitor centre. All maps are displayed on the wall. Draw your chosen route on to your Explore Cragside welcome leaflet (that you’ll receive on arrival) using a pencil provided.
- Follow one of the walks already plotted inside your Explore Cragside leaflet. Choose from the Hydro-power Trail, Nelly's Moss Walk, Rocky Ramble and Inspiration Walk.
Share your walk with us
With views over the hills of Northumberland, paths through nooks and crannies and wildlife to discover, we’re sure you’ll take lots of photos while out exploring. You can share your discoveries with us on Facebook or Instagram using @NTcragside.
Family fun at Cragside
Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Scale the play area, tackle the trim trail and follow winding waymarked routes that lead to lakesides, through rocky caverns and beneath giant trees. With secret-looking stone steps, winter wildlife to spot and plenty of space to roam, there's something to spark every imagination.
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.
