Roads Less Travelled
Join adventure and automotive photographer Daryl Walker on a mission to find Northumberland’s most memorable driving experiences. From navigating hairpin corners in the North Pennines, to crossing military ranges in the Northumberland National Park; this is Daryl’s definitive guide to Northumberland’s roads less travelled.
Kielder Forest Drive
Kielder Castle ‑ Blakenhopeburnhaugh
Northumberland’s only toll road climbs to heights of more than 1500 feet, making it one of the highest roads in England. A spectacular 12-mile drive on unsealed forest track takes you on a journey into the most remote expanses of North Northumberland where panoramic views, forest scenery and native wildlife are in abundance. Drive with care, this road is covered in loose stone, the weather is changeable and there is no mobile phone coverage.
North Pennine Loop
Blanchland – Allenheads
This unforgettable driving experience drops into the Southernmost flank of the Northumberland and takes you on some of the most hair‑raising roads you’ll encounter in Britain. Climbing out of the sleepy village of Blanchland the road winds across the harsh and unforgiving rolling moorland of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before arriving in the historic former lead mining village of Allenheads.
Crossing the Causeway
Beal – Holy Island
Perhaps Northumberland’s most unique driving experience crosses the 3-mile-long causeway from the mainland to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea making access to and from the Island possible only at low tide. Don’t get caught out, pay close attention to the safe crossing times listed on the boards on either side of the causeway.
The Army Ranges
Cottonshopeburnfoot – Alwinton
An isolated stretch of single-track road takes you from the A68 into the wild heartland of the Northumberland National Park. Wind your way through the dramatic Otterburn Ranges before arriving at the remote village of Alwinton. These desolate landscapes have been owned by the Ministry of Defence since 1911 and cover nearly a quarter of the National Park’s territory. It is the shared aim of the National Park and the MoD to encourage as much access to the area as possible, but you must always adhere to the strict access rules.
The Road to Bebbanburg
Waren Mill to Bamburgh
Following the B1340 South from Waren Mill you’ll pass the huge bird-rich mud flats of Budle Bay, a vital wildlife sanctuary which becomes exposed at low tide. Further down the road, as you reach the crest of the hill, the magnificent sight of Bamburgh Castle fills your view, making you want to pull over and reach for the camera. Aim to time your journey in the late afternoon on a clear day to see the castle lit wondrously by the sun.
