A magical walk towards a spectacular waterfall

Please note – Following recent storms, some of the rights of way within the National Park may have sections which are temporarily closed or unsafe for visitors at this time. National Park Rangers and Specialist Arboriculturists will be working at Hareshaw Linn from w/c 27th December 2021 to remove damaged and fallen trees from the area. At these times there may be restricted access to some parts of the Linn for the public’s safety. If visitors or the local community would like to report an issue on a right of way within the National Park, please contact stormarwen@nnpa.org.uk.

Essential bridge repair notice from w/c 7th March 2022: Essential bridge repairs are due to be carried out in March at Hareshaw Linn. We anticipate this work will be carried out w/c 7th March for one week, weather allowing. Confirmed dates of the closure will be announced soon. There will still be access as far as the first bridge during the closure period.

Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rare ferns and lichen. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. The ‘Linn’ is also home to red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers, redstarts, dippers, badgers and Daubenton’s bats.

Please take care, for your own safety please keep to the main footpath and be aware of any natural hazards.

Walk overview

Walk difficulty
Moderate
Walk distance
3 miles / 4.8km
Walk duration
2 hours
Location
North Tyne & Redesdale
Recommended OS Map
O.S. Explorer OL42
Accessible
No
Dog friendly
Yes

Step by step route

Start from Northumberland National Park car park

Start from Northumberland National Park car park at Hareshaw Linn, in Bellingham. This area was once the site of an ironworks in the mid-1800s.

On your right is the stone terrace of ‘Foundry Farm’ that once housed the offices of the foundry managers. As you pass the farmhouse look opposite the sheds for the bubbling water of the ‘well’, a spring that appeared while people were drilling for coal. Following the footpath, you climb up mounds made from the spoil of 70 ovens that once supplied coke to the ironworks.

Continue along the path to an open area

Walk through the gate, you will see an old dam on your left. Continue along the path to an open area overlooking a small waterfall. The hummocky ground is the spoil from an old quarry, which produced stone used for building the miner’s houses.

Climb up the steps

Climb up the steps. On your right is one of the blocked up mine entrances. Walk through the kissing gate and into the ‘Linn’ proper. This is an ancient woodland with oak, hazel, elm and ash.

Carry on up the hill past a curved stone seat

Carry on up the hill past a curved stone seat. Walk over the first bridge to ‘Cupid’s Bower’ seat overlooking the waterfall. Continue on over the second bridge, on the left are the entrances to two old mine shafts.

Carry on over the third and fourth bridges

Carry on over the third and fourth bridges, where you will see tall Douglas firs planted by the Victorians. Walk over the fifth and finally the sixth bridge. This is where the Victorians built a ‘bandstand’ for picnics, music and storytelling.

Wander on to the waterfall, but take care

Wander on to the waterfall, but take care. The depth and dampness give the feel of an ancient rainforest – ideal conditions for the 300 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Return the way you came.

Walk route

Getting there

Starting Point: Hareshaw Linn National Park Car Park 

Bellingham is 17 miles north of Hexham on the B6320. Take the Otterburn/Redesmouth road from the main street and turn left immediately after crossing stream (70 metres).