A Short Walk along the Tweed from Norham Castle

Richard Hardy

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This is a lovely walk from a fantastic castle through woods and across fields, before returning along the gorgeous banks of the Tweed to the castle again. This is the very edge of England; Scotland is in view for quite a lot of the walk. This proximity to the Auld Enemy is the reason for Norham Castle's existence; built by the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham, it stands high on the cliffs above the Tweed fords at Norham. On several occasions invading Scottish armies have besieged it, on two occasions they flattened it, the last time in 1513, after which it was rebuilt more effectively to use gunpowder artillery. But ninety years later, the Act of Union brought its time as a frontier fortress to an end. Sho knows, someday soon it may once again stand between two independent countries. In Bishop Percy's ballad 'The Hermit of Warkworth' and Walter Scott's 'Marmion', Norham is called 'the most dangerous place in England'. Go do the walk, see for yourself.

England - North England - Northumberland - River Walk

9/12/2021 - george fleming

Wonder when this walk was listed. The path along the ridge through trees has not been maintained and the side is slipping making it quite dangerous at parts. Signage is missing and gates have altered so not easy navigate.

9/18/2018 - Marilyn Gyte

Just be aware that at the beginning and end of the walk you need to be sure footed on the path above the river as in places it’s very narrow and high above the river. Brilliant walk.

11/13/2013 - Richard Hardy