Activities

Hermitage Castle is approximately 7 miles North of Newcastleton. The castle dates from around 1360, and was of strategic importance until 1603 when James VI of Scotland became James I of England. In 1566 the fourth Earl of Bothwell, whilst laying wounded at this remote and forbidding outpost, was visited by Mary Queen of Scots who had ridden from Jedburgh in a single day. For 400 years Hermitage Castle was key to controlling the Scottish Middle March and at the time was known as the “strength of Liddesdale”. It is much more peaceful now and a delightful place to visit and take a stroll.

Mountain Bikers and Cyclists are comprehensively catered for in and around the village, which is home to one of the “7 Stanes” mountain biking trails - visit www.7stanes.gov.uk The many trails begin at Dykecrofts, approximately
1500 metres from Woodside, and are graded from “easy” to “very challenging”.
The area is also linked to the cross-Border Loop where cyclists can travel to Kielder, a round trip of 30 miles or 48 kilometres.
There is also a wide selection of forest roads to explore.
Newcastleton is situated on the Reivers Cycle Route which can be linked to the C2C and Hadrian’s Cycleway. Mark Porter’s book, “C2C” (Baytree Press) provides detailed information or visit www.c2c-guide.co.uk

Kielder Forest Park is approximately 30 minutes drive North-East and contains the largest manmade lake in Europe. For energetic individuals there is a newly constructed shoreline footpath/cycleway of 27 miles, however, there is the option of taking a cruise on the lake - access available from various stages.
Mountain bikers are well provided for with a huge variety of trails, not least the red/black Deadwater run from the highest point of the Tyne Valley.
Kielder features among other attractions the Observatory, Bird of Prey Centre, boating, water skiing, Visitor Centre and outdoor art and architecture.

Walking – there is a wide variety of short to medium distance walks in and around Newcastleton, along the river and in the forests. The hills to the West and North provide more strenuous outings, such as Roan Fell @ 568 metres, Tudhope Hill @ 599 metres, and Caldcleugh Head @ 619 metres, where you are almost guaranteed to have the hill to yourself. To the East there is extensive walking in the Newcastleton and Kielder Forests, one of which takes you to the “Old Toll Pillar” (Scotland/England border) at the “Bloody Bush”.

Fishing in the local river Liddel and nearby Esk - permits for the day or longer can be bought in the village. Fishing for Trout and Salmon is available at Kielder on a 2-mile stretch of the North Tyne, plus extensive fishing on the Kielder Dam.

Golfing - a scenic 9-hole course is situated above the village offering wonderful views over Liddesdale.

Horse Riding - great opportunities for horse riding on the many bridleways and forest tracks; horses and ponies can be hired at Bailey Mill Trekking Centre, telephone number 016977 48617.

Tel: 013873 75431