GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Walk around Alnwick

2.05 miles (3.3 km)

This attractive town in Northumberland is surrounded by lovely countryside and a number of large parks which are ideal for walkers. The main highlight is the expansive Hulne Park located right next to the town.
It's proximity to the wonderful Northumberland Coast also presents a number of good walking options. You could visit the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle or pick up the long distance St Oswald's Way. Our Alnwick to Bamburgh Walk links the two historic castles using the coastal path.
This short walk takes you around Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens in the town centre. You start off at the impressive castle which dominates the western side of the town. The Grade I listed building dates from the 11th century, built following the Norman conquest, and renovated and remodelled a number of times. As well as admiring the fine architecture you can visit the exhibitions where you can see frescoes from Pompeii, relics from Ancient Egypt and Romano-British objects. The castle is open to the public throughout the summer months.
After exploring the castle and grounds you can then stroll round to the wonderful Alnwick Garden. There's well laid out footpaths here to take you to various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade. Also of note is the huge wooden treehouse and the Poision Garden which features a number of intoxicating and poisonous plants.
After exploring the garden you can stroll through woodland up to the River Aln before returning to the castle.
To extend the walk cross the river and head west to visit the nearby Alnwick Abbey. An architecturally impressive 14th century gatehouse still remains of the abbey which was originally founded in the 12th century.
You can virtually explore the castle and grounds using the Google Street View link below!

Please click here for more information

Alnwick OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Alnwick Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Alnwick

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head a north west of the town and there's a group of interesting sites to visit. You can enjoy peaceful woodland trails in Hepburn Woods and climb to the Iron Age Hill Fort at Ros Castle for excellent views over the area. The splendid Chillingham Castle is also near here. The 13th century castle is said to be the most haunted in Britain. It's surrounded by gardens, lakes and fountains with easy footpaths to explore on.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cheviots Walks and Northumberland Walks pages.

Photos

Alnwick castle

Alnwick castle 1

Alnwick Castle - geograph.org.uk - 107711

Alnwick castle over the River Aln

The Poisons Garden, Alnwick - geograph.org.uk - 334337

The Poisons Garden, Alnwick

Water feature at Alnwick Garden - geograph.org.uk - 218163

Water feature at Alnwick Garden

Alnwick Garden - geograph.org.uk - 197972

Alnwick Garden

Woodland, Alnwick Garden - geograph.org.uk - 918855

Woodland, Alnwick Garden

Water feature, Alnwick Garden - geograph.org.uk - 919258

Water feature, Alnwick Garden

Weir on the Aln - geograph.org.uk - 1190179

Weir on the River Aln

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Alnwick.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Alnwick.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)