GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Shaftoe Crags

1.86 miles (3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Climb to Shaftoe Crags and enjoy far ranging views over the Northumberland countryside on this circular walk near Morpeth. The area is geologically significant with a number of interesting rock formations including the Devil's Punchbowl. The crags reach a height of nearly 700ft. From this elevated position the views over the surrounding area are magnificent, with the Northumbrian coast visible on a clear day. There are also evidence of ancient occupation with a number of Iron Age burial mounds. 
The crags are located just west of Bolam Lake Country Park so you could continue your walking here. There's an old standing stone and Tumulus between the crags and the lake which you'll pass on the way. You could also start the walk from the country park and cross the moorland to the crags. A short distance to the north west you will find the National Trust's Wallington Hall where there's lakes, woodland, parkland and a beautiful walled garden.

Postcode

NE61 4AD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Shaftoe Crags OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Shaftoe Crags Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head a short distance east from the Crags and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Bolam Lake Cafe. It is situated next to the Boathouse Wood Car Park, to the north of the lake.
Another good option is to head north from the crags to the village of Middleton. Here you can visit the popular Ox Inn which has a good menu and an outdoor seating area for fine days. You can find it in the village with a postcode of NE61 4QZ for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The crags are a popular place for a dog walk and the Bolam Lake cafe mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The delightful villages of Elsdon and Otterburn are well worthy of a visit. The former includes an ancient church, a large village green, the remains of the old motte and bailey castle and a noteworthy Pele tower. The latter has nice trails along the pretty Otter Burn and the historic Otterburn Hall with its fine architecture and deer park.

Photos

Shaftoe Crags - geograph.org.uk - 457678

The rock called 'The Punch Bowl' on Shaftoe Crags

Salter's Nick, Shaftoe Crags - geograph.org.uk - 387830

Salter's Nick, Shaftoe Crags. The old drove road from Scotland to Newcastle via Elsdon passed through this gap.

Shaftoe Crags trig - geograph.org.uk - 100267

Shaftoe Crags trig point

Track from Shaftoe Crags to Bolam West Houses - geograph.org.uk - 387817

Track from Shaftoe Crags to Bolam West Houses

Standing Stone and Tumulus between Shaftoe Crags and Bolam Lake - geograph.org.uk - 948573

Standing Stone and Tumulus between Shaftoe Crags and Bolam Lake

Shaftoe Crags - geograph.org.uk - 516881

Looking towards the Ancient Settlement over lush fields

Shaftoe Crags - geograph.org.uk - 387833

View up to the crags on a fine day

Shaftoe Crags from Ferney Chesters - geograph.org.uk - 100260

The Crags from Ferney Chesters.

GPS Files

GPX File

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

Memory Map Route

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