The Elks Head is located in the middle of some of the best walking country in England. The Allen Gorge (National Trust) is approximately 1 mile away, Hadrian’s Wall 20 mins and Isaac’s Tea Trail on the doorstep.
From short, long, high, and low, there really is something for everyone. Click on the links below to see a selection of our favourite walks:
Some of the finest shooting in the country can be enjoyed on our very own estate.
Situated in Southwest Northumberland, in the foothills of the Pennines, Whitfield is considered by many to come close to the ideal of an English Sporting Estate.
With some 15,000 acres of very sporting terrain to choose from, we are able to offer great sport throughout the shooting season, with grouse, partridge and pheasant shooting of the highest quality, as well as mixed days and rough days too.
Not only can Whitfield provide some of the finest shooting in the country, it does so in very beautiful and completely unspoilt surroundings. The estate is located in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and situated around the West Allen Valley, sometimes known as “Little Switzerland” for its dramatic scenery.
Hexham is a 20-minute drive away. A charming market town with and Ancient Abbey (founded in 674AD). Beyond Hexham the pretty village of Corbridge has excellent shopping and a Roman site – Corstopitum just outside the centre.
Allendale is only 4 miles away. Shimmering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning moorlands, with wildlife in abundance, Allendale is a picturesque and unforgettable part of Northumberland. A small village, with a big personality.
The winner of the Village of the Year Competition 2007 and recently voted one of the best places to live in Britain. It is a well-known centre for walking and cycling and The Forge Studio and Gallery is an excellent CIC arts centre and gallery.
In the hamlet of Sinderhope a short drive beyond Allendale there is an excellent and popular riding stables. The Sinderhope Riding Centre offers riding for every ability. Booking essential.
Built to guard the wild northern frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall was more than just a barricade; it was a vibrant and multi-cultural occupied military zone of mile-castles, barracks, ramparts, forts and settlements; sprawling almost 80 miles in length from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. The building of the Wall required vision and an outstanding level of engineering skill.
Set amongst the wild beauty of Cumbrian and Northumbrian landscapes, it still impresses today and stands as a testimony to the power and reach of the mighty Roman Empire.
The Elks Head is just 20 minutes to The Sill on Hadrian’s Wall, the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre – here you’ll find stargazing events taking advantage of the area’s Dark Sky Park status, as well as exhibitions, shops selling local produce, and the start point for some excellent walks.
Straddling the English border with Scotland, Solway Firth is a dramatic and isolated location. With over 220 square kilometres of SSSIs in the area, the estuary is unique and important habitat for so many species of wildlife, including rare native birds like the oystercatcher, whooper swans and pink footed geese. It’s also a popular spot for photographers, as the ever-changing mud flats of the estuary are stunning to capture when the light catches as the sun sets.
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian’s Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign. Yet there is still much to see in this best-preserved of Cumbrian monasteries. The east end of the noble 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.
Aside from the fascinating ruins and tombs, there is a delightful gift shop and tea room, serving freshly prepared food to order using local produce.
Less than an hour away by car, the spectacular Lake District World Heritage Site is easily accessible for our guests, the perfect day out for those wishing to explore some of the country’s most incredible scenic countryside.
The Northern and Eastern parts of the Lake District in particular are within easy reach of The Elks Head and are home to some of the most celebrated fells, lakes, towns and villages in the region, including Skiddaw, Blencathra, Catbells, Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Keswick and more – with walks to suit all abilities and desired challenges.
There are regular boat launches available at both Derwentwater and Ullswater, taking you to jetties around the lakes that act as the start point of some excellent walks, and taking in some of the very best views you’ll find anywhere in the country.
Whether you want to climb one of the more than 200 peaks in the region, walk around the spectacular bodies of water that give the Lake District its name, or catch one of the boat launches and soak in the scenery from the lakes themselves, you’ll find we’re well located for you to enjoy a memorable day of adventure.
With every activity imaginable, Northumberland National Park is a huge adventure playground: visit Kielder Water & Forest Park for events, activities and walking trails, or try your hand at some active pursuits! From rock climbing and mountain biking to saddling up on a horse or reeling them in with some trout fishing at one of the numerous lakes – the choice is yours.
Or just take in the breathtaking views by exploring everything from waterfalls to woodland at nature reserves like Muckle Moss, Lindisfarne and Hauxsley—with over 400 square miles of wild open moorland for you to discover, it’s well worth the visit!
Located just a short drive from The Elks Head is the world-famous town of Gretna Green.
Gretna is a planned town built during the First World War while nearby Gretna Green is famous for being the marriage capital of the UK.
The town of Gretna was built during the First World War to provide homes for 30,000 employees of a munitions factory that was the biggest in the world – an incredible nine miles long! Learn the story of the factory at The Devil’s Porridge in Eastriggs, an exhibition named after the nickname given to the explosives made at the factory.
Gretna Green is famous for marriages with around 5,000 couples tying the knot here and in Gretna every year. Historically it was to Gretna Green that young English runaway couples eloped so that they could be married ‘over the anvil’ from the age of 16. Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, where couples have come to marry since 1754, is still here. Both locations have shopping and eating out facilities.
The thunder of hooves, the spectacular colours and the tinkle of champagne glasses are all part of the thrill and excitement of a great day at the races!
Situated 600 feet above Hexham, the National Hunt course has 15 scheduled race meetings throughout the year including several popular weekend and evening fixtures.
Hexham Racecourse takes full advantage of its natural amphitheatre setting to provide superb viewing of racing. The left handed undulating track extending to 1 mile 4 furlongs places emphasis on stamina and is surrounded by magnificent countryside.
It may be most well-known for its famous football club, but don’t be fooled – this cosmopolitan city is so much more than that! United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle and Gateshead form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination, perfect for those wanting an action-packed daybreak.
With so many different areas offering new sights, sounds and experiences, you’ll be amazed at how much is on offer whatever your tastes. World-class culture, vibrant nightlife, award-winning dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping – including the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe – and acclaimed architecture are all linked here, encapsulated by the famous Geordie spirit.
