Wannie Line Walk
Morpeth, Northumberland
A wander on the route of the former Wansbeck or "Wannie Line" railway line that ran from Morpeth to Reedsmouth and Rothbury.
Distance - 12km (8 miles)
Ascent - 157m
Duration - Approx 3 hours
Terrain - Mainly grassy paths, but the weeds were a little high when we visited in the summer. There is also a field of sheep to traverse.
Parking - There is parking at the National Trust's Regional Offices at Scots Gap which is right at the start of the walk. If you are using Google Maps, then ignore their marker as it takes you into a little housing cul-de-sac. The junction is around 100m further metres after this heading west. View Parking Map
View Route On OS MapThe Wannie Line is a pleasant flat-ish walk following the Wannie and Rothbury railway lines as they head over onto the Wallington Estate.
If you are here for the full history, then head over to our Wannie Line page. If you are here for the walk, then let us furnish you with all the information you will need for this route.
Starting in the former National Trust Regional Office at Scot's Gap, head around the back and look out for a path marker for the Wannie Line. This is a National Trust walk and you will find little markers dotted around keeping you on track.
The route is very clear and as you wander on the Wannie you will see remnants of the old railway lines and bridges.
The little stream you see while heading north is the Delf Burn.
You then walk on the raised embankments of the railway in parts.
More remnants of past structures.
The speck on the top of this hill just next to the big tree is Rothley Castle which is a fab place to head to next if you fancy it.
Time to say goodbye to the Delf Burn as it meanders north while we continue west.
A little carved sculpture showing us the way.
Some smashing views over the countryside.
Just before the halfway mark we see the High Hartington Lime Kiln. It was a bit of a scorcher when we went in the summer and some sheep were taking refuge in the cool shelter of the kiln. We got close enough to take a photo without disturbing their siesta.
We headed back to the gate in the field and stopped for our lunch break there and then returned to the walk.
Another little signpost keeping us in the right direction.
Time to traverse the sheep, but both parties kept our distance and everyone was happy!
And we're pretty much on the home straight now. We take the return fork near the finish and we're back at the car park.
A fab little walk, easy to follow and packed with history. If you need more step by step guidance, then check out the instructions on the National Trust Wannie Line walk.
Where to Park For Wannie Line
Where To Park For Wannie Line?
What three words
There is parking at the National Trust's Regional Offices at Scots Gap which is right at the start of the walk. If you are using Google Maps, then ignore their marker as it takes you into a little housing cul-de-sac. The junction is around 100m further metres after this heading west.
Fabulous Places On This Walk
Discover what fabulous places you will find on this walk - Wannie Line.
High Hartington Lime Kiln
Lime Kiln Morpeth NorthumberlandA 19th century lime kiln near the Wannie Line.
Wannie Line
Landscape Morpeth NorthumberlandThe route of the former Wansbeck or "Wannie Line" railway line that ran from Morpeth to Reedsmouth and Rothbury.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
More Walks from SimonMore Places In Morpeth
Find more fabulous places in Morpeth, Northumberland and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
High Hartington Lime Kiln
Lime Kiln Morpeth NorthumberlandA 19th century lime kiln near the Wannie Line.
Temple Thornton Dovecote
Dovecote Morpeth NorthumberlandA Grade II, early 19th century dovecote with the square tower loosely modelled on the tower of The Church of St Andrew in Hartburn.
Morpeth Castle
Castle Morpeth NorthumberlandThe gatehouse of the original motte and bailey castle in Morpeth.
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