The Historical Alnwick walk was exactly what it says, a walk around the history of Alnwick, with a few spectacular views thrown in for good measure. This walk was Ruth’s idea, so she was our guest guide.
The start
We started on Ratten Row, just a little way from Hulne Park. We weren’t visiting Hulne Park on this walk but look out for future walks there. After a short warm up, we set off towards Alnwick Castle. The first view of Alnwick Castle is Bailiffgate. This is quite a substantial and impressive entrance but the visitors entrance is on the other side of the Castle.
Chris suggested we could follow a path round to the back of the Castle, where we would get views over the pastures.
Whilst walking around the Castle, several of us commented on the stone figures on the battlements. These were originally placed to confuse attackers but several are from a later restoration in the 18th Century.
Alnwick Gardens
The next part of the walk was on the opposite side of the pastures. Enroute we pass Alnwick Gardens. Even on the outside of the Gardens, there are interesting things to see. Like the singing gate, which senses when you are close and makes sounds.
Alnwick Pastures is the area alongside the River Aln, adjacent to the Castle. The higher areas are wooded and this was where we were going. A short climb leads to a tree lined terrace.
Malcolm’s Cross
At the end of the terrace is a significant relic of Alnwick, Malcolm‘s Cross. This is a grade II listed monument, erected in the place where King Malcolm of Scotland died during the Battle of Alnwick in 1093AD.
The Lion Bridge and the Chantry
We took a route further out from town to give more views of the Castle and surrounding area. At the bottom of the hill we crossed the Lion Bridge. Robert Adam built this and placed an example of the straight tailed Percy Lion in the middle of it. The picture at the top of this page shows us standing on the bridge, in front of said lion.
The last historic stop on the tour of Alnwick was the Chantry. This was built in 1448 and had many uses until it became a ruin in the 18th century. More recently a decorative gate has been fitted to the entrance.
We arrived back at Ratten Row, where we did the customary cool down before setting off for Baileys of Alnwick for lunch.
Thank you all for coming along and we hope to see you again.
Julie and Martin x
If you liked the Historical Alnwick walk why not take a look at our other walks.
Gallery – Historical Alnwick
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