Europeans have a tendency to castigate Americans for being insular and never leaving their own shores; but then again, why would you leave when your country is home to every type of natural landscape in majestic proportions?
Turn the telescope round from macro to micro level, and Northumberland has the same embarrassment of walking riches.
The sun rises over the glorious coastline, where mile-upon-mile of giant beaches are punctuated by show-off castles, from the beautiful silhouette of Dunstanburgh to the perfect clifftop proportions of Bamburgh.
To the south, the ancient architectural wonder of Hadrian’s Wall hems the county, partnered by the wonderful national trail that stretches from Newcastle to Bowness on Solway on the west coast.
And in the heart of Northumberland, a giant wilderness feeds your pioneering spirit. The Simonside Hills provide spectacular views for softies, while the Cheviots offer one of the last places in England where you can expect to walk for a day or even a weekend without seeing a soul.
Yet if such a description sounds unwelcoming, consider this before you join the hordes beetling north to Scotland or west to Cumbria: that the darkness of the massive Kielder Forest is brightened by extraordinary art installations, built specifically for walkers; that Harry Potter played Quiddich in the skies above Alnwick Castle; that Lindisfarne is one of the most uplifting and spiritual places in the British Isles; and that for centuries soldiers have fought the Scots tooth and nail to keep this beautiful county English.
Major calendar events
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Cheviots Challenge
23rd August, 2008
Enter this 12-hour walking event, which starts and finishes at Alwinton - in aid of the Northumberland National Park Search and Rescue Team.
Scope’s Hadrian’s Wall Trek
26 – 28 September 2008
A 2-day, 25-mile trek along one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, raising vital funds for Scope’s work with disabled people.
Autumn Walking Festival
11th-19th October 2008
Walking Festival run by the Haltwhistle Partnership. For more information contact 01434 321242
