Activities

Things To Do & See At The CENTRE OF BRITAIN

Our central situation makes many possibilities for, excursions, walks, sports, family and friends’ get-togethers.

WALKING

Walkers using the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and the Pennine Way can base themselves here for 2/3 or more days. Haltwhistle is famous for its variety of walks both on and off the Wall. There are many guided walks with a Walking Festival each Spring and Autumn. For the next Festival details go to http://www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org/

There are numerous circular walks possible from the Hotel, Haltwhiste Burn walk follows the route of the old wagonway up to Cawfields Quarry.

My favourite walk is out via the South Tyne Valley to Featherstone and Coanwood, returning via Bloofield Common, from where, on the site of a pre Roman settlement, there is the most marvellous view over Haltwhistle nestling in the Tyne Valley, many miles of the Hadrians Wall along the Whin Sill and beyond over the Kielder Forest and to the Scottish Borders.

For a really leisurely walk, take the bus to Alston -England's highest market town 1000' (300m) asl - and walk back along the easy South Tyne Trail, via Lambley Viaduct, along the route of the old railway back to Haltwhistle 300' (100m) asl. Downhill all the way - you can even cover the first 31/2 miles on the narrow gauge South Tynedale Railway!

Hadrian's Wall

The best stretches of Hadrian's Wall are within easy reach. The museums and excavated sites of Birdoswald, The Roman Army Museum, Vindolanda and Housesteads, Chesters, Broclitia are all very easily accessible by the A.D 122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus Service which stops outside the Hotel. We can arrange baggage transfer to your next stop.

Walking Holidays

A number of Tour Operators include us in their programmes which range from self guided packages (Mickledore Travel, Celtic Trails) to guided walks from 3 to 6 days (Walking Women, HF Holidays).

We especially welcome Ramblers' and other walking groups - call David for some ideas for a Haltwhistle based walking programm

David's Tips for Wall Walkers
1) Decide your direction of walk according to the wind direction for the day. So that in windy/wet weather you have the wind at your back and for warm summer days you have a cooling effect. Same principle - if the weather is sunny you might like to get both sides equally tanned.!

2) Do not be over ambitious on the mid section - Much up and down.

3) Have as few changes of accommodation as you can. i.e. at least two days walking can be accomplished from the same base thus no baggage to carry - no shocks at next lodging. Hotel rates are cheaper for 2+ nights stay e.g. here we reduce the rate by £2.00 per night DBB so for two nights stay that is £4.00 plus £6 luggage transfer =£10 per person.

4) Do not carry heavy packs - if not staying at the same base - send your backpacks on by "Walkers Baggage Transfer Service" - £6.00 per bag . Full information http://www.walkersbags.co.uk/

5) If doing the whole Wall, leave a rest/sightseeing day to visit the forts, excavations and museums - or just a day for blisters/sore muscles to be tended.

6) If you see a public Loo - use it!

Cycling
For cyclists we are at the crossroads of the North Pennine (C68) and Hadrian's (C72) cycle ways - both now fully open. We have a lock-up cycle store. There are cycle repair and servicing facilities in the town. We have a full laundry and drying service. We do a special Cyclists Dinner for cycle groups.

Horse Racing

Hexham and Carlisle courses are within easy reach.

Haltwhistle Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre
Haltwhistle Leisure Centre has three attractive outdoor swimming Pools in a parkland setting. The Pool is open from Mid April to September and the water is heated to a tempting 26°C. Adventure playground and DIY barbecue area. Squash and Tennis courts. Foe full details go to the

Centre's website http://www.haltwhistleleisure.co.uk/

Fishing

Haltwhistle and District Angling Association have extensive fishing along the River South Tyne and some on the River Irthing. A maximum of 4 rods Visitor Day Tickets are available per day on a first come basis. These need to be booked in advance and a permit issued before commencing fishing. Full information on the Association's excellent website www.haltwhistleangling.co.uk/

Shoots

The world famous Whitfield shoot is within easy reach of the Hotel. Many teams from all over the country and from abroad stay with us when visiing the shoot. We have a gun storage cabinet and serve hearty pre shoot breakfasts and man-sized dinners!

Touring
Want to tour further afield but not change base every day?

All within a hours drive are—

The Lake District - Ullswater 1 hour: Keswick 1 hour
Scottish Borders: 30 minutes

Dumfries and Galloway Coast; 1 hour
Newcastle Quayside: 45 minutes
Gateshead Metro Centre: 45 minutes
Durham Cathedral: 1 hour
The beautiful Northumbrian Coastline: 1 hour

Carlisle: 30 minutes

Keilder Water: 45 minutes

Blanchland: 1 hour

Plenty of options for circular day tours through England's last uncrowded

region - driving is pleasant - just like it used to be!

Golf

Haltwhistle Golf Club enjoys magnificent views of the South Tyne Valley and is probably, the most scenic and historically interesting course in Britain. It is the only golf club on both Hadrian's Wall footpath and the Pennine Way. The course offers excellent views; East to Haltwhistle and beyond; North to Spadeadam and West to Gilsland and Brampton.

The location is steeped in history, with Thirlwall Castle on the doorstep, the remains of a Roman Camp and Hadrian's Wall crossing the golf course. Day tickets are available. Has to be the best value golf in the country - green fees £15 weekend, £10 weekdays. Full information on the clubs website. http://haltwhistlegolf.co.uk/visitors/

Brampton, Hexham, Carlisle and Slaley Hall Courses are also within easy reach of the Hotel.