Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields Quarry
Northumberland
Haltwhistle Burn runs down a narrow, wooded valley into the town that calls itself the centre of Britain, and the path beside it passes the remains of a busy industrial past: lime kilns, an old brickworks and the Fell Chimney, which marks an 1840s drift mine. The burn gives a dog water and shade at first, but the route crosses farmland where cattle with calves can graze near Hadrian's Wall, so a lead is needed there. This 9km loop from Fair Hill follows the burn north, crosses the Military Road and reaches Cawfields Quarry, where a flooded quarry sits below the Whin Sill crags and Milecastle 42. It then follows Hadrian's Wall past the Roman fort of Great Chesters before turning back to town. There is about 162 metres of climbing, with steps and steep slopes, on burnside paths, field tracks and short road sections, and the high ground by the Wall is exposed.
This dog friendly walk is a good choice for dogs who like variety, with the burn alongside for the first few kilometres for a drink, and shade from the trees in the valley. Beyond the woods the route crosses farmland, and cattle with calves can be in the fields near the Wall, so dogs should be on a lead there and you should give the herd a wide berth. Take care crossing the Military Road, a fast road. The quarry lake is a popular picnic spot. The Milecastle Inn is a short detour, a refreshment kiosk often runs at Cawfields, and Haltwhistle has cafes and pubs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Milecastle Inn near the route; refreshment kiosk often at Cawfields Quarry; cafes and pubs in Haltwhistle.
- Parking
- Free parking at Fair Hill in Haltwhistle, near Sainsbury's. A second car park at Cawfields Quarry.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields Quarry, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in NorthumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields Quarry dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The wooded burn at the start is lovely for dogs, with water and shade, and the quarry lake and Hadrian's Wall make a memorable middle section. The score reflects the farmland around the Wall, where cattle with calves can graze, and the crossing of the busy Military Road, both of which mean lead time.
Can dogs be off lead at Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields Quarry?
In the Haltwhistle Burn valley, a dog with reliable recall can have some freedom on quiet days, but the route soon crosses farmland where cattle and sheep graze, and cows with calves can be in the fields near the Wall. Keep dogs on a lead there, around the Military Road and near the busy quarry picnic area. If cattle approach, let go of the lead.
What should I know before visiting Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields Quarry with my dog?
Allow around three hours for this 9km loop, which has steps, some steep slopes and exposed high ground by the Wall. Parking at Fair Hill in Haltwhistle is free. The burn gives water early on, but carry more for the open section. The Milecastle Inn is a short detour, there is often a kiosk at Cawfields, and Haltwhistle has several cafes and pubs.
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