retreat: Find some breathing space
Escape from it all, and nurture your instincts for nature in Hadrian’s Wall Country. The sense of solitude that comes with wide open space and uninterrupted views of dramatic upland or coastal scenery will lift your spirits within minutes of arriving.
Not a soul to be seen – what a pleasure. But look closer, and you’ll discover a world populated by a wealth of species of mammals, birds, insects, freshwater fish and marine life. Discover for yourself how red squirrels and ospreys remain secluded in their habitat and natural environment; explore the undergrowth where wild flowers, heather and pine and deciduous trees stimulate the senses with the sights and aromas of the season.
There’s really only one way to experience the dramatic impact of the landscape, and that’s to get ‘out there’. With a national park, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a variety of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and countless walks, trails, hides and beauty spots, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself into the landscape.
Get closer to nature with a series of nature trails through the Northumberland National Park, and explore the woodland areas of the Kielder Water and Forest Park. Discover the abundance of salmon and trout in the naturally fresh waters of the north and south Tyne rivers and stroll through the riverside woodland at the National Trust's Allen Banks & Staward Gorge. The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has a unique character endowed with birdlife and coastal ecosystems, whilst the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife and flora interest.
For a more passive visit, recharge in Hadrian’s Wall Country at a wide selection of accommodation options that are part of the Green Tourism business scheme, many offering locally sourced produce and fair-trade goods. Why not sleep closer to nature at one of the many camping and caravanning sites. Let the landscape of the Whin Sill inspire your photographic or painting skills, and capture the majestic sunsets for an eternity.
