Festival season comes to Northumberland this weekend (19-21 July) for the North East Climbing and Walking Festival. This is an opportunity for local climbers and walkers to welcome newcomers to the outdoors, and to showcase ‘the County' to people from further afield.

For climbers, Northumberland boasts world class crags to rank with the best in Yorkshire and the Peak District, including rare sandstone gems. For walkers, it's the best kept secret in Britain, with many miles of beautiful and sparsely-trodden open country.

The North East Climbing & Walking Festival aims to celebrate the best of both worlds. Festival HQ is the Blue Bell Hotel, Belford, which will offer a warm welcome and undoubtedly some refreshing ales. With crags such as Bowden and Kyloe on the doorstep, as well as the Cheviot and Simonside Fells not far away, there is much to do for both climber and walker alike. Local guides will also be on hand, offering to run taster sessions for those who have never been outdoors before, advise newcomers to the area on crags nearby, and lead walks on the surrounding hills.

Evening entertainment on the Friday will take the form of a pub quiz, courtesy of Mark Anstiss, and a talk entitled ‘From North Wales to the North Face of the Eiger’ from BMC Officer Rob Greenwood. On Saturday night there will be a Ceilidh by the Wall Star Village Band and a raffle in aid of Regional Air Ambulance Services, with prizes from the BMC, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Berghaus, Rockworks, Petzl, Newcastle Climbing Centre, and Sunderland Climbing Centre. Rain will not stop play!

The closest campsite is South Meadows Farm, a few minutes' stumble from festival HQ. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket then it is worth contacting the Blue Bell Hotel, or alternatively go to Visit Northumberland for more information. Apart from that there's nothing to book, just join us in the pub on Friday – we look forward to seeing you there!

For regular updates on what’s going on please visit the North East Climbing & Walking Festival Facebook Page

« Back