The best walks and hikes around Otterburn

Darden Pike 375.84m P20.2 (1233ft) (Hill ID: 504121) [JNSA 30053] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.

If you fancy a little wander to a gorgeous little lake in the middle of nowhere than get yourself along to Darden Lough. This short but tough little walk has a bit of everything in what is really quite a short distance. However the views and the secluded nature of this trig pointed and cairned summit are definitely worth it.

Battle Hill is a stunning wide open location with great natural views. However it can be a bleak looking place in the midst of winter and nearby Wilson's Gibbet only adds to that atmosphere. The gibbet with its hanging figure silhouetted against a dark cruel grey sky will send a shiver down your spine as you hike over the moors on Northumberland’s Whiskershields Common.

You can get a lovely view of Elsdon village and the surrounding hills from this point. It was once described by the Rev. Dodgson, rector of Elsdon between 1762 and 1765 - 'the village is such that in descending a hill called Gallawlaw, from the south, it gives a person an idea of a few scattered cottages built in a boggy island, which is almost surrounded by three little brooks.'

Elsdon is the charming historic capital of Redesdale. It is the perfect Northumbrian village. It has an ancient parish church, a tower house and even the remains of an old motte and bailey castle. The houses which gather round the teardrop-shaped village green make it the largest settlement within the boundaries of the National Park. It’s a great starting point for many walks, runs and other activities into the surrounding countryside.

The Drake Stone is a large sandstone boulder that is said to have healing powers and is believed to have been used by druids in their rituals. The stone is about 20 feet tall and weighs 2,000 tonnes. It is said that children who touch the stone are cured of their ailments. The Drake Stone is also said to be haunted. According to legend, a voice once boomed from the stone, warning workers who were attempting to drain the lake nearby that the village would be flooded if they continued. Additionally, those who spend the night near the stone are said to be unable to leave in the morning.

"The lonely tarn is of considerable area; the water is always pure, there being a spring in the centre. No Diatomes could be detected in the Sphagnum. The depth of water is unknown. It used to be said that the water is so cold, that those who attempt to swim across, receive such a shock, that they are paralysed and sink. There is no recollection, however, of any who have tried the experiment, having been drowned, and several have accomplished the feat. Some will say that the water which has no visible outlet permeates the intermediate strata, and re-appears at Our Lady's Well at Holystone." History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol.12 (1887-1889).

It was built in the 12th century as a wooden motte and bailey castle, but was later rebuilt in stone. The castle was captured by the Scots in 1173-4, before the stonework had even started. The stone castle was probably started soon after, and was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1318. In 1319, Bruce ordered the castle to be dismantled, but it was restored in 1336. Between 1541 and 1551, the western and northern sides of the keep were rebuilt in the present form. Further repairs were made in 1563 and 1585. There were no further repairs to the castle, and it was used as a quarry. It suffered particularly when the new house 'Harbottle Castle' was built in the 17th century.