Countryside 

Bolam Lake

There is a country park surrounding Bolam Lake, an artificial stretch of water that was created in 1818 by John Dobson. You can still see red squirrels in the woods at Bolam, where there is also fishing, paddling and boating. St Andrew's church at Bolam has a tall Saxon tower.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 south; at Longhorsley take the A697 5 miles southeast; turn right onto the Al 3 miles south towards Stannington; turn off onto the B6524 5 miles southwest towards Whalton; at Whalton stay on the B6524 3 miles west towards Belsay; at Belsay take the unclassified road 2 miles north to Bolam Lake. Estimated driving time, 31 minutes.

Flodden

The Battle of Flodden was fought on September 9th, 1513 between the English and the Scots, King James Iv of Scotland having taken part with King Louis Xii of France against Henry. The English army advanced to the attack across the Plain of Milfield. The battle took place between the plain a sloping hill. A pillar marks the spot where King James fell. The King was killed together with some 10,000 of his army.

The English, who were commanded by the Earl of Surrey, suffered few casualties. A tall monument was erected at Flodden in 1913, on the 400th anniversary of the battle.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 1 mile north; at Longframlington stay on the A697 21 miles north towards Coldstream; at Wooler stay on the A697 3 miles northwest towards Coldstream; at Akeld stay on the A697 3 miles north towards Coldstream; at Milfield stay on the A697 1 mile north towards Coldstream; turn left onto the B6352 1 mile southwest to Flodden. Estimated driving time, 48 minutes.

Otterburn

A cross to the northwest of the village marks the site of the famous battle of 1388 where the Scots under the Earl of Douglas defeated the English and captured Sir Henry Percy, 'Harry Hotspur'. The Earl of Douglas was killed in the battle.

Tweed is still made in a mill in Otterburn, and is on view to the public. The Mill contains unique examples of 19th and 20th century machinery, a heritage trail and visitor centre with an exhibition that tells the story of the border woollen trade and the history of the mill. The power sources for the mill - an 1889 water turbine and a 1920 diesel engine - have been restored to working order. Tel: 01830 520225.

Otterburn is known in popular song as 'Chevy Chase'. 

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 2 miles north towards Coldstream; turn left onto the B6344 6 miles west towards Rothbury; at Rothbury bear left onto the B6341 2 miles west towards Thropton; at Thropton stay on the B6341 4 miles northwest towards Hepple; at Hepple stay on the B6341 6 miles southwest towards Elsdon; at Elsdon stay on the B6341 3 miles west towards Otterburn; turn right onto the A696 1 mile west to Otterburn. Estimated driving time, 48 minutes.

Redesdale Forest

There are walks in Redesdale Forest, including three picnic places just off the A6& You will find the Forest Office at Byrness. Close by is an entrance to the Kielder Forest Drive. There is a Forestry Commission visitor Centre at Kielder Castle, a good centre for walks and drives in the forest. Open Easter to end Sep 1000-1700. Tel: 01660 50209.

Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in Europe. There is a visitor Centre and exhibition at Tower Knowe, Waterside Park at Leaplish. Open April - September 10:00-18:00 daily, October - March 10:00-16:00.  Tel: 01660 40396.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 2 miles north towards Coldstream; turn left onto the B6344 6 miles west towards Rothbury; at Rothbury bear left onto the B6341 2 miles west towards Thropton; at Thropton stay on the B6341 4 miles northwest towards Hepple; at Hepple stay on the B6341 6 miles southwest towards Elsdon; at Elsdon stay on the B6341 3 miles west towards Otterburn; turn right onto the A696 1 mile west towards Otterburn; at Otterburn stay on the A696 2 miles west; bear left onto the A68 3 miles northwest towards Rochester; at Rochester stay on the A68 5 miles northwest to Byrness. Estimated driving time, 63 minutes.

Simonside Hills

An area of wild rocky moorland with fine views of the Coquet Valley from the summit of Tosson Hill (1, 444ft), southwest of Rothbury.

Directions: Leave Linden Hall and take the A697 2 miles north towards Coldstream; turn left onto the B6344 6 miles west towards Rothbury; at Rothbury take the unclassified road southwest towards Thropton and the Simonside Hills. Estimated driving time, 22 minutes.

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