Guided Walks

Folklore and Heritage Walks around the footpaths of Ford and Etal in North Northumberland.

Join me for a beautiful walk around our countryside and villages, learn about the history and heritage of this working landscape, the stories of the people who once lived here, and the folktales and legends of the wider area.

Contact me to book a bespoke guided experience around Ford, Etal or Heatherslaw. I grew up on the estates and attended school in Ford, and as a history graduate and professional storyteller, I can give you a unique view of the stories and histories beneath our picturesque landscape.

Hear stories both true and mythical, from Medieval life in the Borderlands to local ghost stories, lost folk customs of Ford and Etal to individual stories of real people, and from Cheviot fairies to the hidden traces of WW2 in the landscape. Get beneath the surface of our history and discover stories you won’t find in any guide book.

Choose your own route, sites of interest, length and difficulty, and focus of the walk (scroll down to see examples of your options).

Pleasant paths, spectacular views, plenty of wildlife to spot, a knowledgeable local guide, and a walk tailored to your needs and interests make this a truly unique experience.

Availability is limited to Fridays and Saturdays between July and October 2025.* Weather may affect available routes. All walks include stops to look at sites and hear stories from your guide.

Prices start at £8/person for shortest walks (min. two people). From £50 (for a group of up to three) for a 3+ hour walk. Numbers limited to ten people per walk for a rich and personal experience.

*No availability on the following dates: Sat 26th July; Fri 1st August; Sat 2nd August; Sat 23rd August; Sat 30th August; Fri 26th September; Sat 11th October; Fri 24th October; Fri 31st October.

Contact me here or email spindriftstories@gmail.com to check availability, discuss your requirements and book.

Examples of possible routes (adaptable to your requirements; all listed prices will be adjusted according to length of route):

Etal Riverside. Meeting at Etal Castle car park. A circular walk of about two miles, taking approximately two hours. Easy terrain with gravelled and grass paths, some gentle slopes. Sights include: River views, ruined castle, Old Barley Mill, St Mary’s ruined chapel, Medieval village site. £8/person for the standard walk.

Possible options: Include a visit to the Old Chapel Cidery beside the car park; Combine with Heatherslaw as a longer walk.

Ford Village. Starting at Ford Castle car park and taking in a loop around the village. Approximately one hour, allowing for frequent stops. Easy terrain on gravel or tarmac paths, with gentle slopes. Some roadside walking (with footpath). Sights include: Cheviot Hill views, Ford village, remains of Parson’s Tower pele, Ford Castle (exterior), church, Medieval village traces. £8/person for the standard loop.

Possible options: Include a visit to the Lady Waterford Hall (free entry) to view Louisa Waterford’s magnificent 19th Century wall murals; Extend down the old Carriage Drive to view the Castle Dene.

Ford Moss/Goats Crag. Various walks with longer and more challenging options, requiring walking experience, good level of fitness, and appropriate, sturdy footwear. Stunning views of the Cheviot Hills and (on clear days) the Eildons. Prices start at £50 for a group of up to three or £80 for the longest excursion option.

Options: Walk around Ford Moss Nature Reserve, with chances to spot wildlife and the wild ponies on the Moss, see the remains of old mining village and mine sites and learn its stories; Walk through the old village site and along the ridge to Goats Crag to view prehistoric burial sites and ancient goat carvings on the crag; Combine these for a day’s excursion.

Heatherslaw-Ford-Hay Farm Circular. Beginning and ending at my own Bryneich Studio for Folklore and Storytelling at Heatherslaw. 4 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Some steep slopes and rough, potentially muddy paths, requiring walking experience, good level of fitness, and appropriate, sturdy footwear. Stunning views of the Till Valley, Cheviot Hills and (on clear days) Eildons. Other sights include: Heatherslaw Mill (exterior), sites and traces of two Medieval villages, Ford village, Ford Castle and church (exteriors), Hay Farm. Prices start at £50 for a group of up to three.

Possible options: Extend to a longer route and take in the old Errol Hut Smithy, views of Etal Manor House and the sad story of Lady Fitzclarence’s Gates (neither manor nor smithy is open to the public); Include stops in Ford Village to view the Lady Waterford Hall; Schedule in tea/coffee and cakes at the Corn Mill Coffee House at the end of the walk.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Please ensure you bring any food, drink, and equipment (e.g. walking poles, sunscreen, medication) you may need. There are not always shops or toilets along the walking routes!
  • Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and the walk.
  • Adults are responsible for themselves and for any children and animals in their party, both in terms of safety and behaviour. Attendees are asked to follow the countryside code at all times, stick closely to the route, and take great care, especially when crossing or walking on roads.
  • The walk leader will carry maps, first aid kit, and a fully charged mobile phone with signal on all parts of the walk.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome.
  • If you or someone in your party has mobility or other access needs that you would like to discuss, please let me know when you contact me.