Epic Northumberland Drives
Photograph by @marc_vexar
Discover the epic driving roads you’ll encounter on your Northumberland 250 adventure.
Kielder Forest Drive
Photograph by Daryl Walker (@darylswalker)
Kielder Castle ‑ Blakehopeburnhaugh
A spectacular 12‑mile drive on unsealed forest road takes you through the most remote areas of wild Northumberland where panoramic views, forest scenery and native wildlife are in abundance.
This is the only toll road on the 250 and it climbs to heights of 1500 feet making it one of the highest roads in England.
Drive with care, this road is covered in loose stone, the weather is changeable and there is no mobile phone coverage.
Distance: 12‑miles
Toll: £3
Forest Drive Open: May ‑ December
Warning: Not suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance.
North Pennine Loop
Photograph @marc_vexar
Blanchland - Allenheads
This unforgettable driving experience drops into the Southernmost flank of Northumberland and takes you on some of the most hair-raising roads you’ll encounter on the 250.
Climbing out of the sleepy village of Blanchland the road winds across the harsh and unforgiving rolling moorland of the North Pennines AONB before arriving in the historic former lead mining village of Allenheads.
Distance: 11 miles
Warning: Due to the high elevation of this road, driving conditions in the winter months can quickly become treachearous.
Crossing the Causeway
Photograph by @_joehollis
Beal to Holy Island
Driving the 3-mile long causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is one of Northumberland’s most unique driving experiences.
Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea engulfing your safe passage.
Don’t get caught out ‑ pay close attention to the safe crossing times listed on boards either side of the causeway!
Distance: 3 miles
Warning: Check the safe crossing times at https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/
The Heritage Coastline
Photograph by Northumberland Defenders
Alnwick ‑ Lindisfarne
Featuring in Lonely Planet’s epic drives of the world ‑ this stunning section of the Northumberland 250 drinks in Northumberland’s panoramic coastline.
On your journey from the pretty market town of Alnwick you’ll encounter pristine white sand beaches, characterful fishing villages, medieval castles, iconic Northumberland landmarks, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Distance: 30 miles