NZ0581 : Rocks at Shaftoe Crags

Shaftoe Crags

213m Elevation
48m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NZ0581 : Rocks at Shaftoe Crags

Andrew Curtis Photo source

Shaftoe Crags are sandstone outcrops in Northumberland. The mapped Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags walk links the lake with the crags on an 11.1 km circular route; check its map and access notes before setting off.

Explore routes near Shaftoe Crags

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Bolam Lake Lakeside Circuit

1.6 km ~45m Easy

View route

Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags Walk: Circular Route

11.1 km ~3h 30m Moderate

View route

Wallington - National Trust via kids playground

4.3 km ~2h Easy

View route

Wallington River and Woodland Walk

4.5 km ~1h 50m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags Walk

The existing mapped circular route links Bolam Lake with Shaftoe Crags using woodland paths, lanes and tracks. There is road walking as well as open ground; use the route map for the full circuit.

11.1 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

213m

699 ft

Prominence

48m

Coordinates

55.1313, -1.9215

NZ051818

OS Map

81

Explorer: OL42E

At the Summit

The summit is marked by an impressive rocky outcrop, a few sparse grass tufts, and panoramic views that can easily make you forget the climb.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and uneven with some grassy patches; sturdy footwear recommended.

The crags are formed from sandstone of the Shaftoe Grits. The British Geological Survey describes these sandstone beds in its geology of the Morpeth district; the outcrops are not volcanic dolerite.

Views & Scenery

The crags offer views across the surrounding Northumberland countryside. Visibility and the character of the outing depend on the weather; take care around exposed rock and uneven ground.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

The wider Shaftoe area includes a scheduled Iron Age defended settlement and Romano-British settlement at Salters Nick, north-east of Shaftoe Grange. Historic England records this archaeology; it does not establish that the monument is a stop on the mapped Bolam Lake route.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For the mapped Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags route, use the Bolam Lake Country Park parking arrangements. The council lists three car parks, with charges and closing times shown on signs. They are locked at dusk, so allow time to return before closing.

Public Transport

The council lists no direct public transport to Bolam Lake Country Park. If using a bus to a nearby settlement, check the current timetable and plan the complete connection to the mapped start; do not assume a bus reaches the park or crags.

Nearby Facilities

Toilets and a cafe are at Boathouse Wood in Bolam Lake Country Park. Check their current opening before depending on them. They are at the lake, rather than facilities on the crags.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for loose rocks, especially during wet weather. Muddier patches may also surprise you if you're not paying attention.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Shaftoe Crags?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Shaftoe Crags through the maps

Are there other walkers around Shaftoe Crags?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Shaftoe Crags search or of course create your own walk for Shaftoe Crags

Can I organise a walk to Shaftoe Crags?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Shaftoe Crags.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Shaftoe Crags?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Shaftoe Crags here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Shaftoe Crags location map

Grid reference: NZ051818

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

The Cheviot

The Cheviot

816m

 Cross Fell

Cross Fell

893m

Nine Standards Rigg

662m

Buckden Pike

702m

The Calf

677m
See 5 more nearby hills