Image shared for Holystone Burn Woodland Loop and Lady’s Well
Countryside Circular

Holystone Burn Woodland Loop and Lady’s Well

Northumberland

Distance
3.5 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A woodland circuit on the southern edge of the Cheviots, with a quieter loop beside Holystone Burn and a visit to Lady’s Well. Start at the free Forestry England car park west of Holystone. Follow the forest entrance track onto Burma Road, then take the southern woodland paths towards the burn. The route stays on the north side of the water and turns back through the trees before returning to the car park approach. Finish with the established path to Lady’s Well and retrace it to the start.

Broad forest tracks give way to narrower, uneven woodland paths on the burn section. Roots, muddy patches and short slopes call for walking boots and steady footing, especially after rain. Allow around two hours at a relaxed woodland pace, including a stop at the well. This circuit does not use the ford near St Mungo’s Well or the rough climb to Craig Bastle.

Holystone Burn is a Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve with native woodland alongside the stream. Keep dogs on leads in the reserve and follow signs at forestry work sites. The car park has picnic space, but no toilets or refreshments. Bring water and an offline map: the longer forest paths are not a waymarked trail. Lady’s Well is reached on the short Forestry England visitor path; leave the stone enclosure and spring undisturbed.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
3.5 mi (5.6 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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