Linhope Spout Waterfall Walk

Linhope Spout

Linhope Spout is a lovely waterfall in an isolated setting in the lovely Breamish Valley, on the edge of the Northumberland National Park near the village of Ingram. The waterfall can only be reached on foot by way of a short, scenic walk from the end of the public roadway west of Ingram.

The waterfall tumbles 18 metres (60 feet) down a rockface to a small pool. Local legend says that the pool is bottomless, but in fact, it is about 5m (16 feet) deep, which makes it a popular destination for wild swimming.

There is a sheltered area directly beside the waterfall that is perfect for picnics.

We came on a dull, overcast day in autumn, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the incredible scenery and enjoying the waterfall.

The plunge pool at the waterfall's base

Linhope Spout has appeared as a setting for the popular TV detective series Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn.

The waterfall is within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, an ideal place for stargazing. The area is extremely good for spotting wildlife and for birdwatching.

The elusive red squirrel is frequently spotted on the forest floor, especially in spring and autumn when they are foraging for food. Look for Scots Pine cones, which the squirrels love to feed on. This is also a good place to spot curlew.

The Linhope Spout Walk

The walk is straightforward and very easy, with roughly 468 feet of ascent/descent. It is just over 1.5 miles to the waterfall and took us just under 1 hour (plus the return journey for a total of 3 miles/2 hours). If the weather is clear you can get excellent views of Great Standrop and Hedgehope Hill.

1. As you cross the bridge in Ingram the road forks. Take the right-hand fork and follow the road as it follows the valley west. You will pass the National Park Centre and Bulby’s Wood car park on your right. Keep heading west as the road carries on to Hartside Farm. The public road ends just before you reach the farm and there is space to pull off on the left of the road. The parking area is at NT 976 163.

The parking area - walk start

2. Walk along the tarmac road. You will pass a small wooded area on your right. The road dips down to Linhope, a cluster of pretty cottages. You cross a small bridge over Linhope Burn, with a terrace of cottages behind a stone wall on your right. The road bends left around a corner. Just pas the corner a fingerpost points the way to a track heading uphill. A stone track climbs up the hill with a forest plantation on your right.

Go past the cottages at Linhope

3. At the corner of the plantation area, a fingerpost points to a grass track, with a fence on your left. Pass through a gate and follow the track as it drops down the hillside to Linhope Burn and Linhope Spout.

Go through a gate and follow the farm track

4. Retrace your steps to the car parking area.

Though the route is not difficult a good pair of waterproof hiking boots is a good idea as the going can be muddy in places after rain. Use OS Landranger 81 or Explorer OL16. Note that parts of the route follow permissive footpaths. Please keep dogs on a lead and stick to the paths.