Walking holidays

This spot near Howick is a secluded Northumberland cove with dramatic cliffs, a smuggling history, and connections to Earl Grey’s historic Bathing House

Nestled amongst the clifftops in a cove near Howick in Northumberland lies this stunning bay, boasting both historical and environmental importance.

Rumbling Kern is an isolated haven comprising dramatic iron-stained rocks and a small beach visible at low tide. Its distinctive location and cliff formation earned it this evocative name, as the geography helps generate a rumbling noise during stormy conditions.

When waves crash into the bay and strike the rocks, visitors can detect a profound and eerie sound beneath, rumbling like distant thunder. This distinctive acoustic phenomenon is unique to the location and lends an otherworldly quality to the already remote destination.

One keen explorer who documents their journeys on YouTube, Wilderhope Adventures, explained that the cove proves challenging to locate, as it doesn’t even appear on maps without entering the postcode for the nearby farm. She said: “I’ve seen pictures of this, but this is very, very cool. I can imagine this being a really cool swimming spot because it’s very protected.”

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Historical significance

The fascinating features don’t end there, however, as historical records indicate it served a particularly intriguing role in smuggling operations.

Given its coastal position and remoteness from populated areas, the cove proved popular for landing illicit cargo, most frequently whisky. They would subsequently move these goods along the remainder of the Northumberland coastline.

The neighbouring village of Boulmer was particularly renowned as the ‘smuggling capital’ during that era, with the kern representing just one element of a far more extensive network.

Bathing House

The cove provides stunning vistas of the Bathing House, nestled peacefully along the shoreline as a 19th-century residence constructed by the former prime minister.

It originally belonged to Charles Grey (2nd Earl Grey), whilst nearby Howick Hall served as the ancestral home where he was raised. This property functioned as a gateway for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

Throughout his time here, the earl ordered extensions to the swimming area along the tide, creating additional fresh seawater pools. On the upper floor of the property, they even created a vantage point for his wife to watch their children bathing below in the specially designed pools.

Today the property is available for holiday rentals as a cottage for friends and family, with bookings filling up rapidly. It continues under the stewardship of the Howick Trustees Ltd, a charitable trust.

Howick Hall

A brief journey from the scenic Bathing House and cove brings you to Howick Hall, a Grade II listed structure which was home to the Earls Grey. The very same prime minister, after whom Earl Grey tea takes its name, lived there throughout his lifetime, and it is now accessible to the public.

Howick Hall was originally constructed in 1782, but sadly a fire in 1926 ravaged much of the interior, necessitating significant renovations. The ever-expanding family vacated the property following the passing of the 5th Earl Grey in the 1970s.

By 1973, Lord Howick had transformed the west wing into his family residence, where they still live today. The ground floor is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich history of this family and their ancestral home over the centuries.

The hall’s grounds boast an array of enchanting gardens, conceived by the 5th Earl Grey, and an arboretum spanning more than 65 acres. Nestled within this verdant landscape is the ideal spot for a tea break at the Earl Grey Tea House, where tradition and legacy live on.

The oldest road remains a popular National Trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders exploring 5,000 years of history

Britain’s oldest road boasts an incredible 5,000-year history and continues to attract travellers to this day. The Ridgeway is widely acknowledged as the nation’s most ancient route, and even ranks amongst the world’s oldest roads.

Stretching 87 miles from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, this historic elevated pathway has served countless generations, from prehistoric times through Roman, Saxon and medieval periods. Whilst much of The Ridgeway is now off-road, it remains a beloved public trail.

Travellers along the route can discover Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age round barrows, Iron Age hillforts and admire striking white chalk figures carved into the hillsides.

These days, visitors can tackle the route on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. For those wanting to complete the entire distance, it’s achievable in under a week.

As one of Britain’s shorter National Trails, The Ridgeway frequently serves as an ideal starting point for newcomers to long-distance walking. At a pace of 15 miles daily, walkers can finish it in six days, reports the Express.

Numerous campsites dot the route, alongside B&Bs and lodges for overnight stays.

The trail begins in Avebury and heads in a north-easterly direction.

According to National Trail: “West of the River Thames, The Ridgeway is a broad track passing through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is often quite a distance from villages or towns.”

They added: “East of the Thames, The Ridgeway travels through the more wooded and intimate hills and valleys of the Chilterns AONB where, as well as further archaeological treasures, there are several nature reserves rich in the wildlife found in chalk grassland habitats.

“In the Chilterns, The Ridgeway goes close to or through several villages and small towns where refreshments and other facilities are easily available.”

Walkers can experience the Ridgeway throughout the year, though spring to autumn offers the finest views, weather and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Those tackling the trail in May are frequently treated to a spectacular bluebell carpet across the Chiltern woodlands.

This village is a hidden gem of a holiday spot, perfect for nature lovers and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with walks through the North York Moors

When it comes to villages, this Yorkshire treasure, nestled 20 miles from York, offers picture-postcard perfection with its honey-hued stone cottages and undulating countryside.

Coxwold attracts many visitors who embark on walks and cycling routes across the North York Moors, amongst England’s most breathtaking expanses of open landscape.

Stunning woodland, waterways and lush heather moorland encircle the village, providing ample opportunity for exploration as you pass through and pause here.

Upon arriving in the village, the striking 15th century church of St Michael’s immediately catches the eye, perched atop a hillside – making for a delightful stroll.

Once you reach the summit, panoramic vistas of the village sprawl before you in all its cobbled magnificence.

The Fauconberg serves as the village’s focal point, a pub catering to both residents and visitors in a classic Yorkshire establishment atmosphere, offering wholesome, satisfying meals.

It doubles as a well-established inn featuring the cosiest log fires, timber beams and stone-flagged floors, providing the perfect retreat following a day of exploring.

One diner posted their review on TripAdvisor, saying: “Sunday lunch was very tasty with generous portion sizes. The service was quick, efficient and very friendly. I would thoroughly recommend a meal here in this lovely pub/restaurant. We will definitely be returning.”

A delightful way to spend time here is by strolling from the village through the Beacon Banks to Husthwaite – a straightforward route with minimal effort required.

It’s recommended that you leave your car on the main street, walk past the church for half a mile until you spot a footpath on your left, where your journey commences.

Each village boasts a pub, making them ideal refreshment stops, whilst the true highlight of the trek is the mile and a half stretch along Beacon Banks, providing breathtaking panoramas.

Your return to Coxwold winds through serene countryside, completing what should amount to a three and a half hour ramble covering five miles.

Nearby sits the magnificent Byland Abbey, formerly celebrated as one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in the north and still stands at great height.

The ruins identify it as amongst the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in the area, featuring remarkable medieval floor tiles that earn it international recognition.

At the location, visitors can explore the museum, which contains countless artefacts discovered on the grounds. Alongside these are exquisite illustrations offering deeper understanding of monastic life before its dissolution.

One recent visitor shared: “Absolutely blown away! English heritage site which was free admittance. We spent over an hour exploring this stunning 12th-century church, nothing was out of bounds and a real feel for this wonderful construction. Car parking was free and opposite the church.”

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This charming North Lincolnshire village offers the perfect day trip for nature lovers, with scenic estuary walks, three traditional pubs, and stunning Humber Bridge views

In the north of Lincolnshire sits a tranquil village offering the ideal retreat for waterside strolls leading towards the East Coast sea.

A gentle stream meanders through the village of Barrow upon Humber, flowing towards Barrow Haven and out into the estuary that connects to the North Sea. The charming little village is positioned just off the south bank of the Humber Estuary and is merely a quick train journey from beloved seaside spots including Cleethorpes and Grimsby.

What draws visitors to the area is the picturesque walking path, called the Barrow Haven and Humber Estuary trail. The route guides you across diverse landscapes, showcasing 1,000 years of heritage from Viking fortifications to Victorian architecture and, naturally, the updated wildlife reserve.

A tiny settlement beyond the village, Barrow Haven, is tucked along the Humber Estuary, serving as the historic ferry crossing and a location where vessels would dock.

Today it continues to be a beloved destination for wildlife enthusiasts eager to experience its thriving natural environment.

Particularly noteworthy, a favoured attraction for passionate walkers is the celebrated Humber Bridge, located just three miles away and a brief drive from Barrow upon Humber.

When it was built in 1981, the bridge represented a remarkable feat of 20th century engineering as the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge.

The sheer magnitude of the structure is hard to comprehend until you’re standing beneath it or strolling along it, a popular choice for those seeking a better view.

The iconic bridge links Barton on the South Bank with Hull on the North Bank, previously necessitating a lengthy and challenging detour.

Visitors have labelled the bridge as a “must-see”, with one individual declaring it their “favourite bridge”.

A TripAdvisor review says: “We parked at the viewing point and sat on a bench to take in the beautiful view of this bridge that crosses the Humber.

“Constructed in the 1980s, it’s possible to walk across it, and the toll for cars is £1.50. It was fascinating to see it up close and observe how quiet the traffic seemed.”

Within the village, there are three traditional pubs, all adored by locals, providing a snug spot to unwind during your Lincolnshire explorations.

The Royal Oak, Harrisons and Six Bells are practically adjacent to each other and within walking distance of The Haven Inn, nestled between the village and its neighbouring settlement, Barrow Haven.

A recent guest recounted their experience at the Inn, writing: “Lovely country pub and restaurant, excellent service and very pleasant staff who are efficient, food is hot and fresh , we all ate something different and every meal was very good, reasonably priced.”

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