Linhope Spout waterfall walk ideal for wild swimming and picnics

Set in the north of Northumberland National Park near Ingram, the stunning waterfall drops 18 metres down a rock face into a plunge pool that the National Park says is around 16ft deep and 6ft wide, a great spot for a dip if the weather holds out.

It is also inside the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, which adds to the sense that this is a proper middle-of-nowhere escape rather than a polished visitor attraction.

Why people go

Part of the appeal is that Linhope Spout gives you a big payoff without a huge hike.

Northumberland National Park rates the walk as moderate, puts it at 3 miles (4.8km) there and back, and says most people should allow around two hours.

The route follows a mix of road, stone track and grassy paths, with some steeper ground on the final approach to the burn and waterfall.

That makes it manageable for plenty of casual walkers, but it still feels adventurous enough to earn the view at the end.

What the walk is like

The official route starts near Hartside Farm, then heads along the valley road towards Linhope before picking up a clear stone track beside a plantation.

From there, fingerposts direct walkers onto a grassy track that zig-zags down the hillside to Linhope Burn and the waterfall itself.

Along the way, the National Park highlights views towards Cunyan Crags, Dunmoor Hill, Shill Moor, Great Standrop and Hedgehope Hill, plus the chance of spotting red squirrels, or signs of them.

At the end, the waterfall lands in a dark plunge pool in a wooded ravine, with the glade an ideal spot for picnics.

Parking and facilities

For the shortest walk, Northumberland National Park says drivers should park on the grass verge just before Hartside Farm, keeping gates and access clear.

The walk start point is 5.5 miles west of the A697, reached by turning off at the junction signed Ingram about a mile north of Powburn and following the valley road past the National Park Centre and Bulby’s Wood car park.

There are no facilities at the waterfall itself, but the National Park lists toilets at Bulby’s Wood car park and the National Park Centre in Ingram.

Powburn and Wooler are closest for local services, which is useful if you want to turn the walk into more of a half-day trip.

A cheeky pub stop

For a post-walk pub option, a good choice is The Plough Inn in Powburn.

The family-run pub serves home-cooked dishes including fresh trout and game pie.

Another nearby stop is The Poacher’s Rest at Hedgeley Services, just north of Powburn on the A697, which serves food and drink all day and sits alongside a petrol station and farm shop/butchers.

Things to know before you go

The terrain includes road, stone track, grassy paths and some steep ground, so decent footwear is the safer bet even on a dry day.

The National Park also notes that part of the route uses permissive footpaths and open access land, and asks visitors to keep dogs on leads and follow the paths.

This is not a place with ticket booths, cafes or big car parks, which is part of the charm.