Here is an enjoyable four kilometre walk in north Northumberland along the banks of the River Tweed and River Till. This scenic walk also includes the ruins of Twizel Castle, one of the country’s finest mediaeval bridges and a disused railway viaduct.

The route starts and ends at a small lay-by on the A698 near Twizel Bridge. There is only parking for about three cars so it is probably better to avoid weekends and holidays if you want to find a parking space.

Twizel Bridge

When it was completed in 1511, this bridge was the largest single span arch in Britain (27 metres) and remained so until 1727.

At the Battle of Flodden on September 9 1513, the vanguard of the English army, about 10,000 men, crossed the River Till using this bridge to outflank the Scottish army on Flodden Hill.

These days however, the bridge is no longer used for vehicle traffic.

Twizel Castle

The public footpath from the bridge passes though some woodland before arriving at the remains of Twizel Castle, which is situated on private land.

Originally a 15th century stone tower, it was abandoned in 1496 and lay ruined until the late 18th century when Sir Francis Blake incorporated it into his design for a five story gothic revival mansion which was never finished. The house is now a two story folly.

The River Tweed

The route also passes lush wheat fields before descending to the southern bank of the River Tweed.

Surrounded by emerald greens of all sorts as well as with old cottages on the English bank of the Tweed, the river is also very popular with anglers looking for some respite.

The route where the River Till flows into the Tweed also follows a leafy path on the bank of the Till, doubling back towards the starting point.

Twizel Viaduct

This viaduct was opened in 1849 to carry the Tweedmouth to Kelso railway branch line over the River Till. The vintage bridge has six arches and measures 124 metres in length.

The line was closed down in 1965 and the track removed. Since the populations of Tweedmouth and Kelso probably only totalled around 10,000 between them, one wonders how the railway owners thought they would ever generate enough profits to justify such a substantial and expensive engineering project.

Nonetheless, this scenic route is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re ever in north Northumberland, do give this excursion a try.

Address
Twize Castle,
A698,
Cornhill-on-Tweed,
TD12 4UX,
United Kingdom.

This article first appeared on Northumberland Traveller.