Visitor Itinerary

Revitalising Redesdale have suggested the perfect way to spend a day in Corsenside: 

AM

The village of West Woodburn (NE48 2RX) has been a focal point for people visiting Redesdale since the Bronze Age. Start exploring the area from The Bay Horse Inn (NE48 2RX) and enjoy a gentle walk to the Church of All Saints (NE48 2SG). From here you can continue onto the village of East Woodburn before looping back to West Woodburn using the stepping stones at Townfoot, or join a five-mile circular walking route to the tiny medieval St. Cuthbert’s Church in Corsenside (off the A68), one of three churches in Redesdale dedicated to the patron saint of the North of England.

There’s also the St Cuthbert’s Three-Church Trail linking all three churches in Elsdon, Corsenside and Bellingham. The 15 mile route, which begins in Elsdon (NE19 1AA) leads you through beautiful countryside. 

A series of walks that all begin from Corsenside Parish Hall (NE48 2SB) in West Woodburn will help you explore more of the surrounding area, including the village of Ridsdale (NE48 2TF) and the famous Ridsdale Ironworks (off the A68). Iron was mined, smelted and cast at Ridsdale Ironworks from 1836 to 1848, and later pig iron was produced for use in the construction of the High Level Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne. Today, Ridsdale Ironworks is protected as a scheduled monument.

LUNCHTIME

The Bay Horse Inn (NE48 2RX - website) at West Woodburn is a traditional country pub that sits in the oldest part of the village. If you look above the door as you go in you’ll see the date 1797 inscribed in the stone. Expect a warm welcome and some hearty dishes using the best local produce.

Alternatively, up the hill in Ridsdale The Gun (NE48 2TF - website) boasts wonderful views over the valley and beyond to Scotland. This community run pub was recently refurbished thanks to over twenty thousand volunteer hours of work. The coffee shop offers fresh baked goods or the bar menu is perfect for those with a heartier appetite. 

PM

A short walk from the centre of West Woodburn, following the lane to East Woodburn, you’ll find Slate and Nature (NE48 2SG - website); a family run business that uses reclaimed and environmentally friendly slate to make a range of handmade products, including bird and animal boxes, vases, candle holders and much more. Open by appointment only - 01434 270331. 

To the west of West Woodburn is the gallery of Northumberland artist, Mary Ann Rogers (NE48 2SE). Famous for her vibrant watercolour paintings depicting the wildlife and landscapes of the local area, Mary Ann sells original works, prints, greeting cards, stationery, throws, and more. Visit www.marogers.com for gallery opening times. Closeby is Low Cleugh Bastle, which is easily accessed by following the footpath that runs parallel to the Bellingham Road.

A short drive from West Woodburn is the historic market town of Bellingham (NE48 2BA), a popular destination for fishing, walking, cycling, and for visiting Hareshaw Linn Waterfall (website). The Heritage Centre (NE48 2DG - website) has a seasonal exhibition and events programme sharing stories of the North Tyne and Rede valleys.

This information can be downloaded from their website, alongside guides for the neighbouring parishes in Redesdale: Explore Redesdale with four itineraries for a great day out - Revitalising Redesdale

We also have the 4 pdfs available to download in our archive.