The best running trails around Hepscott

Lovely hamlet, nice spot for a break and a snack. Some great quiet lanes around here

It’s nice in spring with the fruit trees and flowers

Some nice shops in there.

The Chantry Footbridge replaced an older two-arch bridge from the 13th century. An iron footbridge was built on the site in 1869, and it was refurbished in 2004. The bridge connects Bridge Street with Hill Gate on the south side. At the north end of the footbridge is the 13th century All Saints Chantry, which was restored in 1980 and is now a tourist information center, craft center, and museum. Just upstream from the bridge is a weir.

The Telford Bridge replaced an older medieval bridge and connects the two halves of the town. It was designed by John Dobson, although Thomas Telford is often credited due to the inscription on the parapet. Telford chose the location and oversaw the construction. St George's United Reformed Church is located on the north side of the bridge, while the Court House is on the south side.

These woods and the steep sided Howburn valley once held coal mines, from as recent as the 1920s right back to Roman times. You can see some traces of the industry from the old bricks that are occasionally used to line the path. You might also see some acient 'bell mines' in the woods, pits that were dug and expanded out underground to dig out the coal seams. The large meadow on the left as you come back from the walk is called 'Pestilence Close' and supposedly the Morpeth inhabitants who died in the plague of 1665 are buried here. The Romano-British smetled iron in the valley, and traces of their works also exist. Hard to believe so much industry existed in what is now a green nature reserve. While not on the walk itself, the Victorian 'County Lunatic Asylum' existed where the new housing estate is now at the edge of the woods. A little further up, you might see what is left of the Morpeth racecourse, where horses were raced in the 1730s. The grandstand is long gone, but you can see traces of the oval track in the fields

St. George's Church in Morpeth has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally established as a Presbyterian ministry in 1693, the congregation held its first services in a tannery loft before constructing a chapel in 1721. In 1850, they seized the opportunity to acquire the Old Mill, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, and embarked on the construction of a new stone church. This magnificent building, completed in 1860, showcased an early English architectural style and boasted a striking stained glass rose window. The church played a central role in the community, attracting individuals from diverse occupations in the mid-19th century. However, it underwent significant changes over time. In the early 1960s, the church was divided horizontally to accommodate a church hall, kitchen, and meeting rooms above, altering the external appearance. Despite initial opposition, these modifications provided a new space for various community groups and activities. Throughout its history, St. George's Church experienced challenges, including a major flood in 2008 that left the building unusable for six months. However, the congregation demonstrated resilience by sharing services with the Morpeth Methodists and utilizing the valuable church hall. The church's enduring presence and commitment to the community have been exemplified through initiatives such as the 150th-anniversary celebrations, which featured a graphic created by local artist Anji Allen. Today, St. George's Church remains a cherished place of worship and a vital hub for the community. It continues to host numerous activities, including the St. George's Community Players, the church's ceilidh band 'sgurc', country dance clubs, music groups, and more. The church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and history of Morpeth, serving as a place where faith, culture, and community intersect.

This bridge was originally erected at Oldgate/Curly Kews in 1872 and moved here in 1931.