At the base of the Northumberland National Park in southern England, you’ll discover the captivating Crag Lough, a pristine natural wonder among the Roman Wall Loughs. The towering cliffs that hug the southern shores of Crag Lough cradle remnants of the ancient Hadrian’s Wall, making it a must-visit for adventurers and history enthusiasts. This sacred site beautifully weaves England’s rich historical tapestry with the allure of lush rolling hills, offering a journey of discovery that encompasses natural wonders, geological marvels, and echoes of the past.
In an era from AD 43 to 410, the Roman Empire claimed dominion over parts of Great Britain, christening the territory as Britannia. During the era of Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, a monumental 73-mile wall traversed the English landscape from east to west. The purpose behind this wall—whether as a boundary marker for Rome, a defense against northern incursions, or merely an occupation project for the Empire’s soldiers—remains a topic of scholarly debate. Adorned with the remnants of historic gateways, watchtowers, and forts, the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall are a tribute to England’s illustrious past and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trio of Roman Wall Loughs, including the celebrated Crag Lough, are nestled close to Hadrian’s Wall within the vast expanse of Northumberland National Park, each lake under varying stewardship arrangements.
Once a thriving lake habitat, the three Roman Wall Loughs are now an ecological oasis, recognized as both a European Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. These tranquil waters are relics of ancient glacial processes, with most lakes succumbing to drainage or sediment accumulation over time. However, Crag Lough remains a cherished relic of natural beauty in the northeastern reaches of England, thanks to strategic efforts in place to safeguard this shallow 18-acre lake, including creating spawning grounds and restoring streams.
For angling enthusiasts, Crag Lough offers a unique fishing experience under a three-year lease agreement with the National Trust. This arrangement conserves the lake’s intrinsic charm while revitalizing its indigenous fish population. The lease establishes provisions for stocking native brown trout or sterile triploid trout, with a parallel focus on seeding a self-sustaining brown trout habitat. Anglers can fish for brown trout from May 1st to October 31st, provided they possess a permit from the lake’s owner and an Environment Agency National Rod License. A strict catch-and-release policy governs angling activities, ensuring the preservation of the delicate ecosystem of Crag Lough.
Toweringly overlooking the southern fringes of Crag Lough is the majestic High Shield Crag, a geological marvel dating back 295 million years to the formation of Whin Sill—an imposing volcanic intrusion coursing through vast swathes of south and east Northumberland. Utilizing the crag’s elevated perch, Hadrian’s Wall gracefully traces the contours of Whin Sill, providing visitors with panoramic vistas of verdant hills, meadows, and the tranquil lakes below. Bird watchers can revel in the spectacle of curlews, kestrels, skylarks, and a winter migration of waterfowl that include whooper swans, goldeneyes, grey geese, and a colorful array of ducks and wigeons gracing the shores of Crag Lough.
Perched upon the ramparts of Whin Sill and flanking the tranquil waters of Crag Lough, the evocative ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort stand proud as a sentinel from antiquity, beckoning guests to delve into the annals of Britain’s past. Situated near Crag Lough, Housesteads stands as the most intact Roman fort in the country, boasting remnants of a granary, barracks, hospital, kitchen, and an underground hypocaust heating system. An onsite museum offers a journey through over two millennia of English history, further enriching the visitor experience. Housesteads also hosts one of the car parks serving the visitors of Crag Lough, the other being conveniently situated near the park’s visitor center at Steel Rigg, a short distance to the lake’s west.
Venturing through the enchanting environs of Crag Lough unveils a tapestry of breathtaking countryside vistas, offering over 600 miles of trails that meander from the southern expanses of the lake to the Scottish border. Wanderers, equestrians, and cyclists crisscrossing these paths will encounter a symphony of natural beauty punctuated by encounters with the resident wildlife. Whether scaling rocky precipices, embarking on bird-watching excursions, or participating in fell running feats, each activity unveils the splendor of moors, hills, woodlands, and streams dotting the landscape. Anglers seeking solace amidst the rippling currents can cast their lines in the nearby River Tyne and River Coquet, esteemed fisheries teeming with salmon, sea trout, and the cherished brown trout.
Journeying southward from the hallowed grounds of Northumberland National Park leads one into the realm of the North Pennines, a cherished expanse brimming with natural wonders. Embraced as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Pennines beckon with their mosaic of moors, meadows, waterways, and rare botanical wonders. The North Pennines AONB Partnership extols the region’s rich bounty, spanning nearly 770 square miles and enfolding an unparalleled array of habitats hosting a variety of flora and fauna, which includes endangered species like red squirrels and black grouse.
Enveloped by this cornucopia of natural splendor and historical grandeur, visitors to Crag Lough are indulged with many lodging options ranging from cozy holiday rentals to picturesque bed & breakfast accommodations. Charming hamlets like Cawburn, Whiteside, Barden Mill, and Haltwhistle dot the landscape within a five-mile radius of Crag Lough, offering a homely welcome amidst the wilderness. Whether opting for a rustic camping retreat or luxuriating in a stately castle abode, visitors can savor the warm hospitality, bask in the natural diversity, and retrace the footsteps of ancient Roman legions in this idyllic corner of England.
