River Wansbeck

The River Wansbeck winds through Northumberland’s gentle countryside before reaching the North Sea. It begins above Sweethope Lough near Fourlaws Forest, where local crags give the stream its old name, ‘Wanneys Beck.’ Villages like Kirkwhelpington, Hartburn and Mitford line its banks, while Morpeth sits closer to its mouth. Near Newbiggin-by-the-Sea the river spreads into Sandy Bay, forming a small island known as Castle Island. The lower reaches once formed the heart of the old Wansbeck district, covering towns such as Ashington, Bedlington and Stakeford. The river’s lower three miles became England’s most northerly locked navigation after a barrage and lock were built in the mid-1970s. Although few boats use the lock, rowers and small sailing craft still launch in the country park created here. Stakeford Bridge marks the middle of the navigable stretch, while Sheepwash Bridge shows the upper limit. The navigation now falls under Northumberland County Council, which took over from the former district in 2009. Walkers can follow the river past several bridges, from the A189 at North Seaton to the old railway viaduct near Pegswood. The Telford Bridge at Morpeth carries the A197 over the water, and the B6343 has three crossings near Mitford. Kirkwhelpington Bridge and the nearby A696 crossing show where the river widens through farmland. The quiet banks and scattered bridges offer a chance to see Northumberland’s rural landscape without leaving the water’s edge.