Hulne Park

 Welcome to Percy's Park. March 22nd.

Hulne Park in Alnwick is owned by Percy, Duke of Northumberland. Open to the public on most days but check by going to www.northumberlandestates.co.uk.

The estate is covered by OS332 Alnwick and Amble But there is a downloadable map from the above website showing all walks.

North up A1, turn off to go through the town of Alnwick, pass the castle gate and turn left on the drive to the park. There is limited roadside parking.

Not  a prize winner, but a great number plate.

This time of year the park is open from 11am to 4pm. Today there are several groups in for a stroll. There are several walks explained on the park map. I would download it and add here but not being happy about copyright and not wanting to finish up in the Dukes dungeon or be a "Gong Farmer"* for his grace I've left it off.

Once through the gate follow the metalled road  for about 1.5 miles, admiring the park farm, the fields and the woodland.

                  Fine avenue of trees at the start of the walk.

A hemmel, open storage building or animal shelter.

Turn left up the hill to the Brizlee Tower.

Brizlee Tower, designed by Robert Adam and built in 1781 for the Duke. Occasionally it is open to the public, probably a great view from the top.

We followed the path beyond the tower, it circles round and returns to the main road, passing this:

This 18th century statue of a bearded hermit stands in front of a cave at "The Nine Year Aud Hole". No idea either.

The path also passes what is, I think, to be the cemetery for the Percy Family.

               Cemetery gates. The crescent is part of the Duke's badge.

Back on the main route we walked to the farm at East Brizlee, crossed the River Aln and headed for the Hulne Priory.

This Carmelite Priory was founded 1n 1242. Now a ruin but its most recent claim to fame is being the home of Maid Marion in "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves." (The film with Kevin Costner and Sycamore Gap)

It was a windy day, the Duke has not supplied many benches for his visitors so we settled down outside the Priory in the shelter of a wall for A Herbie. Things are getting back to normal, apple pies, ginger biscuits and Snickers.

Lunch over we followed the road as it curves round close to the river, passing Lady's Well which is nothing special really. At a junction two naughty boys ignored the sign saying private and followed the track up past the farm, turned left and walked back to the cars. The good boys walked a little further alongside the river before heading up hill, turning left and returning to the cars.

* Latrine Cleaner

Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024

The walk is about 9 miles, easy going, great views.