Walkmill Campsite

There's no denying Walkmill is a bit special. If ever a campsite fitted the Hipcamp criteria, then surely this hidden pocket of Northumberland is it. So how did we come to this conclusion? A good question, and it involves plenty of unquantifiable notional nonsense like ‘atmosphere’ and ‘vibe’. Then there’s the all-important location, and this is perhaps the most important box to be ticked. Thankfully Walkmill is set in 10 acres of beautiful countryside, surrounded by idyllic woodlands and the weaving River Coquet, where canvas companions fall asleep to the sound of its lazy, trickling flow and the twit twooing of owls. Interested? We thought so.

‘We promote camping in a natural, non-commercial environment’ is how owner Claire describes Walkmill; and given the site’s pleasing lack of evening entertainment and plastic playgrounds, we think that’s a fitting description. The riverside pitches have vast amounts of space, giving these spots a real sense of ‘wild camping’ amongst the summer meadow (though, sadly, due to fishing rules, access to the water isn’t permitted.) However, if you don’t fancy the midnight toilet trek, you can hire your own portable toilet! The main facilities are always clean and tidy, with many enjoying a ‘proper’ bathroom, located in the site's mobile home, which also doubles up as an information centre and shop with local produce available.

And when you finally tire of Walkmill (if you ever do, that is), the wild and remote Northumberland coast is right on your doorstep. Stretching 64 miles north of Newcastle up to the Scottish border, this dramatic landscape is loaded with impressive sights. Here you’ll find the Elizabethan ramparts surrounding picturesque Berwick-upon-Tweed, the sturdy fortresses at Bamburgh, Warkworth and Alnwick, and delightful villages strung along miles of wide, sandy beaches that you just might have all to yourself.

A real attraction is Walkmill’s abundance of wildlife, both on land and in the river. Swans, otters, herons and kingfishers lounge lazily by the riverbank; kestrels, buzzards and owls dominate the skies; while sharp-eyed campers have also spotted the odd badger. But Walkmill’s greatest asset may well be the space – not just the physical kind but that all important head-space too. This is a spot for a little camping freedom and it does a world of good for anyone looking to unwind.