Easy hikes and walks around West Bedlington

In the case of a "market cross," as we encounter here again, one would have to ask the fundamental question of whether it is actually primarily a small sacred monument—as the "cross" part of the name suggests—or whether it is more of a secular object. In times long past, such a cross—unlike classic wayside crosses or field crosses—was only permitted to be erected if the corresponding locality also possessed so-called "market rights"—that is, if it had been granted them by the local ruler.

Only upon reaching this monument will the passing walker or hiker realize that this is not one of those small, sacred monuments that are frequently encountered. Rather, the wooden cross standing here by the path serves as a war memorial, commemorating the many victims that war and tyranny have claimed in this place, too. Despite the significant distance in time between those days and the present, these memorials lose none of their relevance. Their constant reminder to maintain peace remains the everlasting message.

keep your road presence on the decline and enjoy the corners

Sits on the site of Humford Mill which was used as a water pumping station. It was later converted to an open air swimming pool which is now the play area.

Small park, you could possibly have a picnic nearby to the river here

The original stone bridge, constructed at an unspecified date, was later replaced with a concrete slab and beam bridge in 1928. Subsequent modifications included the addition of an arch in 1996. Situated at the foot of a southeast-bound hill from Bedlington, it forms part of the A193 route to Blyth. Adjacent to this structure lies Attlee Park, formerly hosting the renowned Northumberland Miners' Picnic. During the 1950s, a temporary Bailey Bridge on trestles was erected downstream, serving as part of Costain's transportation network for Euclid vehicles, transporting open-cast coal from the Acorn Bank site on the river's northern bank to Bebside railway sidings.

This is the bandstand in Atlee park.

The region has been a hub for casual recreation for decades, evolving into a designated country park in 1984 to safeguard its distinctive ecology, eventually attaining Local Nature Reserve status in 2006. Accessible by bus, with stops at Hartford Hall, Bedlington Front Street, and beside The Bank Top public house in Bedlington Station, the park also offers three convenient car parks: Furnace Bridge, Bedlington Bank's base at Attlee Park, and Humford Mill. Pedestrian access is facilitated through Spring Park Road, Church Lane leading to Humford Mill, and Hartford Hall, with the latter featuring a charming children's play area and picnic spots. The valley's industrial heritage dates back to sandstone quarrying, now concealed by foliage, while the Bedlington iron and engine works (1736-1867) once thrived as a crucial industrial site, producing locomotives including the first to depart Kings Cross and those marking inaugural train journeys in Holland and Italy. Adjacent to Furnace Bridge and north of the river lies Free Wood, distinguishing itself by its free accessibility, in contrast to the Ha'penny Wood on the river's south bank. Attlee Park, adjacent to Bedlington Bridge, honors Clement Richard Attlee, former Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, hosting events like the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic. Further upstream, Humford Mill offers a picturesque setting, featuring stepping stones for river crossing and an erstwhile open-air swimming pool post-pumping station closure. Nestled at the park's western edge, Hartford Hall, constructed in 1807 and later refurbished into a Victorian mansion, once served as a miners’ rehabilitation center, its historic significance separate from the country park.