Hareshaw Linn

About:

Hareshaw Linn, nestled just outside Bellingham, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and tranquillity. This enchanting woodland walk culminates in a dramatic 30-foot waterfall, where the Hareshaw Burn tumbles over ancient rocks into a moss-lined gorge. The route to the waterfall meanders through a magical landscape of native woodland, home to red squirrels, woodpeckers, dippers, and even bats, offering a peaceful retreat into nature and a feast for the senses in every season.

The path to Hareshaw Linn follows a gentle incline of around 1.5 miles, crossing six bridges and winding through leafy canopies, beside babbling brooks and fern-covered banks. The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised for its rich diversity of lichens and mosses—some of which are nationally rare—thriving in the clean, moist air. The mix of flora, fauna, and geology makes Hareshaw Linn not just a scenic spot but also one of ecological significance.

Historically, the area around Hareshaw Linn was far from quiet. In the 19th century, it was home to a bustling ironworks, with furnaces, cottages, and a network of tramways now reclaimed by the forest. The remains of this industrial past lie hidden beneath the greenery, whispering of a time when soot and steam filled the valley. Nature has since reclaimed the land, transforming it into a lush haven of biodiversity and peace.

Visitors are often struck by the sense of seclusion and timelessness that Hareshaw Linn offers. Whether visiting on a misty morning, when the waterfall feels like a secret discovery, or on a sunny day with birdsong overhead, Hareshaw Linn offers an unforgettable glimpse into the wild and poetic heart of Northumberland.