Alwinton lies at the confluence of the River Alwin and the River Coquet and is the last village in Upper Coquetdale. Rolling hills shape the surrounding landscape. The village offers several distinct points of interest when choosing a destination: walks on the Border Ridge, a cycle route that starts and ends in Alwinton, and St Michael & All Angels Church, Clennell Street and the Alwinton Show. The range of interests therefore extends from outdoor activity to church and regional history.
Walking, cycling and riding routes
Alwinton is a starting point for walks on the Border Ridge. The Otterburn Ranges & Coquetdale cycle route starts and ends in Alwinton. There are also riding routes in Coquet Valley around the village. The options differ in their points of reference: the walks focus on the Border Ridge, the cycle route starts and finishes in the village, and the riding routes are in Coquet Valley. When weighing up these options, you can first choose your preferred activity, then consider which connection to the area matters most for your stay.
Clennell Street: trade and valleys
Clennell Street is an important trade route linking Morpeth and Kelso, and has been used for many centuries. A popular section connects Coquet Valley near Alwinton with the upper reaches of Bowmont Valley near Cocklawfoot. The link between Morpeth and Kelso shows the trade route’s regional scope, while the section near Alwinton highlights its connection to two valleys. To understand the area’s history, you can consider the long-distance route and the specific section separately.
St Michael & All Angels in Alwinton
St Michael & All Angels Church in Alwinton is laid out on three levels that rise towards the sanctuary. This design gives the church interior a stepped arrangement, with the levels leading towards the sanctuary. Worship has been held there since the 9th century, and probably even earlier. This brings together a specific architectural feature and a long history of worship.
Clennell Street and the church offer two different perspectives on the region’s past: the route points to trade between Morpeth and Kelso, as well as the section between the valleys near Alwinton; the church points to a history of worship dating back to the 9th century and probably earlier. Anyone interested in regional history can explore trade links and religious traditions as separate themes.
The Alwinton Show
The Alwinton Show is a traditional Border shepherding event. It usually marks the end of the agricultural show season in upper Coquet Valley. Its place at the end of the season connects the event with regional agriculture. If you are planning your visit around the show, check the event dates before you travel.
Plan your stay around your interests
When looking for a hotel for a stay in Alwinton, you can start by deciding what brings you to the area. The cycle route starts and ends in the village, while the walks are focused on the Border Ridge. If the Alwinton Show determines your travel dates, it is worth checking the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Greenhead, Wandylaw, Slaggyford, Ellington, Warkworth, Morpeth, Chathill, Coanwood
For the main travel guide: Northumberland.
