Sport & Leisure

Local Walks - the Haltwhistle Rings are a pack of 22 circular walks in and around Haltwhistle. They are available from Tourist Information Centre's and local shops. They can be sent by post or alternatively download them - Haltwhistle Rings PDF Downloads

Haltwhistle Heated Open Air Swimming Pools & Leisure Centre: The heated pools have been delighting children and adults alike for a quarter of a century and the adjacent mature gardens and play area (swings, slides, high wire, etc) make this an ideal place to dry off and relax, picnic and sunbathe. In the school holidays the staff organise fun activities for youngsters. Early bird swimming is on Wednesdays - the perfect start to any day!

The Leisure Centre, opened in 2003, has up to date facilities, including a gymnasium, a soft play area, squash court and a sports hall. There is a cafe for refreshments.

Haltwhistle Golf Club: Is situated in Greenhead by Wallend Farm on the Gilsland road. It is an 18 hole, 5532 yard, par 69 hill course that has two testing par fives and five par three holes. It has trees and ditches as well as well-manicured greens, and is crossed by both the Pennine Way and the Hadrian's Wall footpath. An overhit approach shot into the Vallum is a lasting tribute to the Roman hazard! It enjoys magnificent views towards the Irthing Valley, Thirlwall Castle, the glacial valley of the Tipalt and Walltown Crags to the North, making this course a truly enjoyable test. Membership is open to all categories of golfer with no joining fee. The Club accepts "2 for 1" green fee vouchers. Societies are very welcome. There are catering and licensed bar facilities available by prior arrangement. Green fees are highly competitive and are available on application Tel: 016977 47367

Riding in the Haltwhistle Area: There are two riding establishments that offer a range of services from lessons to hacking.
Cragside Stables, Low Fogrigg, Westwood, Bardon Mill, Northumberland.
NE47 7JR Phone 01434 344065. Email info@cragstables.com. Website: wwwcragsidestables.com

A friendly yard with good facilities and a range of activities to make your riding experience interesting, educational and most of all enjoyable. Their approach to teaching "horsemanship" is based upon an understanding of how the horse and rider work together as a partnership. They like to teach riders the horse's point of view and why it responds in the way it does. This understanding makes learning to ride much more meaningful, safer and interesting. Young, novice and nervous riders especially welcome.

Sharpley Farm, Humshaugh, Tel: 01434 681239. A newly established business that offers a range of activities on horse back.

Haltwhistle Bowling Club: Westgate, Main Street, Haltwhistle. Haltwhistle Bowling Club welcomes visitors to enjoy the social and recreational facilities available at this popular sports and leisure amenity. Hon. Secretary. Tel. 01434 320165

Haltwhistle & District Angling Association: Has daily, weekly and season tickets available for visitors, for trout, salmon, and sea trout fishing. There are approximately 10 miles of river set in the picturesque river South Tyne Valley, and with visitor tickets starting at &20 for adults this is the perfect activity to relax and unwind to. Day, week and season tickets are available from the Secretary, Mr Chris Wilson, Melkridge House, Melkridge, Nr Haltwhistle, Tel: 01434 320942.

Birdwatching and Wildlife: The many burns and rivers are home to dippers, kingfishers, grey wagtails and sandpipers; the North Pennines marshy moorlands attract a variety of waders which have inspired sculptors whose work can be seen along the South Tyne Valley Trail. Curlews, oyster catchers, larks and plovers nest on the fells, their plaintive cries accompanying the walker on the tops. Black grouse are being actively encouraged to breed in larger numbers by the planting of berried native trees.

The rarest bird of prey found here is the hen harrier whose amazing skydancing display can be seen during spring and summer.

The lucky observer may well come across one of our precious red squirrels in conifer woodland, and if you are lucky (and stay very still) you may see one of the painfully shy roe deer hiding.

The abundance of lichen in great clumps on the trees of the area bear witness to the purity of the air and the richness of the various habitats. Specialists and casual visitors alike are bound to enjoy the swathes of snowdrops, primroses and bluebells to be seen in the spring, and the glorious autumn colours.

The South Tynedale Wildlife Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month and details of its expeditions will be available on notice boards - visitors very welcome to join in! The Northumberland Wildlife Trust owns a rare habitat in the Border Mires but it is too fragile for visitors as yet.