The best walks and hikes around Whalton

Dates from the 11th Century originally as an earthwork fortification followed by the castle.

Exit here to cross under A1.

Quite rickety be careful if coming from Mitford as bottom step on opposite side is very loose.

History: Mitford Castle dates back to the late 12th century, initially documented in 1138. It served various strategic roles, including being seized by King John in 1215 and later occupied by the Scots. By 1323, it was abandoned due to extensive damage. The site includes a motte and bailey, with the motte later converted into a shell keep—a rare type of Norman fortification with only about 60 known examples in Britain. Exterior: Situated on a hillock above the River Wansbeck, the castle's remains include a substantial earthen motte and a surrounding ditch. An oval bailey, defended by a series of outworks and ditches, occupies the summit of the hill. The southern half of the bailey features remnants of a curtain wall, enclosing an outer ward, while the northern half retains an earthen bank. Interior: Within the shell keep are the remains of a central tower from the early 13th century, divided into two barrel-vaulted chambers likely used for water storage. Foundations of earlier structures are also present. Adjacent to the shell keep are the ruins of a 12th-century chapel and associated graveyard, adding to the site's historical significance. The well-preserved earthworks and stone structures provide valuable insights into medieval defensive architecture.

A lovely spot for a break to enjoy the sun and the views of Mitford castle.

History of the Church: The parish church dates back to the late 12th century and was remodeled in the 13th century, likely after the village was burned by King John in 1216. The 14th century saw the addition of transepts. Major restoration and the addition of a south aisle, west tower, clerestory, and porch were carried out by R.J. Johnson of Newcastle in 1874-5. Exterior: The church features a mix of medieval squared stone and 19th-century ashlar with red tile roofs. Key elements include a west tower with an octagonal southwest stair turret, a south aisle with stepped angle buttresses and lancet windows, and a projecting southwest porch. The north nave wall has 13th-century masonry and a blocked door. The chancel’s south wall includes a 12th-century priest’s door and lancet windows, while the transepts have trefoiled ogee lights. Interior: Inside, the 12th-century south arcade features round moulded arches on round piers with scalloped capitals. The north transept and south transept have foliage-carved capitals and a small piscina, respectively. The chancel arch and tower arch are 19th-century, and the chancel includes triple sedilia and eastern lancets with 12th-century outer shafts. Fittings include a 1622 Revely monument, a Romanesque wall monument, a medieval bell, and various 19th-century items like the font, pulpit, and reredos with figures of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert.

Bridge, built in 1830, made from squared tooled stone with dressed accents. It features three segmental arches, with the central arch being slightly taller, along with triangular cutwaters, arch rings, and a band below the parapet. The parapet has gently sloped coping, while the approach walls and terminal piers have flat coping and low pyramidal caps. Each parapet's internal face contains a badly worn inscribed panel in a molded surround; the northern panel reads: 'THIS BRIDGE ......... (PU)BLIC SUBSCRIP(TION) .......... 50'. It crosses the river Wansbeck.

Bridge from the mid-18th century, constructed of tooled-and-margined stone with ashlar voussoirs and parapet. It features two segmental arches with a triangular cutwater between them. The arches have distinct arch rings and a band below the parapet. The thin parapet includes three shallow pilasters on each internal face, topped with gabled coping. The structure is completed with round piers that have banded domed caps on square bases. It crosses the river Wansbeck.