Ford Historic Estate Walking Experience

The walk will feature stories about the ancient history of the estates as well as revealing how the estates survive in the 21st century to maintain a small community committed to its surroundings.
You will hear about the famous, history-changing battles that were fought nearby. Mysterious curses made against rival families and murders carried out in more lawless times.

Find out why one villages was completely rebuilt by a Victorian lady and discover why coal- mining pit ponies feature on the Earl’s coat of arms. The present day estate is host to a shire horse centre, micro- brewery, miniature railway, working flour mill and art gallery. There is so much to see here and the walk will mention them all.

The guide has worked with the estate owner to ensure the facts are correct. The surrounding countryside has breathtaking views towards the cheviot hills and Scotland and the paths followed will be quiet and peaceful

Meeting Point

9 Ford & Etal Estates Ford

9 Ford & Etal Estates Ford, Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2QA, UK

Turn off the B6353 to park in spaces on the left of the road down to the village

What's included:

• Guiding services

What to expect:

Duration: 4 hours

Ford

Ford

We set off from the meeting place in Ford village - a beautiful “model village” rebuilt in the 19th century. We pass the old school, now an art gallery, (visit this later - time needed 30 minutes). Leaving the village we enter woodland then cross open fields as we walk towards Hay Farm heavy horse centre (15 minutes). We pass fields that often contain majestic shire horses and begin a slow, gentle climb towards the open moor (20 minutes). Here we can pause and take in magnificent views across to the Cheviot Hills and Scotland. 

1 hour, 5 minutes

Etal

Etal

After crossing a short section of woodland we head down towards the village of Etal passing by the estate farm and sawmill (20 minutes). Etal village has pretty whitewashed cottages, a tearoom, thatched pub and ancient Etal Castle (can be visited later - 45 minutes).
We catch glimpses of 18th century Etal manor, with its own private chapel, and head towards the settlement of Heatherslaw (20 minutes). We cross the river Till and pass by the miniature steam railway (30 minutes). (it is possible to ride the train to Etal and back). A medieval water-powered flour mill is our next destination. There is a lovely tearoom and some craft shops which are worth a visit (20 minutes).
Our route takes us across estate fields to the riverside which we follow until reaching Ford bridge.(40 minutes) Crossing the bridge we enter the grounds of Ford castle through grand entrance pillars and make our way along the carriage drive to the Castle (now a childrens activity centre).

2 hours, 55 minutes

Ford

Ford

The castle makes a fitting final stop to our walk. The walk is around six miles and we will spend four hours enjoying the scenery, hearing the history of the area and the story of the estate and how it operates in the 21st century. 

Pass by without stopping