Irthing Gorge Woodland

History, romance, spectacular scenery, watersports and an abundance of wildlife - Irthing Gorge has it all. This ancient woodland, a site of special scientific interest in the Northumberland National Park, forms part of a mosaic of wildlife habitats. It lines the steep sides of a deep gorge chiselled by the fast-flowing River Irthing. At its head is a waterfall known as Crammel Linn. Now the Woodland Trust is planting native trees on adjoining grassland to buffer and extend the ancient woodland. Red squirrels and badgers inhabit the gorge, alongside a varied bird population and a rich mix of woodland plants. Yew grows on the cliff edges while ash dominates the lower slopes and birch is to be found on higher ground. The gorge lies four miles north of Gilsland, one of 19th century Britain’s most fashionable spa resorts. Still popular, its scenery is as romantic as ever.