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Mitford Castle Ruins

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Mitford Castle Ruins

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Mitford Castle Ruins

Name: Mitford Castle Ruins
Rating: 2

Recommended by 7 hikers

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Location: Mitford, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Mitford Castle Ruins

5.0

(1)

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1. Mitford Castle and Church – Mitford Castle Ruins loop from Lancaster Park

4.65km

01:16

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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2. Mitford Castle and Church – Mitford Castle Ruins loop from Morpeth

12.7km

03:24

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Mitford Castle Ruins – Mitford Castle and Church loop from Tranwell

13.2km

03:28

120m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Rambling_Richard

March 21, 2021

Short walk, brilliant for family's

mkirby

July 8, 2024

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.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 90 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 21 December

9°C

4°C

40 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

See hikes here

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Location: Mitford, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Mitford Castle Ruins

1. Mitford Castle and Church – Mitford Castle Ruins loop from Lancaster Park

2. Mitford Castle and Church – Mitford Castle Ruins loop from Morpeth

3. Mitford Castle Ruins – Mitford Castle and Church loop from Tranwell

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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