River Wansbeck

The River Wansbeck in Morpeth

The River Wansbeck is one of the waters of Northumberland, flowing from the hills that soon rise into the Cheviots and thence down to the sea.

The river rises above Sweethope Lough on the edge of Forelaws Forest in the area known locally as The Wanneys (Great Wanney Crag, Little Wanney Crag). Its first village is Kirkwhelpington, where it unites with the Ray Burn, then runs down through the greener lands, past the National Trust mansion at Wallington and on to Mitford, where it is joined by a small tributary, the River Font and passes beneath the A1. Soon afterwards it reaches Morpeth.

Below Morpeth the river passes on to Guide Post and to Ashington, where it opens and soon enters the North Sea.

The River Wansbeck is nicknamed the River Wanney. The term 'The Wilds of Wanney' is used by people of Tyneside to refer to the rural areas of Northumberland where the Wansbeck rises.

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  The infant River Wansbeck as a stream
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  The Wansbeck near Low Angerton
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  Stepping stones at Morpeth
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  Wallington Bridge between Kirkharle and Cambo
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  Weir at Mitford
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  River Wansbeck meets the North Sea

Barrage and Navigation

Between 1974-75, a £250,000 barrage with a navigation lock was built near the rivermouth and adjacent to the A189 road bridge. In so doing the lower three miles of river became a country park and are recognised as England's most northerly inland (locked) navigation. Very little use of the lock has actually been recorded although rowing and sailing craft are launched and used in the country park.

Stakeford Bridge is about midway in the navigable part. Sheepwash Bridge is near the upper limit of the park and the navigable water.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about River Wansbeck)

• Maps:
  • Streetmap: NY941824
  • Location map: 55°8’13"N, 2°5’35"W
• Bridges On the Wansbeck