CAMRAmble No.5 – Humshaugh to Acomb

Our fifth CAMRA ramble (CAMRAmble) was a very different day out to previous walks. Assembling at the Platform Bar at Hexham railway station, we then took a bus ride to the village of Humshaugh, walked to Chollerford and then on to Acomb village. We then took a second bus ride to return to Hexham where we visited three town centre pubs.

Shortly before 11.00 am on an overcast but warm August morning we gathered at the Platform Bar at Hexham railway station. Three real ales and 2 real ciders were on offer and, whilst some took light refreshments, I enjoyed Rustle, a 3.9% a.b.v. mild from Northumberland brewers First & Last. This single room micropub with various railway memorabilia on the walls opened 6 years ago in the former waiting room on the westbound platform.

Shortly afterwards thirteen walkers and 2 Labradors (Kirby and Oswald) departed the station bus stop heading for the Crown Inn, (Sadly now closed down as of Novbember 2026) 5 miles away in the beautiful village of Humshaugh. The pub hosts regular vintage, microcar and supercar events and has a strong motor theme with vehicle-related décor. This theme continues to the beer garden where we sat and enjoyed beers from a selection of 3 real ales that were available. I chose Deception (4.1%) from Abbeydale Brewery in south Yorkshire which has always been a firm favourite of mine.

And so our ramble began with a 20 minute walk following a path on the edge of a field of crop stubble, to the riverside village of Chollerford and the stone-built George Hotel. The hotel occupies a fantastic riverfront location on the North Tyne River and has a stunning beer garden. From here there is a magnificent view of Grade II listed Chollerford Bridge, a stone-built bridge that replaced an earlier medieval bridge crossing in 1775. Whilst admiring the bridge’s 5 semi-circular stone arches it was a delight to drink locally brewed The Legendary Sycamore Gap (4.1%) pale ale from Twice Brewed Brewing Co.

Satisfyingly refreshed with food and drink, we then set off on a 4 mile walk to the village of Acomb. Crossing the narrow Chollerford Bridge we had a short but steep roadside walk to join one of Northumberland’s two prominent National Trails: The Hadrian’s Wall Path. This is an unbroken 84 mile sign-posted footpath that traverses the length of the Roman wall and offers a journey through history and stunning landscapes.

We saw evidence of Hadrian’s Wall at Planetrees where there is a 35 metre section of the ancient wall. Reading the well detailed information board provided by English Heritage, it reveals about a change of plan that took place at this point during the construction of the wall. It is thought that to speed up the building of this fortification, its width was narrowed from 10 to 8 Roman feet. This section of the wall at Planetrees was given state protection in 1945.

Leaving The Hadrian’s Wall Path and heading south we climbed a steep bank to Crag House where we could enjoy clear views to the north. Continuing on we reached the hamlet of Fallowfield and, by taking a path to the east, we could now enjoy stunning views over the town of Hexham and beyond. The overcast skies were now beginning to clear and the spell of hot and humid weather we had recently enjoyed was about to continue.

After turning south, walking through Red Burn dene and a caravan park, we emerged in bright sunshine for our descent into the village of Acomb. After crossing the burn we climbed a flight of very steep steps and upon reaching Main Street our first port of call was the Sun Inn. This is very much a locals pub and we were delighted to have a choice of 2 real ales from outside of the north east area; Buster IPA (4.0%) from Bowland Brewery in Lancashire and Devon Pride (4.1%) from South Hams Brewery in Devon. The former had a great taste and we all took our drinks away from the bustling bar to a shady and secluded part of the beer garden.

Another beautiful and well equipped beer garden can also be found 75 metres up Main Street at the family run Miners Arms. Ample bench seating and a children’s play area make for a very family orientated pub visiting experience. But on this gloriously hot and sunny afternoon our group could be found enjoying beers from a selection of 3 real ales being served in the traditional front bar of this welcoming free-house. I thoroughly enjoyed Horn of Ale, a 4.0% pale ale by Rudgate Brewery from Yorkshire.

The CAMRAmble now over we caught the Tynedale Links 680 bus to Hexham where some alighted at the railway station whilst myself and others continued to the bus station to enjoy further imbibing in the busy town centre. The Coach & Horses, Forum Weatherspoon’s and the Heart of Northumberland were the last watering-holes of a thoroughly enjoyable day out with great company.

Last October the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of CAMRA organised the first ever Gateshead Beer Month. This was a chance to celebrate some of the great pubs across Gateshead and the south Tyne area. I am anticipating that our next CAMRAmble will include some of the pubs participating in this year’s event. Please keep a look out on the branch diary and I hope that you can join us for another enjoyable day sampling some fine real ales & ciders and enjoying a pleasant walk.

Tara-a-bit!

@MorpethWolf