Humbleton Hill & Whisky Thrill – Walk the Past, Sip the Present!

📅 Date: Saturday, 9th August 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Meeting Point: Details will be shared in a dedicated group chat after sign-up (please ensure you provide correct Instagram username on checkout)
🎟️ Price: £30 per person

Event Overview

Step into Northumberland’s epic past and rugged beauty as we take on a 5.5-mile hike up Humbleton Hill, a commanding peak near Wooler with sweeping views across the Cheviots and into Scotland. This moderate route weaves together rich history and breath-taking landscapes – a climb that rewards you with both panoramic vistas and centuries-old stories beneath your feet.

We’ll begin by wandering through the heart of Wooler village, with its quaint stone cottages and winding lanes, before the path opens dramatically onto rolling green hills and wide moorland views. The transition from village charm to wild uplands sets the tone for an unforgettable morning of walking and connection with the land.

After our descent, we’ll make our way to Ad Gefrin, Northumberland’s celebrated Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery, where a guided tour and tasting experience awaits – the perfect reward for our efforts.

A Bit of Local History

Humbleton Hill is famous as the site of the Battle of Humbleton Hill (1402) – a fierce clash between English and Scottish forces during the Border Wars, where 1000 men lost their lives. As we hike, we’ll trace the contours of this historic battlefield, walking in the very footsteps of warriors who once shaped the destiny of the borderlands.

Nearby, Ad Gefrin offers an immersive journey into the golden age of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria. Just four miles from the original site, the museum brings the 7th-century royal summer palace to life with a recreation of the Great Hall and captivating stories of the kings, queens, and members of the royal court who once gathered there. Complementing this rich historical experience, the modern distillery revives Northumberland’s whisky-making tradition, which has slept for more than 200 years.

Why This Matters

At Tyne to Summit, our adventures are more than just miles – they’re about connection. This hike blends natural beauty with deep history, and caps it off with a unique whisky experience. It’s perfect for those seeking to escape routine, meet likeminded souls, and immerse themselves in Northumberland’s rich heritage.

Event Details

Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate – includes uphill sections and uneven terrain
Estimated Duration: 4.5 hours (including the hike, tour and tasting, drivers can take a dram home with them!)
Terrain: Village streets, grassy hill paths, and open moorland

What to Bring

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (just in case)
• Warm, breathable layers
• Sturdy walking boots with good grip
• Hat and sunglasses (fingers crossed for sun!)

Food & Drink:

• At least 1.5–2L of water
• High-energy snacks for the climb

Other Essentials:

• Fully charged phone
• Sunscreen
• Personal first-aid basics

Whisky Tour Highlights at Ad Gefrin

• Welcome and arrival (plus time for a loo break!)
• Guided walk through the museum with a big-picture look at Northumbria’s golden age
• Step-by-step tour of the whisky distillation process
• Exclusive access to the atmospheric Cask Store viewing gallery
• Conclude with a 15-minute tasting session (drivers receive a takeaway dram)

(Tour duration: approx. 1 hour – 45 minutes tour + 15 minutes tasting)

Itinerary

🕘 9:00 AM: Meet at the designated point (shared privately via group chat), check-in and safety briefing
🥾 9:15 AM: Walk through Wooler village before the path opens to sweeping hills; begin ascent of Humbleton Hill
📸 Summit: Pause for photos, snacks, and panoramic views across the Cheviots
🔁 11:45 AM: Descend and walk back to Ad Gefrin carpark
🥃 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Guided whisky tour and tasting at Ad Gefrin

Community Connection

We’ll set up a private Instagram group chat ahead of the event so you can meet fellow hikers, share excitement, and arrange lifts if needed.

Please make sure to provide your correct Instagram handle at checkout – this is how we’ll add you to the group chat and keep you updated.

Hiking (and whisky) is always better with good company.

Important Information

This is a relaxed community adventure – not a formally guided hike. Please ensure you’re comfortable with moderate climbs and are responsible for your own fitness, safety, and gear.

⚠️ Tickets are non-refundable due to limited space and high demand. Please only book if you’re certain you can attend.