Otterburn Training Area is situated in the Northumberland National Park, approximately 35 miles from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Site Description
Otterburn Training Area consists of over 22000 hectares of land and is the largest single live firing range in the UK. Some 30,000 soldiers use the area each year.
The training area covers 23% of the National Park and consists of rolling uplands forming part of the Cheviot foothills.
Otterburn Training Area has many varied points of interest relating to its historic social land use such as Whiskey Stills and Bastle Houses. The Roman Fortlet at Chew Green and associated marching camps along Dere Street provide visitors with great opportunities to experience the struggles that were once so common in this part of Northumberland.
Upland hay meadows at Barrowburn run alongside the River Coquet. They are at their best in July.
Access Opportunities
There are no restrictions on public access on MOD land north of the River Coquet. The remainder of the training area is operated under Military Byelaws. Access is restricted when this area is used for live-firing. However when it is not being used for live firing there are unrivalled opportunities for cycling, riding, walking and climbing or just a drive in the car along the military roads.
Information Packs relating to public access are available from National Park Visitor Information Points or can be requested from Otterburn Training Area. One walk can be seen on the related link on the right of the page. There is also a dedicated website for the Otterburn Area which can be accessed using the related link to the right.
Safety
Otterburn Training Area is used for live firing. Red flags are flown/red lamps are lit during live firing periods; at these times access is restricted, please observe any warning signs you come across.
Further Information from...
For further information relating to public access and live firing times contact Otterburn Range Control on 01830 520569 or look at the Otterburn Ranges Website - link on right hand side of page.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 80
(Cheviot Hills & Kielder Forest Area) 1:50,000
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 16
(The Cheviot Hills) 1:25,000