The aptly titled NLAND250 map and supporting guide, available from nland250.com/shop/p/official-map is the ultimate resource to help wildlife enthusiasts get the best out of exploring Northumberland’s adventure driving route.

From Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north of the county to Allenheads in the south, the route includes a number of Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves including Annstead Dunes, Arnold Memorial at Craster, Benshaw Moor, Falstone Moss, East Crindledykes, Ford Moss and Whitelee Moor at Carter Bar. 

Unlike many other guides, the map also offers guidance and advice on how to limit the impact of a journey. 

Inspired by experiences driving Canada’s Cabot Trail, Scotland’s North Coast 500 and most recently, Iceland’s ring road, passionate Northumbrians David Cook and Ella McKendrick set about creating a logical route to encompass the contrasting landscapes unique to Northumberland.

The labour of love took two years to devise the 254-mile circular route taking in Northumberland’s Coast, Countryside, Dark Skies and Borderlands. As well as embracing some of the region's most iconic landmarks - think Bamburgh Castle and Sycamore Gap - the route also takes intrepid explorers to the more remote and hidden parts of England’s final frontier. 

When launching it in May, map creators David and Ella took the decision to donate 50p from every map sold to the Kielderhead Wildwood project, as they were inspired to learn of the amazing work being done to protect Northumberland’s wild landscapes.

The charitable pair also recommend a further £5 ‘honesty box’ donation to the project, viewing the donation as one of the best ways for those driving the Northumberland 250 to offset their carbon emissions. 

Now, with over 1000 maps sold, they have been able to make the first of hopefully many £500 donations to the project, which is working towards planting trees across vast swathes of the Scaup Burn leading to the Scottish Border.

Speaking about the donation, Graham Holyoak, Kielder Wildwood Project Manager said: “What an amazing donation.  We are delighted that David and Ella hold the Kielderhead Wildwood project in such high regard that they decided to support our work to restore the land at Scaup Burn back to its former glory.”

This November, the Hexham-based team will launch its first 140 page glossy  publication, again aptly titled ‘NLAND’ a collaborative piece of work aiming to tell the stories behind the people, places, and independent enterprises of Northumberland.

Again, with every copy sold, a donation will be made to the Kielder Wildwood project. Copies can be pre-ordered at www.thisisnland.com/store/p/issue-1 

David says: “As an organisation, we put ecological preservation at the forefront of everything we do and we are dedicated to using our Northumberland 250 concept and new independent Northumberland publication as platforms to promote sustainable tourism, contribute to a thriving rural economy and helping to protect wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”