Redesdale

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This article is about the locality in England. For the town in Australia, see Redesdale, Victoria.

Redesdale lies in the district of Tynedale, in the eastern portion of the county of Northumberland, in northeast England. This area contains the valley of the River Rede, a tributary of the North Tyne River. Redesdale includes the settlements of Elsdon, Otterburn, Rochester, Byrness and Carter Bar.

Historically this valley has served as an important route into Scotland. This area has seen conflict since the time of the Roman Empire. In 1388 Otterburn was the site of a historic battle between the armies of England and Scotland, largely fought by moonlight. During the Middle Ages, Elsdon was the economic center of the area, and served as the market town and gathering place for the local clans. In modern times the village of Otterburn now holds that distinction. The A68 road follows the Rede valley on its way north into Scotland.

A portion of Redesdale to the west and north of Otterburn now forms part of Northumberland National Park and includes the Redesdale Forest, the northernmost part of Kielder Forest.