Melkridge walks

Hadrian's Wall from Steel Rigg ( Download : PDF )

6.95mi +535ft -531ft 3h40 Average
Starting point in Henshaw - Northumberland

This walk covers a section of Hadrian's Wall. Starting from Steel Rigg, Northumbria National Park, the route includes a visit to Housesteads Fort and the dramatic scenery of Hotbank Crags and Crag Lough. The route along the wall has many ups and downs but does provide you with a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Roman Legions.

Steel Rigg & Hadrian’s Wall ( Download : PDF )

3.46mi +203ft -213ft 1h45 Easy
Starting point in Henshaw - Northumberland

A circular walk along one of the most scenic sections of Hadrian’s Wall involves some short, sharp ascents.

Peel Crags & Winshield Crags from Vindolanda ( Download : PDF )

7.97mi +676ft -666ft 4h15 Average
Starting point in Bardon Mill - Northumberland

This Northumbria walk explores one of the more dramatic sections of Hadrian's Wall and also includes Vindolanda Roman Fort. This walk can also be undetaken using the Hadrian's Wall bus service AD122 which runs from April through to September.

Hotbank Crags and Houesteads from Vindolanda ( Download : PDF )

4.85mi +669ft -656ft 2h50 Easy
Starting point in Bardon Mill - Northumberland

The opportunity to visit the remains of two Roman Forts and walk along one of the best sections of Hadrian's Wall are the main features of this walk in the Northumberland National Park. The walking is generally easy and for the most part the walk follows well trodden routes.

Cragend and Crow Crags from Housesteads ( Download : PDF )

8.56mi +587ft -561ft 4h25 Average
Starting point in Bardon Mill - Northumberland

This Northumberland walk includes Hadrian's Wall and the Pennine Way. The route crosses some rough ground which can be rather boggy after heavy rain.

Housesteads Roman Fort and Circular Walk ( Download : PDF )

4.92mi +299ft -325ft 2h30 Easy
Starting point in Bardon Mill - Northumberland

An easy circular walk with the option to explore the Roman fort at Housesteads. The walk takes in some of the best preserved sections of the wall with great views over the dramatic landscape.

Thirlwall Castle ( Download : PDF )

1.83mi +266ft -266ft 1h05 Easy
Starting point in Greenhead - Northumberland

Take a stroll to see Thirlwall Castle, a relic of troubled times between the 12th and 15th centuries.

Hareshaw Linn ( Download : PDF )

2.89mi +348ft -348ft 1h40 Easy
Starting point in Bellingham - Northumberland

Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rare ferns and lichen. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. The ‘Linn’ is also home to red squirrel, great spotted woodpecker, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, badger and Daubenton's bat.

Falstone Circular ( Download : PDF )

2.21mi +49ft -52ft 1h05 Easy
Starting point in Falstone - Northumberland

The Falstone Circular Walk is a lovely little ramble around dramatic riverbanks and an old railway line. The old railway line you follow on the walk was once part of the Border Counties Railway which was in use between 1862 and 1958. Imagine steam trains bound north for Riccarton over the Scottish border – an easier journey than by car today.

Greenhaugh and Thorneyburn ( Download : PDF )

2.6mi +171ft -171ft 1h20 Easy
Starting point in Tarset - Northumberland

A lovely walk along the stream of Greenhaugh Burn, along country lanes and through the fields from Greenhaugh, with some great views across the Tarset Valley. During July and August, you will be able to see some of our beautiful hay meadows full of incredible wildflowers.

Race Head & Sedling Rake from Wearhead ( Download : PDF )

5.67mi +1112ft -1119ft 3h35 Average
Starting point in Stanhope - Durham

The North Pennines offer some of the wildest landscapes in England. This route explores the hills and moors to the north of Wearhead. A short section of the Weardale Way is also included.

Derwent Reservoir : an out and return walk ( Download : PDF )

6.87mi +131ft -138ft 3h15 Easy
Starting point in Edmondbyers - Durham

An easy ramble around Derwent Reservoir from Pow Hill Country Park to the Millstone Picnic area and back. Very easy walking, well signposted and with well maintained paths. Popular with day trippers, take a picnic.

Elsdon Burn ( Download : PDF )

3.47mi +259ft -282ft 1h50 Easy
Starting point in Elsdon - Northumberland

A nice family walk following the Elsdon Burn, before heading over Gallow Hill. Take time to enjoy the views over Elsdon – the historic capital of Redesdale. Enjoy a cuppa or a pint after building up a thirst from seeing the sights of this pretty little place.

Elsdon and the Todholes ( Download : PDF )

2.69mi +210ft -230ft 1h25 Easy
Starting point in Elsdon - Northumberland

Enjoy a circular walk suitable for most abilities, with fantastic views over Elsdon on the return leg. Enjoy a cuppa or a pint after building up a thirst and seeing the sights of this scenic Northumberland village. For the adventurous amongst you, why not pair this walk with our Elsdon Burn Walk.

Cauldron Snout from Cow Green Reservoir ( Download : PDF )

3.51mi +230ft -236ft 1h50 Easy
Starting point in Forest and Frith - Durham

An easy walk in the North Pennines this walk visits one of the waterfalls on the upper Tees. The walk can easily be extended to visit the limestone crags of Falcon Clints by using the Pennine Way.

High Cup Nick from Cow Green Reservoir ( Download : PDF )

12.96mi +902ft -912ft 6h45 Average
Starting point in Forest and Frith - Durham

This is a fairly undemanding walk through a wild North Pennine landscape. The route visits two outstanding natural features - High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout - using a section of the Pennine Way. There are no route finding issues even in poor visibility.

Langdon Beck Hotel : High Hurth Edge and the Upper Tees Valley ( Download : PDF )

5.56mi +443ft -446ft 2h55 Easy
Starting point in Forest and Frith - Durham

Circular walk passing by High Hurth Edge and the Upper Tees Valley.

Knock Fell ( Download : PDF )

7.32mi +1811ft -1795ft 4h55 Average
Starting point in Long Marton - Cumbria

A circular walk dominated throughout by the giant golf ball that is the radar station at Great Dunn Fell. You will use some good roads, some tracks and the Pennine Way on this walk.

It is worth downloading the Knock Geotrail leaflet from the link I have listed below as it provides more information on the geology of the area than given in my description. Similarly, you could follow the link to the Discover Britain webpage and learn about the Helm Wind which is particular to the Cross Fell area.

High Force and Upper Teesdale: A Circular Walk ( Download : PDF )

8.87mi +971ft -968ft 4h55 Average
Starting point in Forest and Frith - Durham

A lovely circular walk with a variety of interest. From the popular waterfall of High Force through upland pasture and then the more desolate upland landscape of Thistle Green before descending to the River Tees and following its course with a final leg through farmland.

Tees Circular ( Download : PDF )

7.49mi +577ft -607ft 3h55 Average
Starting point in Newbiggin - Durham

This Tees circular walk from Bowlees takes in the spectacular scenery of Teesdale, Low Force, the Iconic view of High Force, the geographically famous Holwick Scars and views of the Royal residency at Holwick Lodge.

High Force Hotel : High and Low Force Waterfalls ( Download : PDF )

4.69mi +302ft -302ft 2h25 Easy
Starting point in Newbiggin - Durham

Easy and circular walk around High and Low Force Waterfalls.

Bales Hush art installation ( Download : PDF )

4.33mi +666ft -663ft 2h35 Easy
Starting point in Newbiggin - Durham

An easy walk from the Bowlees Car Park / Visitor Centre up to Bales Hush and the art installation called Hush.

Alwinton and the River Alwin ( Download : PDF )

4.48mi +502ft -482ft 2h30 Easy
Starting point in Alwinton - Northumberland

Alwinton and the River Alwin route is a favourite route with walkers, starting in Alwinton, that used to be one of many trackways in the border hills frequented in times past by cattle drovers, shepherds, pedlars and whiskey smugglers.

The Dodd and Wether Cairn from Alwinton ( Download : PDF )

9.42mi +1617ft -1627ft 5h45 Average
Starting point in Alwinton - Northumberland

The hills in the southern part of the Northumberland National Park offer some fine walking. This route starts from the small village of Alwinton and follows paths, tracks and quiet country lanes for the most part. However some sections are pathless and a good sense of direction is necessary. The walk is best avoided if low cloud is covering the hills. Also do be prepared for some boggy areas especially after rain.

Harbottle Castle and the Drake Stone from Alwinton ( Download : PDF )

5.52mi +594ft -600ft 3h05 Easy
Starting point in Alwinton - Northumberland

An easy circular walk from Alwinton; taking in the ruins of the castle at Harbottle and then up to the Drake Stone in the Harbottle Hills. Descend to Harbottle Lake and return via the forest path. Great views on a clear day.

The Strathmore Arms : Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave ( Download : PDF )

3.56mi +246ft -246ft 1h50 Easy
Starting point in Holwick - Durham

Circular walk around Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave.

The Simonside Hills ( Download : PDF )

4.31mi +686ft -686ft 2h35 Easy
Starting point in Whitton and Tosson - Northumberland

Enjoy a circular walk up to the summit of Simonside, involving some short, steep gradients. A walk along the Simonside Hills must not be missed. From the top, you have a wonderful 360-degree view encompassing the Cheviot Hills and the North Sea coastline. The area teems with wildlife such as the curlew, red grouse, wild goats, and even red squirrels in the forest below.

Simonside ( Download : PDF )

3.27mi +459ft -476ft 1h55 Easy
Starting point in Whitton and Tosson - Northumberland

An easy to follow trail in the Simonside Forest, aimed at families, with plenty to look out for and do along the route.

Barrowburn ( Download : PDF )

5.15mi +663ft -646ft 2h55 Easy
Starting point in Alwinton - Northumberland

Explore one of the most remote and rugged landscapes in Northumberland with this invigorating half-day family walk offering stunning views.

Windy Gyle from Coquet Valley ( Download : PDF )

7.21mi +1263ft -1250ft 4h25 Average
Starting point in Alwinton - Northumberland

Windy Gyle is the key objective for this walk in the deserted hills of Northumbria. Starting in the beautiful Coquet Valley the walk crosses wild moorland and includes a section of the Pennine Way.

Hudeshope Beck ( Download : PDF )

5.41mi +607ft -587ft 3h00 Easy
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

A walk with lovely views in this beautiful peaceful dale following Hudeshope Beck up past the old lime kilns, over the miners bridge, through the wood and fields to Coldberry mine, then back down the beck on the other side.

Lunedale and Baldersdale ( Download : PDF )

15.68mi +1503ft -1503ft 8h30 Average
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

Circular walk passing by Lunedale and Baldersdale.

Cronkley Scar via High Force ( Download : PDF )

18.75mi +1306ft -1325ft 9h45 Average
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

A lovely circular walk around Cronkley Scar via High Force.

Harter Fell and Grassholme from Middleton-in-Teesdale ( Download : PDF )

7.71mi +784ft -784ft 4h15 Average
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

This North Pennine walk inlcudes Harter Fell and Grassholme Reservoir and a section of the Pennine Way. The start is Middleton-in-Teesdale and the walk includes a variety of scenery. Descending into the Lune Valley the walk continues alongside Grassholme Reservoir before using a section of old railway track back to the start.

Crossthwaite Common ( Download : PDF )

9.71mi +1102ft -1109ft 5h25 Average
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

A walk combining the rugged moorland of Harter Fell and Crossthwaite Common with the beauty of Holwick Scars and the pastures alongside the River Tees.

Hudeshope Beck & Aukside ( Download : PDF )

2.53mi +331ft -325ft 1h25 Easy
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

Nice and circular walk passing by Hudeshope Beck & Aukside.

Coldberry and High Force ( Download : PDF )

16.12mi +1434ft -1444ft 8h40 Average
Starting point in Middleton in Teesdale - Durham

Nice circular walk around Coldberry and High Force.

The Crown : Teesdale Railway Path and Romaldkirk Moor ( Download : PDF )

6.81mi +574ft -574ft 3h40 Easy
Starting point in Mickleton - Durham

Easy circular walk through Teesdale Railway Path and Romaldkirk Moor.

Romaldkirk Moor from Mickleton ( Download : PDF )

7.56mi +512ft -535ft 3h55 Average
Starting point in Mickleton - Durham

A walk in the North Pennines using a section of disused railway, moorland paths and tracks. The route traverses scenery typical of the area with some views across Teesdale also to be enjoyed.

The Shepherds Cairn ( Download : PDF )

6.1mi +843ft -837ft 3h30 Average
Starting point in Alnham - Northumberland

The Shepherds Cairn is a memorial to two shepherds who lost their lives in the winter of 1962. They were found just half a mile from their remote home at Ewartly Shank. Because of this event the National Park Voluntary Rangers set up the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team - a volunteer organisation that turns out in all weather to help save lives.