Northumberland walks

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.

Holwick and Cullernose Point from Craster ( Download : PDF )

4.31mi +79ft -105ft 2h05 Easy
Starting point in Craster - Northumberland

A leisurely Northumberland walk that offers the chace to visit Holwick Hall (NT) and also explores a section of the North Sea Coast. The route follows a section of the Northumberland Coast Path.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Embleton to Dunstanburgh Castle : A Circular Walk ( Download : PDF )

5.23mi +184ft -184ft 2h35 Easy
Starting point in Embleton - Northumberland

An easy circular walk to Dunstanburgh Castle from Embleton Village via the beach in Embleton Bay and returning on quiet farm roads. This walk has a little more interest than its companion walk from the ever popular Craster.

Linhope Spout (Breamish Valley) ( Download : PDF )

3.2mi +390ft -377ft 1h50 Easy
Starting point in Ingram - Northumberland

Take time out to see Linhope Spout, a 60 foot (18m) chute of water, which lands in a plunge pool 6ft (2m) wide and 16ft (5m) deep.

Lordenshaw Hill Fort, The Simonside Hills and Burgh Hill ( Download : PDF )

8.16mi +1266ft -1247ft 4h50 Average
Starting point in Whitton and Tosson - Northumberland

A circular walk with a lot of interest. From the prehistoric rock art, bronze age burial cairns and iron age hill fort at Lordenshaw, to the lovely scenic walk over the Simonside hills, to the iron age hill fort overlooking Great Tosson through to the tranquil return through the Simonside forest.

Hethpool Linn and Yeavering Bell ( Download : PDF )

6.41mi +1385ft -1388ft 4h10 Average
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

A lovely walk to Hethpool Linn waterfall, on the College Burn, then a climb up Yeavering Bell (Hill of the Goats) with a chance to spot some wild Cheviot goats.

Yeavering Bell ( Download : PDF )

3.54mi +971ft -971ft 2h30 Easy
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

Take an invigorating half day’s walk to the top of Yeavering Bell – The Hill of the Goats. The walk offers stunning views from the top and if you are lucky you may be able to spot some of the wild Cheviot goats along the way. The hilltop is very exposed to poor weather so please go prepared.

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.

Rothbury Riverside ( Download : PDF )

1.38mi +36ft -33ft 0h40 Easy
Starting point in Rothbury - Northumberland

A pleasant stroll alongside the River Coquet and into Rothbury village. Suitable for a variety of users. Due to width/surface restrictions on some parts, the route is not suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs, although the riverside can be accessed by these users from the village centre. Be aware: parts of the route may flood when the river level is high.

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.

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.

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.

A circuit of Doddington Moor ( Download : PDF )

3.74mi +387ft -384ft 2h05 Easy
Starting point in Doddington - Northumberland

A short Northumberland walk that offers some great views south to the Cheviot Hills. Doddington Moor is home to a stone circle and many ancient cup and ring markings on stones spread across the area.

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.

Hethas ( Download : PDF )

2.52mi +699ft -699ft 1h45 Easy
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

Enjoy a short walk to two of the hillforts in the College Valley. The climb up to Great Hetha is well worth the effort for the views into the Cheviots.

Harthope Valley ( Download : PDF )

3.59mi +505ft -502ft 2h05 Easy
Starting point in Earle - Northumberland

A lovely family walk following the Harthope Burn before a moderate climb opens up the area, offering spectacular views to the top of the valley and the Cheviot Hills, as well as to the coast. The Harthope Valley is the starting point for many inspiring walks up onto the Cheviot Hills.

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.

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.

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.

College Valley ( Download : PDF )

4.76mi +371ft -390ft 2h30 Easy
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

A great route that introduces the walker to the tranquil College Valley. Look out for the Wild Cheviot Goats on the hillside near Hethpool Mill.

Cochrane Pike ( Download : PDF )

4.25mi +745ft -725ft 2h35 Easy
Starting point in Ingram - Northumberland

Take an invigorating walk to Cochrane Pike to see some spectacular views. This walk takes you through moorland sheep country surrounded by the sounds of the curlew, oyster catcher, skylark and meadow pipit. You may see buzzard or kestrel, or the recently-arrived red kite in the skies, and the heron in the river valley.

Lordenshaws Loop ( Download : PDF )

2.79mi +394ft -387ft 1h35 Easy
Starting point in Whitton and Tosson - Northumberland

Enjoy a lovely walk over Lordenshaws hillfort, with great views (on a clear day) over to the Cheviots. Visit out Lordenshaws page for more information about the area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kirknewton Hillfort ( Download : PDF )

3.38mi +486ft -492ft 2h00 Easy
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

A great way to see the spectacular remains of a 2,000-year-old Iron Age hillfort in breathtaking surroundings. A nice moderate walk where you can spot a Cheviot goat or two, then enjoy a pot of tea or pint of beer in Kirknewton having lapped up some significant ancient history.

Reaveley Farm ( Download : PDF )

2.74mi +56ft -56ft 1h20 Easy
Starting point in Ingram - Northumberland

Leisurely walk along quiet valley roads, suitable for less abled users/pushchairs, from Ingram along the River Breamish and past Reaveley Farm.

Hethpool Wild Goat ( Download : PDF )

2.47mi +194ft -197ft 1h20 Easy
Starting point in Kirknewton - Northumberland

A lovely family walk to Hethpool Linn, a dramatic waterfall on the College Burn, returning along St Cuthbert’s Way - we can’t guarantee it, but a good vantage point to see the wild Cheviot goats.

Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster ( Download : PDF )

2.9mi +66ft -69ft 1h25 Easy
Starting point in Craster - Northumberland

A very short and easy amble along the shoreline to the dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle. For these reasons it is very popular.

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.

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.