Discover the Reiver Trails

Ride, Walk, Cycle

Explore the Reiver Trails and uncover Northumberland’s wild beauty and rich history. This network of waymarked routes connects iconic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall with the remote landscapes of Kielder.

Roam the Reivers

Step into Northumberland’s wild heart with the Reiver Trails — a collection of waymarked routes that link the iconic Hadrian’s Wall with the remote beauty of Kielder. These trails are perfect for anyone seeking history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or horse riding, there’s a trail for every pace and passion. From gentle loops to epic long-distance challenges, each route offers sweeping views, peaceful forests, and a true sense of escape.

Hadrian's Wall

Fascinating sites, temples, and Roman bath houses are scattered along the 73-mile stone wall that dips and dives across the UK. This striking feat of engineering by the Roman Empire, impressive enough to inspire Game of Thrones, spans Northumberland's countryside.

Kielder

As a haven for wildlife, Kielder Water & Forest Park will never fail to amaze you. With red squirrels, ospreys, and water voles calling the park home, beauty awaits you around every corner. Kielder is also perfect for those who want to stargaze.

Walking and hiking

Northumberland has some of the most breathtaking scenery, most picturesque destinations to explore, all with a wide range of paths and routes just waiting for you. There're ample opportunities to amble across the county, miles of stunning coastline to wander along, picturesque National Park trails to follow, Hadrian’s Wall walking routes and a wealth of fascinating history to discover.

Cycling

Cruise along the coast, roll beside rivers, and pedal to peaceful beauty spots in Northumberland. Experience everything from flat, family-friendly paths to intense mountain bike tracks, and venture into the county’s nooks and crannies that cars can’t reach.

Horse riding

Saddle up and take the reins in Northumberland, where quiet country lanes and peaceful beaches make spectacular horse riding routes. Activity providers can supply the routes, horseshoes and helmets, or if you're an experienced rider, you're free to go exploring on your own.

Why Choose Reiver Trails?

10 unique routes ranging from 6 to 57 miles, with more on the way.
Designed for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders — with plans for accessible paths.
Connects world-famous landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall with hidden valleys and charming villages.
Waymarked trails and “Gateway” hubs offering parking, e-bike charging, and visitor facilities.

Find a base

Make the most of your adventure by staying close to the trails. From cosy country inns and welcoming B&Bs to self-catering cottages and luxury lodges, there’s accommodation to suit every style and budget. Many options are located near trail gateways, giving you easy access to walking, cycling, and riding routes right from your doorstep.

Langley-on-Tyne Hotel

Langley Castle Hotel

Fourteenth-century castle restored to a magnificent and luxurious hotel. Thirty minutes from Newcastle and 40 minutes from Newcastle Airport.

Guide Price £82.00 Per Night

Kielder Self Catering

Kielder Waterside

Luxury lodges on Kielder Water boast panoramic views stretching over the lake and forest.

Guide Price £399.00 Per week

Kielder Self Catering

Kielder Cottage Spa

This lovely converted stone stable dating back to 1848 is an ideal base for a family with walks from the door and an abundance of activities within reach.

Guide Price £699.00 Per week

Hexham Hotel

Battlesteads

An 18thC Inn, formerly a farmhouse, in the heart of rural Northumberland close to the Roman Wall, Kielder Water and North Tyne Valley.

Guide Price £70.00 Per Night

Stamfordham Self Catering

Whittle Dene Reservoir House

Whittle Dene Reservoir House sits in it's own beautiful grounds with a private hot tub, overlooking the water.

Kielder Caravan & Camping

Kielder Waterside Caravan Park

Kielder Waterside Caravan Park is a perfect base to explore Kielder Water & Forest Park. For bookings, please go to bookwhen.com/kielderwatersidecaravanpark.

Guide Price £35.00 Per Night

Hexham Holiday Home Ownership

Heathergate Holiday Park

Buy a luxury holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park in Hexham an award winning, five star retreat.

Kielder Inn

The Pheasant Inn

This historic 17thC Inn lies within the Northumberland National Park and close to Kielder and is a family run establishment since 1985.

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Hexham Self Catering

Chesters Stables

Nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland, our collection of 7 self-catering Stable Suites, sleeping between 2 and 8 guests, offers the perfect choice for a countryside getaway.

Guide Price £2,572.00 Per week

Matfen Hotel

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate

Set in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Matfen Hall Country Hotel is the perfect place to escape away from it all and indulge in ultimate luxury.

Guide Price £199.00 Per Night

Kielder Caravan & Camping

Clear Sky Caravan Motorhome Site Kielder

A beautiful small adults-only caravan site perfectly positioned on the edge of Ravenshill Forest.

Blanchland Hotel

Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

Set in the midst of the North Pennine Moors, The Lord Crewe Arms is the very epitome of a countryside escape.

Guide Price £119.00 Per Night

Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

The Bosk B&B

All of our bed and breakfast rooms are accompanied with flat-screen TVs, seating area and tea and coffee making facilities.

Guide Price £120.00 Per Night

Alnwick Self Catering

Breamish Valley Cottages

Breamish Valley Cottages presents award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Alnwick in Northumberland, where spectacular comfort and elegance is complemented by a superb indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, tennis court, games room and gym.

Guide Price £490.00 Per week

Haltwhistle Bed & Breakfast

Wydon Farm B&B

A National Trust working farm with bed and breakfast accommodation near Haltwhistle and Hexham, in Hadrian's Wall Country.

Guide Price £90.00 Per Night

Stocksfield Inn

The Duke of Wellington Inn

The Duke of Wellington Inn is nestled in the Tyne Valley village of Newton just off the A69 near Corbridge.

Guide Price £90.00 Per Night

Kielder Self Catering

Clear Sky Lodge Park

Create lasting memories in your own holiday home. Beautiful, luxury lodges to rent or buy, nestled in Ravenshill Forest, Kielder, providing the perfect retreat.

Guide Price £203.00 Per week

Alnwick Self Catering

Ilderton Dod Barns

Cosy cottage and large barn conversion in the heart of Northumberland National Park. Peaceful surroundings and gorgeous views of the Cheviots.

Guide Price £441.00 Per week

Greenhead Bed & Breakfast

Hadrian's Holidays

Luxury Lodges near Hadrian's Wall. Your hosts in this idyllic setting, providing you with a holiday to remember.

Guide Price £75.00 Per Night

Hexham Self Catering

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Carraw Farm offers luxury self-catering accommodation in a modern and luxurious spacious property – Vesta View and in the converted barn – Shepherds Retreat.

Guide Price £1,050.00 Per week

Bellingham Self Catering

Brown Rigg Lodges

Four self-catering lodges, each sleeping six people. Set in the Northumberland National Park and International Gold Tier Dark Sky Park.

Guide Price £637.00 Per week

Coldstream Self Catering Agency

Crabtree & Crabtree

Crabtree & Crabtree is the undisputed leader in exclusive holiday home rentals in northern England and southern Scotland.

Bingfield Self Catering

The Hytte

Close to Hexham and Hadrian's Wall this unique property is fully accessible and provides the ideal country retreat for friends and family "get together's" with the added luxury of a sauna and hot-tub spa.

Guide Price £553.00 Per week

Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd

The largest and longest established local holiday lettings agency with an impressive portfolio of quality holiday cottages in prime locations throughout Northumberland and the Border region.

Guide Price £329.00 Per week

Bellingham Bed & Breakfast

Brown Rigg Guest Rooms

Six en-suite Guest Rooms in the Northumberland National Park and International Dark Sky Park. Near Kielder Forest and Observatory.

Guide Price £55.00 Per Night

Haltwhistle Self Catering

Kellah Farm Cottages

Comfortable cottages on working stock farm where children are encouraged to have hands-on experience. Beautiful walks in Pennine countryside.

Guide Price £420.00 Per week

Alnwick Glamping

Huts in the Hills

5* luxury accommodation offering tranquility, privacy and magnificent bath views, in the stunning Northumberland National Park.

Guide Price £135.00 Per Night

Bellingham Caravan & Camping

Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site

In the English Borders, this is an ideal base for outdoor life in the stunning Northumberland National Park and for exploring either the East or West coast.

Guide Price £14.00 Per Night

Alnwick Self Catering

Cheviot Holiday Cottages

Exceptional selection of bespoke luxury holiday cottages designed for couples, quietly situated in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside.

Guide Price £588.00 Per week

Haltwhistle Bed & Breakfast

Kellah Farm B&B

Farmhouse breakfasts using locally sourced produce including our own free-range eggs, comfortable accommodation, a warm welcome will be our recipe for a relaxing stay at Kellah Farm.

Guide Price £39.00 Per Night

Trail Highlights

The Sill Trail – A circular route around Hadrian’s Wall starting at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Falstone Trail – A tranquil loop through the North Tyne valley with stunning views of Kielder Water.
Emblehope Trail – A 57-mile adventure deep into the wild northern reaches of Kielder Forest.

Plan Your Adventure

Download maps and explore detailed route information at:

The Trails

Explore the Heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country

The Sill Trail offers a gentle and accessible way to experience the Reiver Trails. Just over six miles in length, it’s perfectly suited for both walkers and cyclists, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the landscapes and heritage of this iconic region.

Key Facts
Length: 6 miles (10km)
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 295m (966ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Mixed
Find out more

Journey to the Heart of Kielder Forest

This trail leads you deep into Kielder’s vast woodland, where you can visit the exact centre of the forest and learn about Lord Robinson—the visionary behind its creation. His memorial cairn, precisely located within the 250-square-mile area, lies just off the marked route and offers a quiet moment of reflection amid the trees.

Key Facts
Length: 30 miles (47km)
Difficulty: Hard
Ascent: 377m (1238ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel/Partially paved
Find out more

A Scenic Trail Through the North Tyne Valley

This route showcases some of the most impressive views around Bellingham, stretching from Dunterley Fell in the north to the Wark Forest area in the west, with distant glimpses toward Hexham in the south. Set in the heart of the valley, it’s a fantastic way to experience the varied landscapes of Northumberland.

Key Facts
Length: 31 miles (50km)
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 324m (1062ft)
Type: Loop
Find out more

A Perfect Introduction to the Reiver Trails for Families

This enjoyable circular route spans just over six miles and offers continuous views of the reservoir. It’s an ideal way to experience the beauty of the area, making it a great choice for walkers of all ages looking for a manageable and scenic adventure.

Key Facts
Length: 6 miles (10km)
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 246m (807ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel & road surfaces
Find out more

Explore the Heart of Reiver Country on a Trail for True Adventurers

This original Reiver Trail links the vast landscapes of Kielder Forest with Newcastleton Forest, crossing the border between England and Scotland at the historic Bloodybush Toll. Following the old drover’s road, this route offers a full day of exploration through rugged terrain, rich heritage, and dramatic scenery.

Key Facts
Length: 29 miles (47km)
Difficulty: Hard
Ascent: 466m (1527ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Rough in places
Find out more

Discover breathtaking vistas across Redesdale on the Emblehope Trail, a route that immerses you in the untamed beauty of Northumberland’s wilderness

You can begin your journey from Bellingham via peaceful country roads, or opt to start from iconic locations such as Kielder Dam or Kielder Castle.

Key Facts
Length: 58 miles (93km)
Difficulty: Hard
Ascent: 458m (1502ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Mixed surfaces
Find out more

Enjoy Stunning Views Over Kielder Water and the North Tyne Valley

This peaceful route follows quiet roads and forest tracks, offering a relaxing journey through the heart of Northumberland. Travel along both sides of the North Tyne, crossing the impressive dam with panoramic views of Kielder Water and the valley below. Whether you're walking, cycling, or driving, this scenic experience combines natural beauty with tranquil surroundings.

Key Facts
Length: 15 miles (24km)
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 246m (808ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel & road surfaces
Find out more

Based around the remote village of Stonehaugh

Nestled on the southern edge of Kielder Forest, this charming trail offers a wonderful introduction to the Reiver Trails network, combining scenic woodland paths with a sense of peaceful isolation.

Key Facts
Length: 11 miles (18km)
Difficulty: Medium
Ascent: 302m (990ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel & road surfaces
Find out more

Ready to venture beyond the Roman Wall?

The Wark Forest Trail offers a scenic escape from The Sill to Stonehaugh, passing iconic Steel Rigg before winding through quiet country roads into the forest at Scotch Coulthard. The loop continues through the enchanting Hidden Valley and returns via the National Cycle Route—perfect for walkers and cyclists seeking a peaceful yet dramatic journey through nature and history.

Key Facts
Length: 24 miles (39km)
Difficulty: Medium
Ascent: 302m (990ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Mixed
Find out more

Explore the Kielder Lakeside Way – A Scenic Multi-User Trail Around the Water’s Edge

Stretching 26 miles around the shoreline of Kielder Water, this accessible trail offers stunning views, rich wildlife encounters, and immersive forest experiences. Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers, the route features striking artworks, diverse flora and fauna, and connects with other trails and spurs that lead deeper into the heart of Kielder Forest.

Key Facts
Length: 25 miles (41km)
Difficulty: Medium
Ascent: 228m (748ft)
Type: Loop
Surface: Compacted stone dust and tarmac
Find out more

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Discover the Reiver Trails

Roam the Reivers

Hadrian's Wall

Kielder

Walking and hiking

Cycling

Horse riding

Why Choose Reiver Trails?

Find a base

Langley Castle Hotel

Kielder Waterside

Kielder Cottage Spa

Battlesteads

Whittle Dene Reservoir House

Kielder Waterside Caravan Park

Heathergate Holiday Park

The Pheasant Inn

Chesters Stables

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate

Clear Sky Caravan Motorhome Site Kielder

Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

The Bosk B&B

Breamish Valley Cottages

Wydon Farm B&B

The Duke of Wellington Inn

Clear Sky Lodge Park

Ilderton Dod Barns

Hadrian's Holidays

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Brown Rigg Lodges

Crabtree & Crabtree

The Hytte

Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd

Brown Rigg Guest Rooms

Kellah Farm Cottages

Huts in the Hills

Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Cheviot Holiday Cottages

Kellah Farm B&B

Trail Highlights

Plan Your Adventure

The Trails

Stay in the know

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