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Walking in Northumberland

Labelled 'the best place for walking in the country' by Country Walking Magazine, Northumberland is famous for the variety and quality of its footpaths, bridleways and walker-friendly accommodation.

Northumberland's extensive public footpath network criss-crosses open country and farmland connecting towns and villages throughout the county. From challenging long distance trails with cosy pubs and welcoming guest houses en route, to leisurely circular walks through pretty hamlets and wildlife rich coast and countryside, Northumberland has it all.

You can take a guided walk to learn about this beautiful, dramatic county or set out in solitude to discover what makes Northumberland officially England's most tranquil county. Scroll to the bottom of this page for a selection of downloadable walking routes.

There are also a great many good guide books available for purchase in Northumberland's Tourist Information Centres, such as those offered by Trailguides, which include a selection of Walks from Kirknewton, by local guide Peter McEwen.

Walking in Kielder Water & Forest Park Walking along the Northumberland Coast

Please use the accommodation search to the right of this page to find accommodation in Northumberland with the Walkers Welcome Award.

Walking Routes >>

Short walks, circular trails and long distance walking routes.

Equipment Stores and Hire >>

Purchase or hire your walking equipment and accessories from our specialist stores.

Walking Tours and Guides >>

Get the best out of your walks from our professional local guides.

Walking Events and Festivals >>

Take part in walking events and festivals to make the most of your walks.

'Walkers Welcome' Accommodation

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- receive details of all upcoming highlight events in Northumberland.

- be alerted to new competitions to win short breaks, activity weekends and holidays in Northumberland.

Download free Northumberland walking route maps

Easy short walks in Northumberland

What sets Northumberland apart from it's neighbours is the sheer accessibility and diversity of the landscapes. From the flat sands of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to gentle walks through quintessential English villages, this is an area for everyone to enjoy!

Below you will find three short walks, each offering something entirely different for you to discover. But remember, this is only a taste of the exceptional walking here in Northumberland.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne discovery, Northumberland Coast
5km, 2-3hrs
A circular walk around the Holy Island of Lindisfarne ideal for those who want to explore all that the island has to offer.

Download this walking route map

Craster, Howick and Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland Coast
9.5km, 3-4hrs
A delightfully varied walk featuring wide, unspoilt beaches, the ruins of a once glorious castle and the chance to sample Craster Kippers!

Download this walking route map

Blanchland and the Derwent Valley, North Pennines
2km, less than 1hr
A timeless riverside stroll through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of England's oldest and most picturesque villages.

Download this walking route map

Moderate difficulty short walks in Northumberland

If you are up for more of a challenge, the moderate difficulty walks will reward you with some of the finest scenery in Northumberland. From an invigorating walk along the most visually stunning section of Hadrian's Wall to hike's through remote areas of the Northumberland National Park, the moderate difficulty walks allow you to discover this most beautiful county on foot.

Below you will find six moderate difficulty short walks, each offering something entirely different for you to discover. But remember, this is only a taste of the exceptional walking here in Northumberland.

Sycamore Gap to Housesteads Roman Fort, Hadrian's Wall
11km, 4-5hrs
This classic route follows the most complete and visually stunning part of the Roman wall taking in Housesteads Roman Fort.

Download this walking route map

Rothbury & Coquetdale discovery, Northumberland National Park
8km, 2-3hrs
Spend a day walking in the quiet hills around Rothbury, with beautiful heather moors and stunning views of the Cheviot Hills.

Download this walking route map

Humbleton Hill, The Cheviot Hills
6.5km, 2-3hrs
An exhilarating walk to the top of Humbleton Hill to discover an Iron Age hillfort and the breathtaking panoramic views.

Download this walking route map

Lambley & the South Tyne valley, North Pennines
13km, 3-4hrs
Experience the open moorland and wonderful birdlife of the North Pennines, before taking in the views from the impressive 110ft high Lambley viaduct.

Download this walking route map

Copper Snout, Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park
13km, 4-5hrs
Following the line of Clennel Street, an ancient drove road, this walk takes you up into the hills for breath-taking views of the surrounding national park.

Download this walking route map

Bolam Lake to Shaftoe Crags, near Morpeth
10km, 2-3hrs
An eclectic mix of peaceful farmland, border defences, weird and wonderful rock formations, and woodland and lake views.