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 and bridleways and walker-friendly accommodation throughout the county.

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 and circular routes through pretty hamlets and wildlife rich countryside to leisurely riverside and woodland strolls, Northumberland has it all. Walk in the footsteps of Saints and enjoy the dramatic landscapes and rare wildlife of the Northumberland Coast Path, part of the North Sea Trail. Take a guided walk with John Monks of Shepherd's Walks to see this beautiful county from the perspective of a true Northumberland shepherd or set out in solitude and discover what makes Northumberland officially England's most tranquil county.

Famous National Trails such as The Pennine Way, climbing over the North Pennines and Hadrian's Wall Country into Northumberland National Park and the Cheviot Hills, have their most beautiful sections in Northumberland. The best persevered sections of Hadrian's Wall lie in the county too, making the Hadrian's Wall Path a truly unforgettable experience, whether you tackle a mile or all 84! Discover Christian heritage on St. Oswald's Way, inspired by the 7th century Christian King of Northumbria. Starting at The Holy Island of Lindisfarne it hugs a coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, diverting inland via Rothbury and ending by Hadrian's Wall at Heavenfield. The 97-mile trail takes in castles and historic houses including Bamburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle and Cragside. Similarly, the life and work of St Cuthbert, the 7th century Bishop of Lindisfarne, provide the inspiration for the similarly challenging St Cuthbert's Way, a 63 mile trail from Melrose in Scotland through the Tweed Valley and the Cheviot Hills to Lindisfarne. Kielder Water & Forest Park also provides dramatic walking terrain with 27 miles of shoreline paths and an abundance of woodland trails.

Useful Links

Walking Activity Providers in Northumberland
Shepherd's Walks
The Sherpa Van Project - Door to Door Baggage Services

Selected Routes

Hadrians Wall Path National Trail
Pennine Way National Trail
St Oswald's Way
St Cuthbert's Way
North Sea Trail
Cheviot Walks