Walks in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Within and beyond the historic town walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed, there are countless walking trails for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups to enjoy when visiting Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Whether you’re craving a gentle, low-impact meander along the stunning River Tweed or an adventurous Northumberland Coast Path walking route with your four-legged friend, there truly is a walk in Berwick-upon-Tweed for everyone.
Coastal walks in Berwick-upon-Tweed
This historical town is ideally situated for the most refreshing coastal walks. Positioned on the North East coast of England and directly at the mouth of the River Tweed, there are plenty of beach, promenade, and coastal walks to choose from.
The Northumberland Coast Path: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cocklawburn Beach
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Distance: Around 6 miles
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Duration: 2.5-3 hours
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Other info: Various grassland trails, sandy beaches, and coastal paths. Cocklawburn Beach is also dog-friendly.
At 63 miles long, the breathtaking Northumberland Coast Path conveniently runs from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed. One of the most popular walking routes on the path is the Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cocklawburn Beach circular walk, with plenty of landmarks and sights to soak in along the way.
Some key landmarks include Berwick Quayside, Berwick’s Old Bridge, Berwick Pier and Lighthouse, as well as Spittal Beach and the Cocklawburn sand dunes, before looping back.
Keep an eye out for Northumberland’s wildlife seabirds, seals, and potentially even dolphins as you wander.
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Eyemouth walking trail
If you’re an advanced walker and want to feel like you’re in a movie, the 10-mile walking route from Berwick to Eyemouth is one for the books. However, it can also be adapted to shorter lengths if you don’t fancy the full five-hour hike.
Along this route, you’ll get to see some of the most stunning shorelines, seabirds, and dramatic cliffs — as well as cross the iconic England-Scotland border.
Dog walks in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a town filled with self-proclaimed dog lovers. You’ll find three dog-friendly beaches nearby (Spittal, Cocklawburn, and Berwick) which are perfect for walks, with plenty of types of Northumberland accommodation and eateries to welcome your four-legged friends.
The River Tweed riverside walk
One of the best walks around Berwick-upon-Tweed, the River Tweed walk is a circular route ideal for all ages and abilities. It’s an excellent way to see Berwick’s must-see historical bridges — the Royal Border Bridge spanning into Northumberland, and the Old Bridge, which dates back to 1611.
Along the way, your four-legged friend can run wild in Coronation Park while you sit and enjoy river views. You could even pop into the dog-friendly Lookout Cafe, located just beneath the Old Bridge, for a takeaway coffee or a well-deserved snack.
Spittal Promenade and Beach walk
Spittal Beach’s sandy setting is the perfect walk for tiring out your four-legged friend — you can even let them off the lead. With coastal views at every angle, this circular walking route is based on a flat path perfect for buggies, all ages, and activity levels.
Historical walks in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is deeply rooted in history. The town changed hands 13 times between English and Scottish control due to its strategic Anglo-Scottish border but was eventually surrendered to England in 1482.
The Berwick Town Walls walk
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Distance: Around 1.5 miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
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Other info: Family and dog-friendly.
Keeping Berwick’s historical identity in mind, the Town Walls walking route is a must for history lovers. Its bastioned town walls were built around the perimeter in 1558 to defend the town from Scottish invasions, and they are now the only example left in Britain.
Beginning at Berwick Barracks, this historical walking route will take you to multiple artillery positions that once made up the town’s defence system, including Meg’s Mount, The Bell Tower, Windmill Bastion, and The Lord’s Mount.
Don’t forget to look out at the view of the River Tweed from Coxon’s Tower, too.
Popular walking routes near Berwick-upon-Tweed
Fancy venturing out further? We don’t blame you — Berwick-upon-Tweed is very near to some iconic long-distance walking routes, both offering the chance to explore Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. Just remember to check the Holy Island Crossing Times before you set off.
Holy Island is aptly named, as it was founded by Irish monks who turned the area into a significant site of early English Christianity with the Lindisfarne Gospels.
From Berwick, you’ll have access to two popular walking routes:
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St Cuthbert's Way: A 62-mile walking trail, starting in Melrose and ending on Holy Island. This route was named after St Cuthbert, as it follows the ancient pilgrimage route associated with him.
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St Oswald’s Way: A 97-mile walking route ending with the insightful Lindisfarne Priory. This walk covers key sites associated with St Oswald, the 7th-century king of Northumbria.
Enjoy all that this characterful part of Northumberland has to offer, and plan your route with Northumberland’s best walking and hiking trails today.