Walks in Wooler
Wooler is one of those Northumberland locations that has it all. With a bustling weekly market, a rich history, and the breathtaking Cheviot Hills just a stone’s throw away, it truly is a walker’s paradise.
From gentle circular walks around Wooler for families to Cheviot walks for nature enthusiasts, adventurous couples and hiking groups, there are countless walks in, near, and around Wooler for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Plus, there are even walking routes suitable for your four-legged friends.
Circular walks from Wooler
Bringing you back right where you started, circular walks around Wooler are convenient and a great way to enjoy a few landmarks without venturing too far away. The most popular circular walks around Wooler showcase this area’s beautiful scenery, iconic heritage, and rugged terrain in all their glory.
Humbleton Hill circular walk
If you’re a history buff, this slightly challenging circular walk will provide you with a mix of historical sites, picture-worthy landscapes, and a view of the breathtaking vistas that cocoon Wooler.
This walk will take you up to the summit of Humbleton Hill, where you follow a marked path all the way up to the remains of an Iron Age hillfort — once used as a defensive settlement during the England-Scotland border conflicts.
From the top, soak in the sweeping views of the Cheviots while standing exactly where the Battle of Homildon Hill occurred in 1402. On your way back down the moorland tracks, be sure to keep an eye out for Northumberland’s wildlife, including red squirrels, roe deer, and Large Heath butterflies in the summer.
Wooler town circular walk
What would a list of walks in Wooler be without a route through the town? Beginning at Wooler’s historic market (which has been running since 1199), this gentle meander will take you past Wooler’s stone shops, pubs, and the impressive St Mary’s Church, built in the 12th century.
It’s a short walking route that showcases the blended identity of Wooler — where nature and wildlife come to settle alongside traditional stone homes and shops.
Dog walks in Wooler
Like most of Northumberland, Wooler is a very dog-friendly destination.
Depending on the stamina of your pooch, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks in Wooler — especially with the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park on your doorstep.
Wooler Riverside walk
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Distance: Around 2 miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Duration: 1 hour
- Other info: Riverside paths and grassy tracks
Wooler Water is a peaceful stream that flows through the market town, making for a relaxing and easy walk for families, couples, and solo travellers with pups in tow. Beginning in the town centre, there are plenty of flat paths along the route for easy walking, eventually looping back into Wooler.
Wooler Common and woodland park walk
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Distance: 1-5 miles
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Duration: 1-3 hours
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Other info: Woodland paths, gravel tracks, and open fields for off-lead exploring
Just a short 5-minute drive away is Wooler Common — a stunning woodland area with a surprisingly turbulent past from 14th and 16th-century border raids. Thankfully, it is now an area many locals and tourists enjoy, featuring an easy-access (and wheelchair-suitable) trail surrounding two quaint ponds.
You can start your dog walk from the Wooler Common and Woodland Park car park, and even enjoy a mid-walk picnic at one of the many provided benches along the way.
Cheviot walks from Wooler
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a keen adventurer, or love spotting undisturbed wildlife in new locations, the Cheviot Hills is home to some of the most rewarding and picturesque walks near Wooler.
The best part is that you can tailor these walks to your ability without having to sacrifice the once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views of The Cheviots.
The Cheviot hike via Scald Hill
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Distance: 9 miles (in total)
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Difficulty: Hard
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Duration: 5-6 hours
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Other info: Moorland, rocky paths, boggy areas, and steep inclines.
The Cheviot is the highest peak in Northumberland, standing at 815 metres above sea level. This challenging hike will take you to its summit, where you can enjoy incredible views of Scotland, the Lake District, and the Northumberland coastline when the clouds are in your favour.
You can begin this walk in Wooler following the Harthorpe Valley Trail before scaling up Scald Hill and reaching the Cheviot’s summit.
Yeavering Bell circular walk
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Distance: 3.5 miles
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
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Other info: Grassy tracks, moorland, and slight rocky sections.
Just a 9-minute drive from Wooler, the Yeavering Bell circular walk is an easy, beginner-friendly route for all ages and abilities.
This hill, also known as ‘the hill of goats’, was once one of Northumberland’s most prominent hillfort sites and still features one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in the county, which the whole family can learn more about by exploring Ad Gefrin’s museum and great hall experience.
Starting at the Yeavering Bell car park, this walk in Wooler is especially popular for families with its handy marked path, steady incline, and gentle descent. There are also plenty of spots for a picnic — just keep an eye out for the opportunistic wild goats.
Find other things to do in Wooler and explore the best walks and hikes in Northumberland by planning your route with Visit Northumberland.