Woman walking in Northumberland National Park

Hiking in Northumberland

Walk this way

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.

Every step of the way

Take a walk on the wild side in Northumberland.

The rural county of Northumberland combines dramatic rolling hills and valleys, as well as vast, flat stretches of immaculate beaches, so whether you want to spend time in the countryside walking through some of Northumberland’s most spectacular forests, or to discover one of England’s most beautiful beaches with a coastal walk in Northumberland, the region has so much to offer.

Northumberland is also home to fairytale villages and towns steeped in history, stroll along the Northumberland Coast Path to Warkworth from Amble. Discover the market town of Wooler, nestled at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, ideal for using as a base for hill walks, including a challenging ascent to the Cheviot summit. Why not visit the coastal town of Blyth with picture perfect beaches and the best fish and chips for the whole family to enjoy.

Join like-minded hikers on a guided walk, or do some independent exploring with our suggested routes.

Long walks in Northumberland

From the castle-and-coast walking routes to rugged hikes in our rural countryside, Northumberland has an extensive selection of long walking routes. Suitable for beginners who are taking their new walking boots for a spin, heavy duty hikers looking for a challenge, and everything in between.

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Short walks in Northumberland

For the little legs that need regular rests, the sightsee-ers who like to pause for photo opps, and the wanderers who hope to be rewarded with a pub at the end, Northumberland has a number of short walking routes to explore. From seaside strolls to inland adventures, find the perfect route to suit.

Discover our short walks

Walking routes in Northumberland

Explore inland walks in Northumberland National Park, hike through history along Hadrian’s Wall and waterside wanders in Kielder. From short walks in Northumberland with some of the region's most spectacular woodland, gardens and historic sites, to long walks in Northumberland including the rugged 210 mile Ravenber Way Coast to Coast walk and the popular Craster to Dunstanburgh coastal walk.

Discover a range of circular walks in Northumberland, from the picturesque Rothbury Riverside Walk to the breathtaking and historic Bamburgh Castle circuit, each offering stunning landscapes and a perfect route back to your starting point.

National Park walking routes

From the Scottish Borders in the North to Hadrian’s Wall in the South, our National Park offers breathtaking views and landmarks steeped in history. Our walking routes will allow you to take advantage of everything Northumberland has to offer.

Walking Hadrian's Wall

Follow in the footsteps of Romans with our walking routes, and see the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort, the top of Steel Rigg and Housesteads Roman Fort for picture perfect countryside views.

Bothies

Bothies are small huts which will provide avid hikers with shelter from the elements. A small piece of history, bothies used to provide refuge for farmers and other outdoor workers, and are often found in remote mountainous areas.

Visitor enjoying Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Lakeside

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.

Where to stay for a walking holiday

There are plenty of places to hang up your hiking boots in Northumberland. Rest your legs by the fire in a countryside B&B that has excellent access to stunning walking routes. Or, pick a luxury hotel by the sea and traverse our beaches and coastal paths.
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Embleton Self Catering

Whinstone Cottage

A quirky and characterful period cottage, with direct rural views down to the sea at Embleton beach.

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

Beadnell Self Catering

Almond Apartment

A luxury one bedroom ground floor, dog friendly self-catering holiday home, the perfect coastal escape in Beadnell.

Beadnell Self Catering

Cherry Tree & Almond Apartments

Five luxury one bedroom dog friendly self-catering holiday homes, each one is tailor-made for couples seeking the perfect coastal escape.

Guide Price £343.00 Per week

Northumberland Self Catering Agency

North East Escapes

North East Escapes is a locally owned, locally managed holiday home management agency in North East England.

Alnwick Glamping

Shepherd's Hut at The Old Rectory

Relax and enjoy the countryside in our self catering Shepherd's Hut. Dine al-fresco in the private bbq and seating area.

Chathill Hotel

The Tempus

Listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2024, The Tempus has 33 bedrooms, boutique suites, hot tub rooms and dog friendly accommodation.

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night

Embleton Self Catering Agency

Beach and Quiet

Properties close to the historic Craster harbour & iconic Dunstanburgh Castle or set in the heart of Embleton village, ½ mile from Embleton bay.

Guide Price £833.00 Per week

Kielder Self Catering

Kielder Cottage

Located in the Northumberland National Park with stunning views of Kielder Water and Forest Park. Pet friendly accommodation for 6 guests.

Guide Price £800.00 Per week

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

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

Craster Self Catering

Coast and Country Northumberland

Water’s Edge is a spectacularly located, contemporary beachfront cottage in Craster, offering direct access to the North Northumberland Heritage Coast.

Lowick Self Catering

Laverock Law Cottages & Glamping

Tranquil location, fantastic nature lovers paradise, close Northumbrian coast and Holy Island, log fires, gardens, campfire, homely green holiday destination.

Beadnell Self Catering

4 Cherry Tree

A luxury one bedroom ground floor, dog friendly self-catering holiday home with private garden, the perfect coastal escape in Beadnell.

Howick Glamping

The Bell Tent at Old Rectory

Luxury glamping in the grounds of the Old Rectory. 5m Belltent with double bed and wood burning stove. Private toilet & shower facilities.

Guide Price £115.00 Per Night

Craster Self Catering

Hemmel House

Three en suite bedrooms plus rural views towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.

Guide Price £833.00 Per week

Seahouses Holiday Home Ownership

Clifftop and Stone Close Holiday Park

Exceptional seafront caravan holiday park in the popular coastal resort of Seahouses.

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

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

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

Alnwick Self Catering

Village Farm Cottages & Spa

We are a family run business which provides great family holidays, as well as "get away from it all breaks" for all ages and have 30 years of experience on which to call when we welcome you to Village Farm.

Guide Price £1,000.00 Per week

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

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.

Beadnell Self Catering

1 Cherry Tree

A luxury one bedroom ground floor, dog friendly self-catering holiday home with private garden, the perfect coastal escape in Beadnell.

Guide Price £336.00 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

Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Old Rectory Howick

Luxury Country House B&B, with private parking only 400 yards from the Northumberland Coast, set in its own grounds.

Guide Price £125.00 Per Night

Beadnell Self Catering

Beadnell Bay Cottages

Beadnell Bay Cottage is located in wonderful Beadnell Village. A fantastic base to explore the Northumberland coast.

Beadnell Self Catering

3 Cherry Tree

A luxury one bedroom first floor dog friendly self-catering holiday home, the perfect coastal escape for couples in Beadnell.

Guide Price £329.00 Per week

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

Cramlington Self Catering

Burradon Farm Houses & Cottages

12 Luxury cottage conversions sleeping 2 -8, ideally located near city, coast and countryside, also fully accessible disabled cottage.

Guide Price £532.00 Per week

Guided Walks

Let us lead the way

Let someone else lead the way while you enjoy a worry-free walk where no map is needed, meet like-minded meanderers as you go. From walks across Lindisfarne causeway to Roman-themed hikes along Hadrian’s Wall, you’d be lost without Northumberland’s fantastic guided walks.

Explore our walks

Where to go dog walking in Northumberland

If you're looking for the best spots for dog walking in Northumberland, you’ll find plenty of scenic and dog-friendly trails to explore. Hulne Park’s walks offer a mix of woodland and open parkland, perfect for a relaxed stroll with your four legged friend. For coastal adventures, the Beadnell to Low Newton walk provides miles of sandy beaches where dogs can run freely. If you prefer countryside views, the Hareshaw Linn trail near Bellingham leads to a stunning waterfall, with plenty of exciting scents and sights along the way for your furry sidekick.

Respect, Protect, Enjoy!

Useful Information

Follow the Countryside Code

Dogs on the Coast

The best accessible walks in Northumberland

Looking for wheelchair friendly walks in Northumberland? Northumberland offers a range of accessible walking routes, perfect for all abilities. Bolam Lake is a great spot for a gentle stroll with a circular path with smooth surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, providing stunning lakeside views and woodland scenery. Further north, Druridge Bay Country Park boasts an easy-access trail around its lake, ideal for a short walk with plenty of wildlife to spot. Wallington House, Gardens and Estate, managed by the National Trust, also has accessible paths throughout its picturesque walled garden, around its many lakes and to its range of play areas perfect for the whole family to enjoy. These routes ensure that everyone can enjoy the best that the region has to offer.

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