The Ultimate Guide to Northumberland Walks

Experience the great outdoors with some fantastic walks in Northumberland

What better way to explore your surroundings than on foot? Discover the best walking opportunities in Northumberland with our useful walking guide. Find the most picturesque routes and enjoy the best of the scenery Northumberland has to offer.

Explore ancient palaces, discover varied wildlife, climb rolling hills, navigate through majestic forests and wander through historic towns. Whatever you are interested in, there are plenty of walks in Northumberland to suit everyone.

The coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two of the county’s nature reserves are situated by the sea, making it a popular location due to its expansive views and bountiful wildlife. For a coastal walk in Northumberland, look no further than the 62-mile Northumberland Coast Path. Stretching from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the route takes roughly 3-7 days to complete or can be separated into 6 different walks, all of which taking in some of the beauty the area has to offer, from bustling fishing villages like Seahouses to historic towns like Warkworth.

For those in search of dog walks in Northumberland, there are plenty of places that any four-legged friend will love to explore. Take a trip to Bolam Lake and walk its circumference, traversing through a mix of open grassy areas and dense woodland, or travel to the popular sandy beach, Beadnell Bay, which are accessible to dogs all year round.

Continue reading to discover the best Northumberland walks…

Photo of Bolam Lake courtesy of John Dal

Bolam Lake

The peaceful Bolam Lake is just a 10-mile drive from nearby Morpeth and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours. The 2-mile walk is a fairly easy lakeside route with beautiful views over the water.
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Bolam Lake and Shaftoe Crags Circular

3 hours 19 minutes

8.5 miles

Moderate

Prepare for a breath-taking 13.7-kilometre adventure that promises a delightful blend of sights and terrains. This varied route takes you through the heart of Northumberland, starting at the Low House Wood Car Park on the southern shore of Bolam Lake.
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Greenlee Lough Circular Walk

2 hours

3.8 miles

Moderate

Nestled amidst the pristine countryside of Northumberland, the Greenlee Lough Circular Walk beckons you to embark on a delightful outing in the heart of nature. Look forward to lush forestry, still waters and diverse wildlife; a truly immersive outdoor experience for all!
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Hethas Hike

2 hours

2.5 miles

Moderate

Uncover the hidden gems of the Hethas Hike as you meander through unspoiled landscapes and captivating vistas of Northumberland. This scenic trek is a nature lover’s dream, offering a serene escape into the heart of the wilderness.
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Ring Chesters Round

3.5 hours

5 miles

Moderate

Experience the allure of Northumberland with the Ring Chesters Round Walk. Offering a wealth of year-round charm, making it a captivating adventure no matter the season, here you can explore ancient hillforts, all while relishing the pristine landscapes of the College Valley.
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St Cuthbert’s Way

This 62.5-mile trail starts at Melrose in the Scottish Borders and ends with Holy Island, just off the coast of Northumberland, connecting the places where St Cuthbert started his religious life and where he ended it. The route takes roughly 4-6 days to complete and doesn’t require high fitness levels or a lot of training.
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The Lowry Trail

Approx 3 hours

5-6 miles

Easy

Embark on a captivating journey through the charming town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of the iconic artist, L.S. Lowry. Known worldwide for his paintings depicting industrial landscapes, Lowry’s connection to Berwick unveils a different side to his artistic talent.
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The Northumberland Coast Path

Approx 3 days

62 miles

Moderate

The Northumberland coast is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes, featuring expansive sandy beaches, towering dunes, and dramatic dark whinstone outcrops. It is also a historical treasure trove and home to an array of conservation sites, including two National Nature Reserves, showcasing the remarkable diversity of wildlife in the region.
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The Simonside Hills

3 hours

4.5 miles

Step into the enchanting realm of Northumberland’s Simonside Hills, where a circular walk awaits, promising a thrilling ascent to Simonside’s summit, complete with short, steep gradients. This is more than a walk; it’s an adventure into one of Northumberland’s hidden gems you won’t want to miss!
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Walltown Crags

Walltown Crags
Greenhead
Hexham
Northumberland
CA8 7JD

This 4-mile walk follows a section of the Hadrian’s Wall Path to the Walltown Crags that surround the large hollow, made from years of quarrying. This route is one of the finest places to admire the wall, and includes fantastic views of the rolling hills.
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