15 Short Walks in Northumberland: Wooler, Rothbury, Alnwick and the coast

Explore Northumberland with this collection of 15 carefully chosen short walks covering Wooler, Rothbury, Alnwick and the coast. Designed to be enjoyed in under three hours, these routes reveal the county’s rich mix of countryside, coastline and historic landmarks and feature no tough hills or tricky terrain – ideal for families, casual walkers and visitors keen to make the most of their time outdoors.

• Each of the 15 short walks features clear, easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps tied to numbered route descriptions, making navigation straightforward and confidence-boosting, perfect for beginners and those new to walking
• Practical information is included for every route, with details on parking, facilities and refreshment stops, helping you plan stress-free days out
• Walks showcase some of Northumberland’s most memorable coastal and historic highlights, including Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Dunstanburgh Castle and stretches of the county’s unspoilt coastline
• Routes are based around key towns and villages such as Wooler, Rothbury and Bamburgh, making it easy to set off on foot directly from local accommodation, with public transport information included when needed
• Discover iconic landmarks including Alnwick Castle — famous as a Harry Potter filming location — as well as charming villages, scenic viewpoints and local points of interest, all within walks suitable for all

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this Northumberland guidebook brings together everything you need for an enjoyable, low-stress family day out. Whether on a day trip from nearby Newcastle or taking a holiday in one of Britain's most sparsely populated counties, it’s an ideal companion for discovering Northumberland’s coastal scenery, rolling countryside and rich heritage at an easy, gentle pace.

Seasons

These walks can be enjoyed any time of year, and each season brings its own delights, including changes to the plants and wildlife. Coastal routes can be particularly bracing in winter.

Centres

Alnwick, Wooler, Rothbury, Berwick, Bamburgh, Craster, Alnmouth, Amble, Whitley Bay, Cramlington

Difficulty

Coast and valley routes are suitable for most, but a moderate degree of fitness, as well as waterproofs and more robust footwear, are recommended for higher walks. Basic navigation skills are valuable for some higher routes and in poor weather. Inexperienced walkers should avoid the Simonside Hills in ice or snow.

Must See

Beautiful coastal walks, including Lindisfarne (Holy Island), Bamburgh, Craster, Alnmouth and Amble; massive beaches; some of the UK’s most impressive castles, including Dunstanburgh, Alnwick and Bamburgh; St Mary’s Island and lighthouse; Northumberlandia; Simonside Hills; Berwick’s town walls; riverside strolls; low hills; moorland; hill forts; seabird colonies, seals, deer and other wildlife

Using this guide

Route summary table

Map key

Introduction

What to expect

Where to stay

Travel

The walks

1. St Mary’s Island

2. Northumberlandia

3. Simonside Hills

4. Rothbury Terraces

5. South from Amble

6. North from Alnmouth

7. Alnwick Castle and riverside

8. Brough Law

9. Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle

10. Newton-by-the-Sea

11. St Cuthbert’s Way from Wooler

12. Wooler Common

13. Bamburgh

14. Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

15. Berwick-upon-Tweed

Useful information