Walking in Northumberland

Northumberland offers an exceptional range of walking landscapes within a single county, from expansive sandy beaches and rugged headlands to remote hills, river valleys and historic frontier country. Experienced and beginner walkers alike can move easily between contrasting environments: coastal paths backed by dunes and castles, open moorland in the Cheviot Hills, the rolling uplands of the Pennines, and the iconic line of Hadrian’s Wall crossing wide, open countryside.

Walking in Northumberland brings together 36 carefully selected day walks of 2–7 hours in a practical, easy-to-use guidebook designed to showcase the county’s most rewarding landscapes. The guidebook features a diverse range of walks that can be enjoyed independently, from shorter, lower-level routes for relaxed days out to longer, more demanding hill walks for experienced walkers.

Each walk in Northumberland is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow format, with concise route descriptions, 1:50,000 OS mapping, and a route summary table so you can quickly gauge distance, ascent, terrain and time and choose routes that match your experience and fitness
The routes are organised into five main areas – the north-east coast, the northern National Park and Cheviot Hills around Wooler, the Rothbury and Tyne Valley area, Kielder, and the North Pennines – making it easy to base yourself in centres such as Alnwick, Rothbury, Hexham or Kielder and explore a different walk each day
Practical information is woven throughout, with notes on refreshments and public transport to help you link routes, use buses or trains for linear walks, or keep driving to a minimum
Extra historical detail on points of interest such as Hadrian’s Wall and Lindisfarne Priory (Holy Island), along with viewpoints, nature reserves and wildlife hotspots like Kielder Water, adds depth to every walk
Downloadable GPX files are available for a digital navigation option for use on smartphones and GPS devices whilst you explore this beautiful corner of Northern England


The variety of walking found across Northumberland invites repeat visits and new routes each time. By bringing together coastal paths, upland walks and historic trails in one trusted guidebook,

Walking in Northumberland,

by expert author Vivienne Crow, gives you all the information you need to plan and enjoy each day spent on the trails.

Seasons

It’s always a great time to walk in Northumberland – each season has its delights – but walkers should be prepared for snow in the Cheviots and the Pennines in winter.

Centres

Lindisfarne, Craster, Warkworth, Alnmouth, Seahouses, Belford, Wooler, Rothbury, Allendale, Haltwhistle, Blanchland, Alwinton, Kielder and other villages.

Difficulty

The selection of walks ranges from full days on the hills to short walks at the coast – and everything in between. Terrain includes moorland, farmland, forestry tracks, coastal paths and woodland trails. Routes range from 7-21km, graded 1-5. There are no technical difficulties.

Must See

Hike in the remote Cheviot Hills, visiting high, windswept ridges and impressive Iron Age forts; enjoy historic coastal routes, including the lesser-known side of Lindisfarne; stride out beside the dramatic Hadrian’s Wall; visit the moors and valleys of the Pennines; wander the shores of Kielder Water and the forests above.