9 incredible Northumberland walks you must try

If you are looking for stunning landscapes you can explore by foot, you need look no further than Northumberland. From the National Park and Hadrian’s Wall to the beautiful sandy beaches of the coast, this county is rich in a variety of fantastic and wild scenery. Here are 9 of the best Northumberland walks.

1 Hadrian’s Wall National Trail

Hadrian’s Wall National Trail follows the wall from coast to coast and is perfect for walking in shorter sections. The total route is 84 miles long, and takes you past the 30 mile stretch where the wall is still evident, so you can easily choose which sections to visit. The Carrawburgh section of the wall is home to the remains of the Roman Temple of Mithas. It was built in the third century and it is free to visit.

2 Steel Rigg

One of the most picturesque parts of the entire wall, the region around Steel Rigg is where you will find the famous ‘Sycamore Gap’: a sycamore tree growing in a gap between twin hill peaks, making a great view which photographers and artists love. It’s a five-minute walk to the wall and about 15 minutes to Sycamore Gap from Steel Rigg Car Park, but there is also a great 8 mile long National Trust circular walk you can enjoy.

3 Bowness-on-Solway

Bowness-on-Solway marks one end of the Hadrian’s Wall Trail, making it a good place to start a walk or a nice end-point to aim for. Lying at the Western end, walking to the end of the wall will lead you to the picturesque Solway Firth. One popular walk from Burgh by Sands is around eleven miles long.

4 Coquetdale Valley

The Northumberland National Park is the least populated of all Britain’s National Park, so its 700 miles of footpaths incredibly tranquil and quiet. There are many walks to choose from, including in the area of the beautiful Coquetdale Valley. An easy one-mile walk through the Upper Coquet valley to the rural village of Barrowburn will take you through stunning wildflower meadows. There is also a tea room where you can rest your feet and get a restorative cuppa!

5 Cheviot Hills

The National Park spreads from Hadrian’s Wall up to the Scottish border, incorporating the rounded Cheviot Hills, where there are lots of good options for walkers. The five-mile walk from Kirknewton up to the Yeavering Bell is justifiably popular. These twin peaks are topped by Iron Age fortifications.

6 Thirlwall Castle

Under 2 miles in length, the walk from the village of Greenhead to Thirlwall Castle is an easy one, suitable for all ages and abilities. Greenhead itself is small, but has a pub and tea rooms – and it suits many walkers due to its proximity to the Pennine Way as well as the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Built in the 1300s, Thirlwall Castle is now looked after by the National Park, and is a Grade 1 listed building.

7 Northumberland Coastal Path

You can see the best bits of Northumberland’s coastline by following the Coastal Path. There are a huge variety of walks to be taken on this 100 mile long diastance trail, a good choice is the six-mile walk which takes you along the coast from Craster to Low Newton’s picturesque village centre. On the way you will pass Embleton beach, Craster harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle. These castle ruins perch on top of the cliff, creating a wonderful scene. Entry to the castle cost £4.20 an adult and £2.50 a child.

8 Gibside

On the outskirts of Newcastle, Gibside is an 18th-century estate and landscape garden with lush green wide-open spaces, Georgian buildings and ruins to explore. Kids will find plenty to do – there’s an adventure playground, a woodland play trail and the former stable block is now a learning and discovery centre. Adult tickets cost £6.75, children £3.60, or you can get a family ticket for £17.50.

9 Kielder Water and Forest Park

Walking is just one of many options for outdoor activities available at Kielder. Take a relaxing walk through England’s largest forest and keep an eye out for red squirrels and deer. You can also try out horse riding and mountain biking, as well as a variety of water sports on Europe’s largest man-made lake. Car parking is £4 for the day, though you may have to pay extra for any lessons or activities.

Those camping in Northumberland will find that there are many places they can explore on foot. As well as the natural landscapes we chose, there are fascinating castles and country houses to see and thrilling activities to try. The hardest choice you’ll have will be choosing where to go first!