The best walks and hikes around Newcastle

Yes, there are many options suitable for families. For a tranquil woodland walk with interesting sculptures, Hedley Hall Woods is a popular choice. Another great spot is Derwenthaugh Riverside Park, which offers well-maintained, accessible paths perfect for a family day out. For a specific route, the Trail System at Dodge Point loop from North Edgecomb is a short and easy walk that's great for all ages.

Many trails around Newcastle are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog on a lead, especially in nature reserves or near farmland with livestock. Open spaces like the Town Moor are great for letting dogs run freely. For woodland walks, locals often take their dogs to places like Hedley Hall Woods. Always check local signage for specific rules.

The area offers numerous loop trails so you can end your walk where you started. For a shorter, easy loop through woodland, consider the Large Loop – Dodge Point Preserve. It's a pleasant walk of about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) that is ideal for a quick escape into nature.

Yes, you can find some beautiful waterfalls in the region. Within the city itself, Jesmond Dene Falls is a well-loved, picturesque waterfall set in a wooded valley. For a more dramatic cascade in a wilder setting, Linhope Spout in the Cheviot Hills and High Force in the North Pennines are both spectacular, though they require a bit of a drive and a hike to reach.

Newcastle is surrounded by excellent hiking spots. For a quick escape within the city, Jesmond Dene offers a peaceful wooded valley. Just outside the city, you'll find popular nature reserves like Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve and Big Waters Nature Reserve, both highly regarded for their walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Yes, many walks are accessible without a car. Hikes within the city, such as those in Jesmond Dene and the Town Moor, are easily reached by the Metro or local bus services. For routes further afield, like walks along Hadrian's Wall or the coast at Tynemouth, you can use regional bus and train services which often stop near trailheads.

For the most dramatic scenery, many hikers recommend the central section of Hadrian's Wall Path within Northumberland National Park. The stretch between Chollerford and Birdoswald features well-preserved sections of the wall running along high crags. A popular shorter walk is the route from Steel Rigg to Housesteads Roman Fort, which covers some of the most iconic landscapes.

For those seeking a challenge, the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland National Park offer strenuous routes. Tackling The Cheviot, the highest peak in the park at 815 meters, is a rewarding full-day trek with significant elevation gain. The terrain is rugged and often exposed, so be sure to prepare accordingly. The River Link Trail – Dodge Point Preserve and River Link also offers a more moderate, longer distance option at over 10 miles (17 km).

The terrain varies widely. Within Newcastle, you'll find mostly paved or well-maintained woodland paths in places like Jesmond Dene. Heading out to the coast offers sandy beaches and grassy cliff-top paths. In Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines, expect rolling hills, open moorland, and potentially boggy ground, with some steep and rocky sections, especially along Hadrian's Wall and in the Cheviots.

You can hike year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the best conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The heather on the moors is particularly beautiful in late summer. Winter hiking can be rewarding on clear, crisp days, but be prepared for colder temperatures, shorter days, and potentially icy or muddy trails, especially in higher areas like the Cheviots.

The nearby coastline offers fantastic walking opportunities. A short trip to Tynemouth provides walks along Longsands beach with views of the Tynemouth Priory. The coastline here is popular for spotting seals, especially around St Mary's Lighthouse. The paths are generally gentle and suitable for most fitness levels, offering fresh sea air and expansive views.