4.5
(1257)
9,528
hikers
12
hikes
Hikes around Simonburn Northumberland explore the varied landscapes within Northumberland National Park. The region is characterized by rolling hills, sections of the historic Hadrian's Wall, and paths that follow the River Tyne. The terrain offers a mix of gentle riverside walks and more demanding upland routes that feature Roman historical sites.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.5
(4)
13
hikers
9.78km
02:40
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(115)
794
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(24)
151
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
34
hikers
12.3km
03:24
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Roman milecastle 39 is known as Castle Nick, because it lies in a niche in the hillside. The site was excavated between 1908 and 1911 and re-excavated between 1982 and 1987. In the south-east corner there was a stone oven and in the south-west corner a rectangular building with a sunken floor, associated with Roman finds. The milecastle appears to have been occupied until the end of the 4th century. In the 18th century, a dairy may have been built in the west corner. (Northumberland National Park)
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A wonderful homely place with friendly staff, good coffee and great cakes. This is a modern, well-furnished and welcome rest spot from the strains of walking the trail.
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Planetrees is nice and is the last of the great sections of Hadrian's Wall if you are heading from east to west. It is named after a nearby farm, and the surviving section is about 35 metres (115 ft) in length.
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This is a lovely section of woodland path just above Crag Lough. It is not the sort of trail you expect to see along Hadrian's Wall, but it is a super nice section. It is a pity it's not a few kilometres longer.
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Milecastle 39 is a super scenic and impressive place. It is a well-preserved Milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall. It is immediately to the west of the Sycamore Gap and is just one of many outstanding features on this stretch of wall.
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Sewingshields Crags 325m P63 (1066ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 15984) [JNSA 12433] County of Northumberland Definitive List summit. Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit.
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Simply impressive. The view, the building, everything!
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The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,100 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique combination of walking through rolling countryside and exploring significant Roman historical sites along the way.
Yes, many routes are designed as loops so you can start and end in the same place. For a moderately challenging circular hike that takes in some of the area's Roman history, consider the Temple of Mithras & Black Carts Turret loop. It's a great way to experience the landscape without needing to retrace your steps.
Dogs are welcome on many trails in the region. However, you'll be walking through Northumberland National Park, which includes farmland with livestock and sensitive wildlife habitats. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially near sheep, and be sure to follow the Countryside Code.
Yes, the region offers several easier walks suitable for families. A particularly popular choice is the walk to Hareshaw Linn waterfall, which starts from the nearby village of Bellingham. The path is well-maintained and leads through a scenic wooded gorge to a beautiful waterfall, making it an exciting trip for all ages.
The area is rich in Roman history, with many trails passing by significant ruins. You can walk along dramatic sections of Hadrian's Wall and explore sites like Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Britain. The Black Carts Trig Point – Chesters Roman Fort loop is another route that takes you past ancient fortifications.
The most famous waterfall in the vicinity is Hareshaw Linn. It's located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its lush woodland and diverse plant life. The walk to the waterfall is a rewarding experience in itself, following a path through a picturesque gorge.
For a strenuous, long-distance trek, the Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian's Wall loop from Simonburn is an excellent choice. This 17.6-mile (28.4 km) route requires good fitness and involves significant elevation gain as it follows the iconic crags of Hadrian's Wall, offering spectacular views.
Parking is available within the village of Simonburn, which serves as a good starting point for many local routes. For specific popular trails, such as the one to Hareshaw Linn, you'll find dedicated car parks in nearby villages like Bellingham. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as spaces can fill up.
Yes, the village of Simonburn has a charming tea room and gift shop, perfect for relaxing after a walk. The surrounding area and nearby villages also offer traditional pubs where you can enjoy a meal and a drink.
Sycamore Gap, also known as the 'Robin Hood Tree', was a famous sycamore tree that stood in a dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall. While the tree is sadly no longer standing, the location itself remains a stunning viewpoint. You can visit this iconic spot on the Housesteads Roman Fort – Sycamore Gap loop from Simonburn.
There are over a dozen curated hiking routes around Simonburn on komoot, ranging from easy strolls to difficult all-day treks. This network of trails ensures there are options for every fitness level, all exploring the region's beautiful countryside and historical landmarks.


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