The best walks and hikes in Northumberland

Yes, Northumberland offers many trails suitable for families. For a walk that combines nature and a bit of adventure, the Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Walk from Bellingham is a great choice. It's a relatively short walk through ancient woodland leading to a beautiful waterfall, which is often a highlight for younger hikers.

Northumberland has numerous circular routes that let you explore an area without retracing your steps. For a rewarding loop with excellent views, consider the Lordenshaws & Simonside loop. This trail offers panoramic vistas across the Coquet Valley and the Cheviot Hills from the Simonside ridge.

Many trails in Northumberland are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. In areas with livestock, especially in the Northumberland National Park, dogs should be kept on a lead. The coastline and forests generally offer great opportunities for walking with your dog. Always check for specific restrictions, particularly during bird nesting season on coastal paths.

Northumberland is home to several enchanting waterfalls accessible via scenic trails. Besides the well-known Hareshaw Linn, you can find Linhope Spout, where water tumbles 18 meters into a pool below. The trails in the Breamish Valley within the Northumberland National Park often lead to these hidden natural gems.

Hiking in the Cheviot Hills is characterized by steep, challenging ascents, open moorland, and often boggy terrain, especially on the summit plateau of The Cheviot itself. The paths can be less defined than in other areas, requiring good navigation skills. The reward is a sense of wildness and solitude with expansive views across the national park.

The Northumberland coast, a designated National Landscape, offers some of the UK's finest coastal walking. You can explore vast sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and dunes. A popular option is the Holy Island Eastern loop, which provides a unique walk around the island with views of Lindisfarne Castle and the coast. Remember to check the safe crossing times for the causeway before visiting.

Northumberland offers several highly-regarded hiking destinations. The Northumberland National Park is a vast area with varied landscapes from the Cheviot Hills to Hadrian's Wall. For coastal scenery, the Northumberland Coast National Landscape is a top choice. Kielder Forest provides extensive forest trails around a large man-made lake, popular with families and cyclists.

The Hadrian's Wall Path is rich with Roman history. As you hike, you'll encounter well-preserved sections of the wall, milecastles (small forts), and observation towers. A great route for this is the Winshield Crags & Housesteads Fort to Vindolanda Roman Fort loop, which takes you past major sites like Housesteads and the Vindolanda fort and museum.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Northumberland delivers. The ascent of the county's two highest peaks on The Cheviot & Hedgehope Hill from Langleeford trail is a strenuous full-day hike with significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, offering a true test of endurance.

There are over 1,900 hiking routes to discover in Northumberland on komoot. The network of trails covers everything from easy coastal strolls and family-friendly woodland walks to difficult mountain treks in the Northumberland National Park, ensuring there's a path for every ability level.

The trails in Northumberland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the region's unspoiled scenery, the dramatic views along the coast and Hadrian's Wall, and the sense of peace and quiet found in the national park.

The Simonside Hills are a prominent landmark known for their stunning views. The Little Church Rock & Simonside to Dove Crag loop is a moderate hike that takes you across the ridge, offering fantastic perspectives of the surrounding moorland and Coquetdale.