The best walks and hikes around Newcastle Upon Tyne

There are over 200 hiking routes to explore around Newcastle Upon Tyne. These range from easy city strolls to more challenging countryside treks, with the majority being easy or moderate difficulty.

The trails around Newcastle are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the variety, from the vibrant Quayside paths and the peaceful, wooded valleys like Jesmond Dene, to the easy access to the wilder Northumberland landscapes.

Yes, there are many options suitable for families. A great choice is Wild Garlic in Jesmond Dene – Jesmond Dene Waterfall loop from Newcastle upon Tyne, which is a short and gentle walk. Alternatively, The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is a popular park with 400 acres of space, a lake, and a cafe, making it ideal for a family outing.

Many trails are suitable for walking with dogs, but it's always best to check for local restrictions, especially in nature reserves or near livestock. Watergate Forest Park is a popular spot where dogs can enjoy a good run. Please remember to keep your dog under control and clean up after them.

Jesmond Dene is famous for its picturesque waterfall. You can see it on the Wild Garlic in Jesmond Dene – Jesmond Dene Waterfall loop from Cradlewell. The path follows the Ouseburn river through a beautiful wooded valley, making the waterfall a lovely highlight of the walk.

Absolutely. For a route that combines local history with riverside scenery, consider the George Stephenson's Birthplace loop from Throckley. This moderate walk takes you along a section of the River Tyne to the historic cottage where the famous engineer was born.

The nearby Northumberland coast offers fantastic walking. You can easily take public transport to Tynemouth and walk north along the England Coast Path. This route takes you past sandy beaches, St Mary's Lighthouse, and the regenerated Spanish City in Whitley Bay, with plenty of cafes along the way.

Newcastle is a great starting point for exploring Hadrian's Wall. You can travel by car or the dedicated AD122 bus service to various points along the wall. For a classic and dramatic section, head to the area around Steel Rigg or Housesteads Roman Fort, which offers stunning views and well-preserved sections of the wall.

Yes, several routes feature a convenient stop for refreshments. The Hooty Hoo's Coffee Shop – The Keelman Reception loop from Ryton is a lovely, easy walk along the River Tyne that conveniently starts and ends near The Keelman pub and Hooty Hoo's Coffee Shop.

The terrain is very diverse. Within the city, you'll find mostly paved paths along the River Tyne and well-maintained trails in parks like Jesmond Dene. Further afield, you can expect grassy coastal paths, woodland trails in places like Hedley Hall Woods, and the more rugged, hilly terrain of the Cheviots in Northumberland National Park.

Yes, Newcastle is the starting point for the Hadrian's Wall Path, a 73-mile National Trail that runs from Wallsend to the west coast. Additionally, the Tyne and Wear Heritage Way is a 10-mile route that follows the river, showcasing the region's industrial and natural history.

A great option is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – Tyne Bridge loop from Haymarket. This walk takes you on a tour of the Quayside, offering fantastic views and photo opportunities of the iconic bridges that span the River Tyne.