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    Northumberland National Park

    Northumberland National Park Walks

    Region in England, United Kingdom

    Situated in the northeast corner of England, Northumberland National Park is an historic county that has long served as a border frontier to the wild lands of Scotland to the north, as is evident from the wealth of ancient Roman and Medieval fortifications throughout the region. While the strategic importance of this area has subsided in modern times, ‘the place of those living north of the Humber’ is still adorned with engineering and architectural wonders, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall that stretches across the north of England, as well as iconic castles like those found at Alnwick and Bamburgh. This complex past has created a culture unlike anywhere else in England, as influences from both sides of the border have converged over time to create unique costumes that are fascinating to explore.

    While the rich history and culture of Northumberland will be readily apparent, so will the natural beauty of the region. Characterized by rugged upland areas like the Cheviot Hills, vast coastal plains that are perfectly suited to agriculture, and breathtaking seaside landscapes, this stunning region will leave you amazed at every turn. If you are looking for a beautifully scenic destination for your next adventure that features a bit of everything, then look no further than England’s most northerly county.

    10 Best Walking Routes In Northumberland

    With such a rich diversity of terrain that includes beautifully scenic seaside landscapes, vast coastal plains, and rugged upland areas, Northumberland is the perfect place to set out on a fantastic walking adventure. Here, you will find a nearly endless supply of walking routes that are geared towards all ages and skill levels, from relaxing strolls along the coast to thrilling excursions into the undulating terrain of the Cheviot Hills. For those outdoor enthusiasts that are more inclined to explore historical or cultural sites, the vast collection of ancient Roman fortifications and Medieval castles will allow you to travel back in time while providing countless hours of educational fun. If you aren’t familiar with the county, it can be a bit daunting to start planning an adventure, so we’ve put together this list of our 10 favourite walking routes in Northumberland below to help get you out exploring the northern borderlands of England.

    • Bamburgh Castle and Budle Point Walk: This amazing walking route will take you along the rugged terrain of the Northumberland coast to view the ruins of a Norman era castle set against the dramatic backdrop of the North Sea.
    • Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk: Another fantastic coastal adventure, this walk will take you around a tidal island that was once seen as one of the holiest sites in Anglo-Saxon England, and features a stunning 16th Century castle and 7th Century priory.
    • Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk: The Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk is an amazing family-friendly adventure that will take you around the grounds of a Norman era castle, although it will likely be very busy due to it being a filming location for the Harry Potter films.
    • Happy Valley Circular Walk: Featuring beautiful countryside views and fascinating historical sites, this walk will take you to visit the ruins of an abandoned village that dates back to the Medieval period.
    • Seahouses to Craster Walk: If exploring the coast on a lengthy one-way trail is your idea of fun, then you will definitely love the Seahouses to Craster Walk, which takes in a number of lovely seaside villages and the historic Dunstanburgh Castle.
    • Cragside House Walk: This fun excursion in Northumberland will lead you through a wonderful stretch of woodland terrain to visit a Victorian era country house, making it ideal for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
    • Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk: Another, shorter route leading to the magnificent Dunstanburgh Castle, this trail will take you along the coast to explore the 16th Century fortifications up close, while also offering some amazing views of the sea.
    • Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk: Quick, easy, and beautifully scenic, the Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk will expose you to the natural beauty of the Northumberland countryside, as well as its rich history by visiting Hadrian’s Wall.
    • Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk: Another wonderful walking route that will showcase the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, this trail will also stop off at a Roman auxiliary fort that was occupied from roughly 85 CE to 370 CE.
    • Alnmouth to Warkworth Walk: This trail is an exceptional adventure that will take you through a variety of landscapes, including riverside settings and the beautiful Northumberland coast, before arriving at the ruins of a 12th Century castle.

    When is the Best Time to Walk in Northumberland?

    The county of Northumberland can be found in the northeast of England and has a temperate maritime climate, meaning that the summers here are typically warm and the winters are cool to cold. Rainfall is fairly consistent year-round and the area will likely see some snowfall throughout the winter; however Northumberland rarely experiences extreme weather, meaning that any time of year is suitable for a visit. If you are looking to undertake a walking adventure in Northumberland, the best time would be during the summer months when temperatures are at their warmest, although if you are looking to avoid the influx of summer tourists it would be best to visit during autumn.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Northumberland

    While walking is arguably the most popular outdoor activity in Northumberland, there are a number of other fun activities that can be undertaken to experience the natural beauty of the landscape here. For those who enjoy sticking to land-based adventures, cycling, mountain biking, ziplining, paintballing, quad biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding are all popular options; while water sports enthusiasts will find comfort in the countless opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing, and angling.

    Epic Adventure Tours in Northumberland

    Planning adventure travel can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, particularly if you aren’t overly familiar with the region you are looking to travel to. That’s why we have partnered with local guides all across the United Kingdom, to ensure that all of the little details are taken care of so that you can focus on enjoying your next adventure. If you want to experience the natural and historic beauty of Northern England without the hassle of planning every aspect of your trip, be sure to check out our list of adventure tours in Northumberland.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Northumberland

    Is Northumberland in England or Scotland?

    While the culture of Northumberland does share quite a few similarities with the Lowlands of Scotland, it is actually the northernmost county of England.

    What food is Northumberland famous for?

    While there are a number of iconic foods from Northumberland, some of the most popular are Earl Grey Tea, Craster Kippers, and Singin’ Hinnies.

    What is Northumberland famous for?

    There are a number of notable things about Northumberland; however, the most well-known is likely the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall that was built by the Romans in 122 CE.

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    Best Hikes in Northumberland National Park

    Open details for Bamburgh Castle and Budle Point Walk

    Bamburgh Castle and Budle Point Walk

    Moderate
    6.3 km
    74 m
    1.5-2h

    The Bamburgh Castle and Budle Point Walk is a fantastic adventure in Northumberland that will take you to explore a scenic coastal path with views of an iconic Norman Era castle. While out walking the trail, you will pass by the imposing Bamburgh Castle to walk along a rocky and sandy trail along the coast, before looping around the countryside on the return leg through the village of Bamburgh. This is an amazing walking route that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of age and skill levels.

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    Open details for Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk

    Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk

    Easy
    3.2 km
    48 m
    0.5-1h

    The Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk is a spectacular adventure in Northumberland that will allow you to explore a scenic tidal island while taking in views of the North Sea and historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will pass through the village of Holy Island to visit the ruins of the Lindisfarne Priory, before walking along the coast towards the 16th Century Lindisfarne Castle. This is an exceptionally beautiful walking route that is perfectly suited for anyone with an interest in visiting historical sites and taking in stunning coastal scenery.

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    Open details for Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk

    Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk

    Easy
    4.7 km
    122 m
    1-1.5h

    The Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk is an amazing family-friendly excursion in Alnwick, Northumberland that will take you around the grounds of a Norman Period castle along the River Aln. While out walking the trail, you will explore the streets of Alnwick and skirt around the perimeter of the castle grounds, taking in views of Alnwick Castle as you walk along the banks of the River Aln. This short walking route is perfectly suited for a fun afternoon stroll in Northern England.

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    Open details for Happy Valley Circular Walk

    Happy Valley Circular Walk

    Easy
    8.5 km
    188 m
    2-3h

    The Happy Valley Circular Walk is a great excursion in Northumberland that will lead you around a charming valley to visit an historical site. While out walking the trail, you will explore the beautiful landscape along Happy Valley and visit the abandoned Medieval village of Middleton Old Town, before looping around to follow along the banks of Coldgate Water. This is a fantastic walking route for those with an interest in history and experiencing scenic countryside views.

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    Open details for Cragside House Walk

    Cragside House Walk

    Moderate
    12.4 km
    295 m
    3-4h

    The Cragside House Walk is a wonderful Northumberland excursion near Rothbury that will take you to an historic house before exploring the surrounding forests. While out walking the trail, you will visit the extravagant Victorian-era country house known as Cragside, before taking a tour through the serene woodland terrain of the surrounding area. This is a relaxing adventure that will be sure to excite you if you are a fan of beautiful architecture.

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    Open details for Seahouses to Craster Walk

    Seahouses to Craster Walk

    Moderate
    17.5 km
    154 m
    3.5-5h

    The Seahouses to Craster Walk is a beautifully scenic, albeit lengthy, walking route along the Northumberland coast that will take you to an historic castle. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the rugged coastal terrain and enjoy stunning views of the North Sea, before passing by the 14th Century Dunstanburgh Castle and making your way into the charming fishing village of Craster. If you enjoy exploring Medieval castles, set against the dramatic backdrop of the sea, then this will be a perfect route for you.

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    Open details for Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk

    Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk

    Moderate
    8.7 km
    90 m
    2-2.5h

    The Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk is a beautifully scenic and historic adventure in Northumberland that will take you along the coast to view a 14th Century castle. While out walking the trail you will traverse the sandy beaches and rugged terrain of the shoreline, enjoying breathtaking views looking out onto the North Sea before arriving at the impressive fortifications of Dunstanburgh Castle. Whether you are completing this walk for the views of the fascinating history, you will surely not be disappointed.

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    Open details for Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    Easy
    2.7 km
    76 m
    0.5-1h

    The Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk is a great outdoor excursion in Northumberland that will take you along Hadrian’s Wall to a scenic hillside setting. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the English countryside to reach Sycamore Gap, the most photographed tree in the county, before returning along Hadrian’s Wall and Steel Rigg. This is a fun walk for ancient historians, photographers, and those who simply enjoy views of the countryside.

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    Open details for Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk

    Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk

    Moderate
    12.4 km
    315 m
    3-4.5h

    The Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk is an exceptional adventure in Northumberland that will take you to several fascinating ancient history sites in Northern England. While out walking the trail, you will make your way past the impressive 1st Century CE Roman fort of Vindolanda, before circling around the countryside along a portion of Hadrian’s Wall. This really is a spectacular walking route that will make any lover of history feel as though they have been transported back in time.

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    Open details for Alnmouth to Warkworth Walk

    Alnmouth to Warkworth Walk

    Easy
    9.0 km
    118 m
    2-2.5h

    The Alnmouth to Warkworth Walk is a wonderfully scenic coastal adventure in Northumberland that offers views of the sea and the chance to visit an historic castle. While out walking the trail, you will follow the River Aln to the coast to enjoy spectacular views looking onto the North Sea, before travelling inland to the 12th Century Warkworth Castle along the River Coquet. This is a great walking route for anyone interested in Medieval English history or experiencing beautiful seaside views.

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