Best Walks in Northumberland in 2026
Activities in Northumberland National Park
Situated in the northeast corner of England, Northumberland is a historic county with a national park at its heart 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 customs 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.
What’s New for Walking in Northumberland in 2026
Northumberland remains one of England’s best regions for mixing coast, castles and countryside on foot. For 2026, the biggest planning opportunity is to choose routes that match how you are travelling: short riverside loops around Warkworth and Wylam work well for relaxed days, while the Simonside Hills, the Northumberland coast and Hadrian’s Wall suit longer, more exposed walks. Summer brings the warmest weather and the most visitors around Alnwick, Bamburgh and the coast, while spring and early autumn are often better for quieter paths. Pack waterproof layers in any season, and check tide times carefully for coastal and island routes.
Best Walks 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.
Best Walks in Northumberland by Type
Best Family-Friendly Walks in Northumberland
- Warkworth and River Coquet Circular Walk is a short riverside loop that matches the Warkworth river walk search demand and gives families castle views without a long day out.
- Ellington Woods Walk is an easy woodland route along the River Lyne, a good option for a quiet family walk away from the coast.
Best Half-Day Walks in Northumberland
- Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Walk is one of the best half-day hill routes in Northumberland, with moorland views and strong search demand for Simonside and Dove Crag.
- Hedley on the Hill Circular Walk is a short countryside loop with woodland and farmland scenery, useful for walkers searching around Hedley on the Hill.
Best Full-Day Walks in Northumberland
- Wylam and Ovingham Circular Walk is a longer riverside walk along the Tyne that fits the Wylam to Ovingham query cluster and makes a strong full-day option with village stops.
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.
If you want to explore England by bike after walking in Northumberland, browse our self-guided England bike tours for cycling holidays through the countryside and coast.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in Northern England
If you want the route planned and your bags moved for you, explore our self-guided walking tours in Northern England, including long-distance routes across the north. For a very close match to Northumberland’s Roman history, the Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided tour follows the famous frontier across Northern England, or you can browse all self-guided walking tours in England and wider self-guided walking tours in Europe.
Walking Near Northumberland
Northumberland pairs naturally with other northern walking regions. To the south, the North York Moors walks and Yorkshire Dales walks offer classic moorland and dale scenery, while the broader guides to walks in England and walking regions in the United Kingdom help you plan a bigger trip.
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.
Find other spectacular walking regions in the United Kingdom
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Route guides for Hiking in Northumberland National Park
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Bamburgh Castle and Budle Point Walk Route Guide
Holy Island of Lindisfarne Walk Route Guide
Alnwick Castle and Gardens Walk Route Guide
Happy Valley Circular Walk Route Guide
Cragside House Walk Route Guide
Seahouses to Craster Walk Route Guide
Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk Route Guide
Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk Route Guide
Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk Route Guide
Alnmouth to Warkworth Walk Route Guide
Kielder Forest Skyscape Walk Route Guide
Embleton to Craster Walk Route Guide
Northumberlandia Walk Route Guide
Lindisfarne Castle and Straight Lonnen Walk Route Guide
Otterburn Ranges to Buchtrig Walk Route Guide
Crag Lough and Housesteads Roman Fort Circular Walk Route Guide
Thrunton Wood Extended Circular Walk Route Guide
Cheviot Hills Circular Walk Route Guide
Wylam and Ovingham Circular Walk Route Guide
Howick Hall to Craster Circular Walk Route Guide
Berwick-upon-Tweed Coast and Walls Trail Route Guide
Stocksfield and Shilford Wood Circular Walk Route Guide
Hartside to Linhope Spout Walk Route Guide
Bardon Mill to Haydon Bridge Walk Route Guide
Holystone Circular Walk Route Guide
Simonside Hills Circular Walk Route Guide
Hadrian’s Wall: Heddon on the Wall to Chollerford Route Guide
Cairn Hill, The Cheviot, and Scald Hill Circular Walk Route Guide
River Wansbeck Walk Route Guide
Longhoughton and Littlehoughton Walk Route Guide
Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Walk Route Guide
Plessey Woods Walk Route Guide
The Cheviots and Hedgehope Hill Walk Route Guide
Hadrian’s Wall: Chollerford to Steel Rigg Route Guide
Berwick Walls Walk Route Guide
Rothbury Riverside Walk Route Guide
Crag Lough and Hadrian’s Wall Circular Walk Route Guide
Elsdon Valley Trail Route Guide
Elsdon Burn Walk Route Guide
Lesbury, Alnwick, and Hulne Park Walk Route Guide
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