Discover Incredible Walks in Northumberland

Northumberland is filled with ancient castles, golden sandy beaches, fairytale villages, and a picture-perfect coastline waiting to be explored. While camping in Northumberland, why not tour the county by taking a relaxing stroll or embarking on a challenging hike? No matter your fitness level, you’ll find fantastic walking routes in Northumberland.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Follow in the footsteps of Romans and walk alongside the famous ancient monument, Hadrian’s Wall. This trail stretches from coast to coast across Northern England, starting from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne and ending in Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. Although this walk is long, it’s not particularly difficult. The 23-mile stretch between Chollerford and Birdoswald is the most challenging part, where you will find some short but easy climbs.

• Length: 84 miles (135 km)
• Difficulty: Suitable for all walkers
• Nearby campsite: Bellingham Club Site

The Shepherds Cairn Walk

Named after two shepherds who died here during the cold winter of 1962, the Shepherds Cairn Walk is a circular walk that takes roughly 4 hours to complete. On your walk, you’ll see the memorial set up by National Park Voluntary Rangers and pass farmland where you might spot grazing animals. This walk is not dog-friendly, so it’s recommended to leave your furry friends at home.

• Length: 5 miles (8.2 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Bellingham Club Site

Wooler Common and Woodland Park

You can take several different walking routes in Wooler Common and Woodland Park. The Wooler Common Circular Route is a good option if you're looking for a longer walk. On this walk, you’ll pass scenic woodlands, open fields, and moorland. For a shorter walk, the Woodland Lakeside Walk is a simple stroll around the beautiful lake in Wooler Common. It’s an excellent path for those who want to take a leisurely walk and enjoy incredible views. There are also benches around the lake to sit, relax, and marvel at the views.

• Length: Varies
• Difficulty: Varies
• Nearby campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site

Kielder Water Walk, Northumberland

This beautiful circular walk starts on the wooded banks of Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in Europe. On your walk, you’ll also explore the largest working forest in England, covering 250 square miles. Not only are there incredible views and landscapes to enjoy, but there is also a Birds of Prey Centre where you can see eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and vultures.

• Length: 18 miles (29.25 km)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Bellingham Club Site

Cawfields Quarry Circular Walk

Experience incredible views over the rolling countryside and parts of Hadrian's Wall as you take on the Cawfields Quarry Circular Walk. You’ll see amazing wildlife, floral displays, and grazing cattle.

• Length: 3.5 miles (5.8 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site

Simonside and Dove Crag Circular

For walkers who enjoy birdwatching or taking their canine companion for a long walk, this 2-and-a-half-hour circular route is a brilliant adventure. As you walk through stunning moorland and woods, you’ll pass Criss-Cross Rock, climb up to the Simonside summit, and then Dove Crag before heading back down towards the car park.

• Length: 4.9 miles (8 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Dunstan Hill Club Site

Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk

The Dunstanburgh Castle Coastal Walk is popular among hikers and runners. The walk takes just under 3 hours to complete, and along the way, you’ll see varied landscapes, including the incredible ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. The path varies; at times, you’ll walk along cobbled roads, grassy and muddy fields, and sandy beaches. There are opportunities for watersports and fishing along this route, but you’ll need a fishing permit first.

• Length: 7.8 miles (12.6 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site

Thirlwall Castle Walk

If you’re a history fan, this family-friendly walk is for you. Thirlwall Castle was built in the 12th century to protect the Thirlwalls from attacks. At the time, the country was dangerous and unstable, so important families built castles for protection. On this circular walk, you can see the castle and learn more about its history. This Northumberland walking route offers incredible views and is great for birdwatchers.

• Length: 2 miles (3.2 km)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Nearby campsite: Haltwhistle Club Site

Harthope Valley Walk

Harthope Valley is a great starting point for several walks up to the Cheviot Hills. The walk is a steady incline, and you’ll enjoy beautiful wildlife and incredible views along the way. This walk is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with curlews, stonechats, meadow pipits, whinchats, skylarks, buzzards, and possibly merlins to spot.

• Length: 4 miles (6.4 km)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Nearby campsite: Beadnell Bay Club Site and Dunstan Hill Club Site

The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk

This circular trail offers a bit of everything. You’ll enjoy fantastic views, beautiful wildlife, lakes, and views over Harbottle Castle and Drake Stone. Drake Stone is a huge boulder that allegedly has healing powers. It’s believed that the stone was used by Druids and placed here by a glacier during the last Ice Age.