8 Best Northumberland National Park Walks (2025 Guide)

Welcome to the untamed beauty of Northumberland, a land of sweeping hills, ancient history, and designated dark skies. For those seeking to truly experience this landscape, there is no better way than on foot. This guide is specifically crafted for guests of Fell Farm Hideaway, as our peaceful cabins like HoneyMug, Hope, and Hail Hill provide the perfect basecamp for exploration. We have curated a list of the 8 most unforgettable Northumberland National Park walks, each offering a unique journey into the heart of England's most tranquil region.

This guide moves beyond simple directions. For each walk, you will find practical details on distance, difficulty, key highlights, and specific tips tailored for your stay. From the iconic crags of Hadrian's Wall to the challenging summit of The Cheviot, prepare to lace up your boots. Inside, you will discover routes that promise both breathtaking views and a deep connection to nature, many starting just a short drive from your cabin door. We will cover everything you need to plan your adventure, ensuring you can confidently choose the perfect trail for your day out, whether you seek a gentle stroll or a demanding hike.

1. Hadrian's Wall Path - Steel Rigg to Sycamore Gap

This iconic walk represents the very essence of Northumberland National Park, offering a journey through a landscape steeped in nearly 2,000 years of history. The 3-mile circular route from Steel Rigg is arguably the most dramatic and photogenic stretch of the entire Hadrian's Wall Path. It follows the remarkably preserved Roman wall as it snakes along the formidable cliffs of the Whin Sill escarpment.

While the famous Sycamore Gap tree was sadly felled in 2023, the raw beauty of its setting remains undiminished. The dramatic dip in the landscape that cradled the tree is a powerful sight, a testament to the region's unique geology. This route is one of the most popular Northumberland National Park walks for good reason, providing unparalleled views and a tangible connection to Roman Britain.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The walk is a continuous series of stunning vistas and historical touchpoints. From the high point of Steel Rigg, you get a bird's-eye view of the wall stretching east and west. This area's frequent use in films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and nature documentaries speaks to its cinematic quality.

To make the most of your visit:

• Start Early or Late: The route is extremely popular. An early morning or late afternoon start will help you avoid the biggest crowds and experience the landscape in beautiful, low-angled light.

• Wear Sturdy Boots: The path incorporates original Roman stonework and can be uneven and challenging underfoot. Proper hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.

• Be Prepared: The weather on the escarpment can change in an instant. Pack waterproofs and extra layers, even on a day that starts out sunny.

This infographic provides a quick summary of the walk's key details.

The combination of a manageable distance and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes this a must-do for any visitor. For those staying at Fell Farm Hideaway, it's an accessible way to experience a world-class historical landmark. If you're interested in exploring more routes along this ancient frontier, discover our guide to the best Hadrian's Wall walks.

2. The Cheviot Summit Walk

This challenging trek to Northumberland's highest peak is the ultimate walk for those seeking a true wilderness experience. The 8-mile route to the 815-metre summit of The Cheviot is a demanding but rewarding journey across remote, windswept moorland and notorious peat bogs. It’s a route that tests navigation skills and endurance, offering a profound sense of isolation and achievement.

Reaching the flat, paved summit plateau rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views across the Anglo-Scottish borders, the North Sea coastline, and deep into the heart of the national park. As one of the most rigorous Northumberland National Park walks, it’s a favourite among experienced hikers and mountaineering clubs and was famously documented by Alfred Wainwright in his walking guides. Its use as a training ground for military personnel underscores its challenging nature.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The journey itself, starting from the Harthope Valley, is the main highlight. The ascent takes you away from all signs of civilisation, immersing you in a stark, beautiful landscape. The flagstone path across the boggy summit plateau, installed to prevent erosion, provides a welcome and unique final approach to the trig point.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable climb:

• Navigation is Key: Do not attempt this walk without a map, a compass, and a GPS device as a backup. The featureless terrain and potential for poor visibility make navigation difficult.

• Gear Up for Bogs: Waterproof boots are non-negotiable, and gaiters are highly recommended to protect against the deep mud and water of the peat bogs.

• Check the Weather: Conditions on The Cheviot can be severe and change rapidly. Avoid this walk in high winds, heavy rain, or fog. Always inform someone of your route and expected return time.

• Use Trekking Poles: Poles provide essential stability and support when crossing the uneven and boggy ground, reducing fatigue and the risk of a fall.

This walk offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and a unique perspective on the wilder side of the region. To understand more about the Cheviot Hills and other key areas, see our complete Northumberland National Park guide for 2025.

3. Simonside Hills Ridge Walk

Offering some of the most dramatic inland scenery in Northumberland, the Simonside Hills ridge walk is a rewarding challenge with spectacular panoramic views. This 6-mile route takes you across a distinctive sandstone escarpment, climbing to a height of 430 metres. The landscape here is a captivating mix of dramatic, craggy outcrops, expansive heather moorland, and ancient cairns, all steeped in the folklore of the legendary Simonside Dwarfs.

The exposed ridge provides breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch across the Coquet Valley and towards the distant Cheviot Hills. Its rugged beauty has made it a favourite location for landscape photographers and a regular feature in walking guidebooks. This is one of those essential Northumberland National Park walks that truly showcases the wild, untamed character of the region.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The journey across the ridge is a continuous highlight, with each of the main cairns offering a slightly different perspective on the surrounding countryside. The unique geology of the sandstone creates fascinating rock formations that are a delight to explore. The area is also known for its rich Bronze Age history, with several burial cairns and rock art sites nearby.

To make the most of your visit:

• Best Time to Visit: Aim for late summer (August and September) to see the heather moorland explode into a vibrant sea of purple.

• Parking and Start Point: The Lordenshaws car park is the most convenient starting point, offering direct access to the main path up the hill.

• Photo Opportunities: Bring your camera. The dramatic light, especially during sunrise or sunset, combined with the rugged landscape, provides endless photographic possibilities.

• Be Prepared: This is an exposed ridge. Check the weather forecast, wear sturdy walking boots, and be aware of potential grouse shooting restrictions between August and December.

This moderately challenging walk is an excellent choice for those looking for a more strenuous hike with a big payoff in views. It is a fantastic day out for guests staying at Fell Farm Hideaway. To see how this route fits into a wider itinerary, you can discover more about these unforgettable Northumberland walking routes.

4. Kielder Water and Forest Circuit

This extensive 10-mile walk showcases a different, yet equally compelling, side of Northumberland National Park. It combines serene waterside paths along Northern Europe's largest man-made lake with dense forest tracks and open moorland, offering a diverse and immersive experience. The route is a testament to the successful transformation of a landscape through sustainable forestry and water management, creating a unique habitat that attracts abundant wildlife.

Unlike the ancient historical routes, this is a modern marvel of engineering and environmental planning. The scale of Kielder Water is breathtaking, with its reflective surface mirroring the vast sky and surrounding woodlands. This is one of the essential Northumberland National Park walks for those who appreciate both nature and human ingenuity, providing a peaceful yet invigorating day out.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The circuit is a journey through managed wilderness, featuring purpose-built trails, incredible viewpoints, and opportunities to spot rare wildlife. The area is a model for sustainable forestry practices and is often studied internationally, highlighting its environmental importance.

To make the most of your visit:

• Start at Kielder Castle: The visitor centre here provides excellent facilities, including parking, cafes, and trail information. It's also near a red squirrel feeding station.

• Bring Binoculars: Kielder is a haven for wildlife. Look out for ospreys fishing in the summer, red squirrels in the pines, and roe deer at the forest edge.

• Check the Calendar: Kielder hosts major cycling and running events. Check the schedule beforehand to avoid crowds and trail closures on event days.

• Stay for the Stars: As part of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, Kielder is a world-class stargazing location. Consider timing your walk to finish at dusk and join an evening session at the Kielder Observatory.

The combination of accessible trails, stunning scenery, and rich biodiversity makes this an unforgettable walk. For those seeking to explore more of this vast area, you can find inspiration in our guide to the best Kielder Reservoir walks.

5. Cragside Estate and Debdon Burn Walk

This enchanting walk offers a unique fusion of natural beauty and Victorian ingenuity, taking you through the ground-breaking landscape of Cragside. The 4-mile circular route follows the picturesque Debdon Burn, showcasing the vision of industrialist Lord Armstrong. It’s a journey through a meticulously engineered environment, featuring vast man-made lakes, towering coniferous forests, and intricate rock gardens, all powered by pioneering hydroelectricity.

Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power, and this walk reveals the sheer scale of that ambition. The estate represents a masterpiece of 19th-century landscape design, where every path and planting was carefully considered. This route is one of the more unusual Northumberland National Park walks, perfect for those fascinated by the intersection of industrial heritage, innovative engineering, and horticultural artistry.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The walk is a continuous discovery of Lord Armstrong’s revolutionary ideas. You will pass by the historic Powerhouse, which once generated electricity for the entire estate, and wander through one of Europe’s largest rock gardens. The route through the Pinetum, with its collection of colossal North American conifers, feels like stepping into another world.

To make the most of your visit:

• Check Opening Times: As a National Trust property, Cragside has seasonal opening hours and an admission fee. Plan your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Wear Good Footwear: The paths around the Debdon Burn can become muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall. Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are recommended.

• Look for Red Squirrels: Cragside is a sanctuary for the UK’s native red squirrel. Keep a quiet watch in the woodland areas, particularly in the Pinetum, for a chance to spot them.

• Combine with the House: To fully appreciate the estate’s significance, combine your walk with a tour of Cragside House. It provides essential context for the incredible landscape you’ve explored.

This walk is a brilliant choice for families and history enthusiasts staying at Fell Farm Hideaway, offering a day of exploration and education. For more information on visiting times and events, see the official National Trust Cragside website.

6. Pennine Way - Kirk Yetholm to The Cheviot

This triumphant and challenging walk represents the final leg of England's first and most famous National Trail, the Pennine Way. The 8-mile route from the Scottish border village of Kirk Yetholm to the summit of The Cheviot is a journey through remote, wild border country. It follows ancient drove roads and high moorland paths, offering a profound sense of achievement whether you are completing the full 268-mile trail or just sampling its dramatic conclusion.

Tackling this section provides a true taste of the rugged beauty that defines the Northumberland National Park walks in the Cheviot Hills. The route is steeped in the history of cross-border reivers and shepherds, and reaching the broad, windswept summit of The Cheviot (815m) rewards walkers with immense panoramic views across Northumberland and into Scotland. It’s a classic challenge walk that captures the spirit of British hillwalking.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The journey is as significant as the destination. You'll traverse quiet, empty hillsides where the only sounds are the wind and the call of curlews. This route is a popular training ground for ultra-marathon runners and features in countless walking memoirs, cementing its legendary status. The feeling of standing on The Cheviot, the highest point in the park, is an unforgettable experience.

To ensure a safe and memorable walk:

• Plan Your Logistics: Kirk Yetholm is a small village. Book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak walking season. Consider arranging transport back from a suitable point, as this is a linear walk.

• Be Fully Equipped: This is a serious mountain walk. Carry full waterproofs, extra layers, a map, a compass, and emergency supplies. The weather can change rapidly and navigation can be difficult in poor visibility.

• Celebrate Your Achievement: Traditionally, Pennine Way walkers celebrate their completion at The Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm. It’s the perfect place to toast your efforts.

This walk is a demanding but deeply rewarding undertaking. For guests at Fell Farm Hideaway seeking a true mountain adventure, it offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and a chance to experience the wild heart of Northumberland.

7. Housesteads Roman Fort and Cuddy's Crags

This captivating walk combines the most complete Roman fort in Britain with a breathtaking trek along the Whin Sill escarpment. The 3-mile circular route from Housesteads Roman Fort immerses you in the daily life of a Roman garrison before guiding you along the dramatic, lesser-trodden path of Cuddy's Crags. It offers a perfect blend of world-class archaeology and wild, natural beauty.

As the best-preserved Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads provides an unparalleled glimpse into the past, complete with barrack blocks, a hospital, and even the oldest toilets you are ever likely to see. This route is one of the most rewarding Northumberland National Park walks for those who want to connect deeply with the area's Roman heritage while enjoying spectacular views from the cliff tops.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The walk's highlights are evenly split between history and scenery. After exploring the extensive fort ruins, the path leads you east along the wall, climbing onto the crags for panoramic views over the ancient landscape. This area is frequently used in historical documentaries and for archaeological research, underscoring its historical importance.

To enhance your experience:

• Context First: Visit the museum at Housesteads before you start the walk. Understanding the site's history and seeing the artefacts found there will bring the ruins to life.

• Sturdy Footwear is Crucial: The path along the crags is uneven, rocky, and can be muddy. Good walking boots are essential for stability and comfort.

• Check the Weather: The route is very exposed to the elements. Wind and rain can appear suddenly, so always carry waterproofs and extra layers, regardless of the forecast.

• Look for Roman Details: Keep an eye out for small details like Roman milestones and the faint traces of ancient graffiti etched into the stones by soldiers long ago.

The combination of a world-famous archaeological site and a magnificent, moderately challenging walk makes this an unmissable outing. For visitors from Fell Farm Hideaway, it’s a brilliant way to spend a day delving into history. You can learn more about this and other incredible historical landmarks in our guide to the top Northumberland historic sites.

8. Holy Island (Lindisfarne) Coastal Walk

A walk on Holy Island offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage and breathtaking coastal scenery. This 4-mile circular route around the tidal island of Lindisfarne is a truly memorable experience, but one that requires careful planning. It immerses you in a landscape that has been a major centre of Christian pilgrimage for over 1,400 years, from the time of St. Aidan to the present day.

The walk reveals the island's dual character: the serene, spiritual heart around Lindisfarne Priory and the wild, exposed coastline teeming with birdlife. The combination of ancient ruins, a fairy-tale castle perched on a volcanic plug, and expansive sandy beaches makes this one of the most distinctive Northumberland National Park walks, even though it sits just outside the park's official boundary. Its profound sense of peace and historical weight is palpable with every step.

Route Highlights and Visitor Tips

The route encompasses the island's most famous landmarks, including the English Heritage managed Priory and the National Trust’s Lindisfarne Castle. The walk provides stunning views back towards the mainland and Bamburgh Castle, while the shores are part of a National Nature Reserve, home to seals and migratory birds.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:

• Check Tide Times: This is non-negotiable. The causeway to the island is submerged by the sea twice a day. Always check the official safe crossing times before travelling and allow plenty of time.

• Respect the Site: Lindisfarne is a living community and a place of deep spiritual significance. Be mindful of residents and the quiet, reflective atmosphere.

• Visit Key Sites Early: The Priory and Castle are major attractions. Arriving as they open will help you appreciate them before the main crowds arrive from the mainland.

• Try Local Flavours: Don't leave without sampling Lindisfarne Mead, a fortified wine produced by monks on the island for centuries, a unique taste of local history.

This walk is a pilgrimage in every sense, offering a peaceful escape and a deep connection to England's early Christian history. For guests at Fell Farm Hideaway, it’s a remarkable day trip that feels like stepping into another world, providing a profound contrast to the rugged hills of the national park's interior.

Northumberland National Park Walks Comparison

Your Serene Northumberland Base Awaits at Fell Farm Hideaway

From the ancient stones of Hadrian's Wall to the panoramic heights of The Cheviot, we've explored a landscape rich with history, drama, and untamed beauty. The sheer variety of Northumberland National Park walks ensures that every visitor, from the casual rambler to the seasoned hillwalker, can find their perfect path. This guide has equipped you with the essential details for eight distinct routes, each offering a unique window into the soul of this remarkable region.

We’ve journeyed from the iconic Sycamore Gap, a landmark of cinematic fame, to the tranquil shores of Kielder Water. We've tackled the rewarding ascent of the Simonside Hills and traced the footsteps of Roman legionaries along Cuddy's Crags. Each walk presents not just a physical challenge but an opportunity to connect with millennia of human history and the powerful, wild spirit of the land.

Key Takeaways for Your Walking Adventure

To make the most of your explorations, remember these crucial points:

• Plan for the Elements: Northumberland's weather is famously changeable. Always pack waterproofs, extra layers, and sturdy footwear, regardless of the forecast.

• Respect the Landscape: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems and farmland. Follow the Countryside Code by leaving no trace, keeping dogs under control, and closing gates behind you.

• Navigation is Key: While many paths are well-signposted, a map and compass (and the knowledge to use them) are indispensable, especially on remote moorland routes like The Cheviot. GPS devices and phone apps are great, but don't rely on them solely.

• Fuel Your Journey: Carry sufficient water and high-energy snacks. Many routes lack facilities, so being self-sufficient is vital for a safe and enjoyable day out.

From Trail to Tranquillity

The true magic of exploring the Northumberland National Park walks is not just in the journey itself, but in the moments of reflection that follow. It's about returning after a day of wind-swept adventure to a place of warmth, comfort, and peace. It’s about sharing stories of the day’s discoveries over a hot drink as you watch the sunset paint the sky, or planning the next day's route under a blanket of stars.

This is the experience we strive to create at Fell Farm Hideaway. Our secluded, eco-conscious cabins - HoneyMug, Hope, and Hail Hill - are designed to be your sanctuary. Nestled within our family farm, they provide the perfect, serene basecamp from which to launch your daily expeditions and a welcoming haven to return to. We invite you to make our hideaway your home, immersing yourself fully in the rhythm of the park and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to step into the wild heart of Northumberland? Book your stay at Fell Farm Hideaway and position yourself perfectly to explore the best Northumberland National Park walks. Visit our website to find your ideal cabin and start planning an unforgettable adventure from a place of true peace and comfort. Fell Farm Hideaway