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Northumberland National Park has waymarked footpaths and bridleways across moorland beneath wide skies, with routes ranging from relaxed family ambles to challenging hill and moorland trails. St Oswald’s Way links Holy Island with Hadrian’s Wall, crossing beaches, wooded river valleys, heather moorland and farmland. The coastal half is mostly flat and dry underfoot. Inland, the route has some climbs, though none are severe, and some sections can be muddy after rain. Holy Island’s causeway is covered at high tide, so crossing times need checking.
Stays in Northumberland
7 curated stays for hiking
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About Northumberland
Why hiking here
Northumberland National Park has waymarked footpaths and bridleways across moorland beneath wide skies, with routes ranging from relaxed family ambles to challenging hill and moorland trails. St Oswald’s Way links Holy Island with Hadrian’s Wall, crossing beaches, wooded river valleys, heather moorland and farmland. The coastal half is mostly flat and dry underfoot. Inland, the route has some climbs, though none are severe, and some sections can be muddy after rain. Holy Island’s causeway is covered at high tide, so crossing times need checking.
Hadrian’s Wall Path follows ridges and crags, with shorter routes at Steel Rigg, Cawfields Quarry and Walltown Crags. The climb to Steel Rigg takes extra effort. The National Park’s guided walks run throughout the year.
Shorter circuits are available at Steel Rigg, Cawfields Quarry and Walltown Crags, while Hadrian’s Wall Path follows ridges and crags. St Oswald’s Way has mostly flat, dry ground along the coast. Inland sections have some climbs and can turn muddy after rain.
Highlights
Guided or self-led walks
Northumberland National Park offers guided walks and self-guided routes, from family strolls to challenging moorland trails.
Travel along Hadrian's Wall
The Hadrian's Wall bus stops at sites along the route, and trains run on the Hadrian's Wall Country Line.
Check conditions before setting out
Staff at The Sill and Walltown Visitor Centre can provide information on weather, public transport and path changes.
Riverside recovery in Rothbury
The circular Rothbury Riverside Walk offers a riverside route in Northumberland.
Steel Rigg takes extra effort
Walking to the top of Steel Rigg takes extra effort, and Hadrian's Wall follows ridges and crags across the landscape.
When to visit
- May - September
Late spring and early autumn are the most reliable times for hiking in Northumberland. May and September are strong choices for walking conditions. June brings wildflower meadows, while August turns the Cheviot foothills purple with heather.
Autumn walks can bring frost, but the weather is unpredictable, so check local forecasts before setting out. Conditions on the fell tops can be far more severe than in the valleys. Winter walks are still possible, but plan around shorter daylight hours and take extra warm clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about hiking in Northumberland.
The National Park grades walks as Easy, Moderate and Strenuous. Newer hikers can start with routes on good paths. Moderate walks suit people with country-walking experience and a good level of fitness, and may include steep paths or open country. Strenuous routes can involve rough ground, significant climbs and remote areas.
Fell-top conditions can be far more severe than conditions in the valleys. Check the forecast, carry waterproof and windproof layers, and choose a route that matches your skills. The National Park checklist advises carrying a map and compass, as phones or GPS devices can be lost or run out of power.
Check tide times before setting out, as rising tides can cut off routes by the sea. Coastal walks also bring risks from storms, cliff edges, slippery or unstable rocks, mud and quicksand. Choose a route that matches your experience and conditions.
The National Park walking checklist says trainers can slip and do not support the ankle. It recommends boots with a good sole pattern. Pack waterproof and windproof outerwear, spare warm clothing, a hat and gloves. Several thin layers are easy to adjust, and resting may call for more layers than walking.
The Park provides self-guided walking routes, and guided walks run throughout the year for people who want support with navigation. Before a solo outing, leave your intended route and expected return time with someone reliable, then report your safe return. Match the route to the group’s capability and consider options if the weather worsens.
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