WALKING IN HEXHAM
Northumberland is one big bundle of trails, paths, tracks and routes just waiting to be walked all over. Whether you’re a fair-weather wanderer, a heavy-duty hiker, an adventurous explorer or a sight-seeing stroller, Northumberland is with you every step of the way. Our wide, sweeping beaches, lush, rolling countryside, National Park that holds more than 600 miles of marked footpaths, and quaint, cobbled villages all make for fantastic walking opportunities. You can take a walk on the wild side and explore rugged, barely-trodden landscapes, or stick to popular, short routes with a pub or café waiting for you at the end. One of our many hidden waterfalls make for stunning final destinations, and our castles that tower over beaches and perch on rocky plateaus offer breath-taking viewing platforms, not to mention captivating history to discover.
In our opinion there are no better walking routes around then along our famous Hadrians wall. Discover more information on the wall in the ’Hadrians wall’ tab.
WALKS IN AND AROUND HEXHAM
Hareshaw Linn Bellingham
Visit Hareshaw Linn and take a magical walk through an ancient woodland, crossing no less than six bridges to reach a beautiful nine-metre high waterfall. This Site of Special Scientific Interest is designated for its rare ferns and lichen. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found at Hareshaw Linn. The oak, hazel and ash trees that grow here are great for wildlife. Keep a look out for red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers, wood warblers, spotted flycatchers.
Ashgill Force - Near Alston
The walk starts from the village of Garrigill just to the north of the falls . Garrigill, one of the old mining villages high up the north Pennines and offers a spectacular walk. In the winter is is know to catche any snow that falls. Ashgill Force isn’t in the least bit undiscovered, but it has been dramatically shaped by forces of nature. The industrial history of lead and silver mining, is written deep on the landscape of the nearby towns and villages. One of the finest in the North Pennines with a 50 foot drop.
Featherstone Castle & Lambley Viaduct
This route is a beautiful circular walk that follows public footpaths and bridleways across fields and meadows beside the River South Tyne to join the South Tyne Trail. The walk is rich in history taking in a 14th-century castle, a prisoner of war camp and an elegant 19th-century viaduct that used to carry the Alston to Haltwhistle railway line.
Slaley Forrest
Explore Slaley Forest on a 12km trail. It’s a great location for a forest walk. Overlooking Derwent Reservoir, Slaley Forest is home to a selection of forest roads which give you access to the forest. Open all year, come rain or shine, the forest is a great location for a leisurely woodland walk or bike ride.
Sycamore Gap - Hadrians Wall
Sill and Sycamore Gap is a 2.4 kilometer loop trail located near Hexham although you can make the walk as long as you like! It features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching. A circular walk around Sycamore Gap, one of the most prominent places for scenic views and photography. Sycamore Gap is located in between Castle Nick and from its point of view you will be able to see Hadrian’s Wall.
Crag Loch & Hadrians Wall
A circular walk that allows you to explore Hadrian Wall, Steel Rigg, and Crag Loch. On this walk, you will be able to see the most majestic views of Hadrian’s Wall which was built with a similarity to what we have now, a toll booth. The wall prevented people from moving in and out of Roman Britain freely. On the grassland, you will notice different flora like wild chive, thyme, and mountain pansies. You will also see many birds such as plovers, skylarks, and curlews.
Tyne Green Country Park
Set on the banks of the River Tyne and just 15 minutes walk from the town centre, this country park offers easily accessible walking and cycling routes west along the river to Warden and beyond, as well as space for picnics and BBQs. The park features an avenue of beautiful mature trees and lovely views of the 18th Century bridge and River Tyne. There is a free public car park, children’s play area and public toilets. Also the home of Tynedale Golf Club, with its Cafe located in the clubhouse. Come in mid-Autumn and see salmon leaping up the Tyne. This is the perfect day out whether for a couple having a short stroll to Warden or as a family whilst playing in the park.
