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Birtley walks
Heavenfield to Hexham - Way of Light
Visorando Member
4.72 mi
+177 ft
-735 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Wall (Northumberland)
The 1st stage of this trail is a beautiful walk in Northumberland. It starts at the small church of St Oswald near Hadrian's Wall and crosses open countryside, passes through the village of Acomb before winding its way through Hexham to Hexham Abbey. There is so much to learn about the history of Northumbria along this walk.
The Way of Light - Heavenfield to Durham
45.82 mi
+3,540 ft
-4,055 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Wall (Northumberland)
The Way of Light is one of the Northern Saints Trails, starting in Northumberland, it passes through a number of religious sites ending at Durham Cathedral. This walk is very special as it also takes in beautiful scenery throughout the walk and passes through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route passes through many pretty villages which will no doubt make you want to linger a little while. Highlights along the way include Hexham Abbey, Blanchland, Ushaw College and of course Durham Cathedral.
Acomb, where South and North Tyne meet
3.45 mi
+177 ft
-177 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Acomb (Northumberland)
Nice easy walk containing disused railway tracks. It is ok for kids and doggies. Partly follows old rail tracks.
Housesteads Roman Fort and
4.92 mi
+410 ft
-427 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Bardon Mill (Northumberland)
An easy circular walk with the option to explore the Roman fort at Housesteads. The walk takes in some of the best preserved sections of the wall with great views over the dramatic landscape.
Cragend and Crow Crags from Housesteads
8.56 mi
+650 ft
-633 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bardon Mill (Northumberland)
This Northumberland walk includes Hadrian's Wall and the Pennine Way. The route crosses some rough ground which can be rather boggy after heavy rain.
Along the River Tyne from Hexham Tyne Green Country Park
4.23 mi
+226 ft
-69 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Hexham (Northumberland)
A beautiful, family and dog friendly walk along the River Tyne from Hexham with an optional stop at the Boatside Inn pub before walking back to the Tyne Green Country Park. Easy paths with plenty of shade for summer days.
Hexham to Dukesfield Mill - Way of Light
4.73 mi
+715 ft
-440 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Hexham (Northumberland)
The 2nd section of the walk leaves busy Hexham and follows the Devil's Water across open countryside to Dukesfield Arches.
Hexham
Association / Club / Walk leader6.13 mi
+876 ft
-846 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Hexham (Northumberland)
Explore our historic local town and its surrounding countryside.
Peel Crags & Winshield Crags from Vindolanda
7.97 mi
+771 ft
-764 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Bardon Mill (Northumberland)
This Northumbria walk explores one of the more dramatic sections of Hadrian's Wall and also includes Vindolanda Roman Fort. This walk can also be undetaken using the Hadrian's Wall bus service AD122 which runs from April through to September.
Allen Banks and Staward Peel
5.79 mi
+512 ft
-522 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Bardon Mill (Northumberland)
Great dog friendly circular walk following the river Allen and passing by the remains of Staward Peel. Gorgeous views of the surrounding valley from the path around Staward Peel.
Hadrian's Wall from Steel Rigg
6.95 mi
+574 ft
-577 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Henshaw (Northumberland)
This walk covers a section of Hadrian's Wall. Starting from Steel Rigg, Northumbria National Park, the route includes a visit to Housesteads Fort and the dramatic scenery of Hotbank Crags and Crag Lough. The route along the wall has many ups and downs but does provide you with a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Roman Legions.
Hadrian Wall and the Sycamore Gap
3.21 mi
+240 ft
-243 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Henshaw (Northumberland)
Lovely walk along the Hadrian's wall to see the famous sycamore gap and its tree. Dog-friendly walk.
Dipton Burn
1.95 mi
+187 ft
-187 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Hexhamshire (Northumberland)
Pleasant wooded walking in our local valley.
Letah Wood
2.23 mi
+157 ft
-151 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Hexhamshire (Northumberland)
An easy stroll to a Woodland Trust property.
Dukesfield Arches to Blanchland
7.30 mi
+889 ft
-538 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Slaley (Northumberland)
The 3rd section of the walk continues through Northumberland finishing on the border with County Durham. Start the walk by viewing the Dukesfield Arches, then continue to follow the Devil's Water to Slaley Forest. After visiting a quarry, continue to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before finishing the walk in the pretty village of Blanchland.
Lordenshaw Hill Fort, The Simonside Hills and Burgh Hill
8.16 mi
+1,316 ft
-1,306 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Hollinghill (Northumberland)
A circular walk with a lot of interest. From the prehistoric rock art, bronze age burial cairns and iron age hill fort at Lordenshaw, to the lovely scenic walk over the Simonside hills, to the iron age hill fort overlooking Great Tosson through to the tranquil return through the Simonside forest.
Around Slaley
4.57 mi
+394 ft
-390 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Slaley (Northumberland)
Nice little circular walk on the edge of Slaley.
The Dodd and Wether Cairn from Alwinton
9.42 mi
+1,647 ft
-1,657 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Alwinton (Northumberland)
This walk explores the hills that lie just inside the southern boundary of the Northumberland National Park at the head of Coquetdale. The hills in the southern part of the Northumberland National Park offer some fine walking. This route starts from the small village of Alwinton and follows paths, tracks and quiet country lanes for the most part. However some sections are pathless and a good sense of direction is necessary. The walk is best avoided if low cloud is covering the hills. Also do be prepared for some boggy areas especially after rain.
Harbottle Castle and the Drake Stone from Alwinton
5.52 mi
+633 ft
-640 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Alwinton (Northumberland)
An easy circular walk from Alwinton; taking in the ruins of the castle at Harbottle and then up to the Drake Stone in the Harbottle Hills. Descend to Harbottle Lake and return via the forest path. Great views on a clear day.
Kidland Forest Circular from Alwinton
20.48 mi
+1,978 ft
-1,991 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Alwinton (Northumberland)
A good 20 mile route around Kidland Forest, starting from Alwinton. This can be done in either direction, but I prefer the way described, as it has one steep 10% climb and then undulates. Please note that there is forestry work taking place in 2025, so please avoid this route when logging is taking place, but enjoy it on weekends.
Clennell Street and River Coquet Circular from Alwinton
9.41 mi
+1,427 ft
-1,391 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Alwinton (Northumberland)
A lovely circular walk with a lot of interest via hill forts, ancient settlements, open moorland and riverside views. This version means fording the river at the end but a dry alternative is also given.
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