Birtley walks

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 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.

Nice easy walk containing disused railway tracks. It is ok for kids and doggies. Partly follows old rail tracks.

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.

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.

The 2nd section of the walk leaves busy Hexham and follows the Devil's Water across open countryside to Dukesfield Arches.

Explore our historic local town and its surrounding countryside.

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.

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.

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.

Lovely walk along the Hadrian's wall to see the famous sycamore gap and its tree. Dog-friendly walk.

Pleasant wooded walking in our local valley.

An easy stroll to a Woodland Trust property.

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.

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.

Nice little circular walk on the edge of Slaley.

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.

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.

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.

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.