Thirlwall walks

Circular walk near the river and railway. It goes close to two farms where plenty of farm animals are on view. Towards the end of the walk, you will see the remains of Bellister Castle on your right. It's a National Trust site.

Dog friendly circular walk from Haltwhistle to Lambley Viaduct via the South Tyne Trail.

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.

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.

A nice walk to see the Lanercost Priory and walk a section of the Hadrian's Wall. The ruin of Hadrian Wall is not visible on this section.

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.

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.

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.

Dog friendly circular walk in the North Pennines AONB. View from the top of Talkin Fell is breathtaking with its series of cairns.

A gorgeous circular walk to discover gelt wood and the river Gelt. Dog friendly walk.

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

Pleasant wooded walking in our local valley.

An easy stroll to a Woodland Trust property.

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

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.

Explore our historic local town and its surrounding countryside.

Dog friendly circular walk from the village of Kirkoswald to the stone circle of Long Meg and her Daughters.

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.

Nice little circular walk on the edge of Slaley.

The 4th section of the Way of Light passes through the North Pennines Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty, crossing from Northumberland into County Durham. The walk starts in the pretty village of Blanchland, crosses wild moorland sharing the route with a section of the Lead Mining Trail and finishes in the equally pretty village of Edmundbyers.

The 12th section of the Durham Round Trail is one of the more challenging. Leaving the village of Ireshope burn behind begin the long climb up to the grouse moors. This is probably the wildest, most desolate section of the trail, but is still beautiful and well worth the effort. ⚠️A part of the route goes straight through grouse moorland so it may be closed during shooting season. An alternative route is available.

The 13th section of the Durham Round Trail is short and can easily be added to the previous section. The section starts with a walk down through fields which affords good views of the surrounding land. The route then climbs again across farmland and moorland until it reaches Cow Green Reservoir.

The 10th section of the Durham Round Trail links the pretty villages of Rookhope and Westgate. Leaving the coast to coast cycle route, the trail follows a section of the Weardale Way along the route of the Rookhope and Middlehope Railway as it winds its way through the Pennines to the banks of the River Wear.

The 11th section of the walk follows a ridge above the River Wear affording stunning views down to the villages and river in the valley below. This walk is covers a relatively short section but can be extended by returning to Westgate via one of the alternative routes which allows exploration of the route or by joining with other sections of the route. There are a number of attractions in the area so this may be a good place to use as a base for a few days.

A circular walk dominated throughout by the giant golf ball that is the radar station at Great Dunn Fell. You will use some good roads, some tracks and the Pennine Way on this walk. It is worth downloading the Knock Geotrail leaflet from the link I have listed below as it provides more information on the geology of the area than given in my description. Similarly, you could follow the link to the Discover Britain webpage and learn about the Helm Wind which is particular to the Cross Fell area.

An easy walk in the North Pennines this walk visits one of the waterfalls on the upper Tees. The walk can easily be extended to visit the limestone crags of Falcon Clints by using the Pennine Way.

The 14th section of the walk begins at Cow Green Reservoir and passes the impressive Cauldron's Snout before joining the Teesdale Way for a while along the banks of the River Tees

This is a fairly undemanding walk through a wild North Pennine landscape. The route visits two outstanding natural features - High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout - using a section of the Pennine Way. There are no route finding issues even in poor visibility.

Circular walk passing by High Hurth Edge and the Upper Tees Valley.

This flat, linear walk will allow you to discover some English Heritage with Mayburgh Henge and Brougham Castle while enjoying a riverside walk along River Eamont. Nearby you can also visit King Arthur's Round Table.

The 15th section of the Durham Round Trail follows the River Tees downstream past the stunning High Force waterfall to the visitor centre in Bowlees. This is one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Tees as it passes through County Durham.

A lovely circular walk with a variety of interest. From the popular waterfall of High Force through upland pasture and then the more desolate upland landscape of Thistle Green before descending to the River Tees and following its course with a final leg through farmland.

Easy and circular walk around High and Low Force Waterfalls.

Great walk to Carrock Fell. The path to the summit is very steep but short. A bit of scrambling to reach the summit.

A circular walk from Bowlees. Following the river Tees downstream to Middleton-in Teesdale before climbing out through open moorland via the mysterious corpse of ancient Kircarrion, with wonderful views over Lunedale before descending the dramatic Holwick scar back to base.

The 16th section of the Durham Round Trail begins in Bowlees, crosses the Tees once more, and then crosses moorland to the first of several reservoirs in the area. This section includes a climb for the first half of the walk which is rewarded with stunning views across the Pennines.

This Tees circular walk from Bowlees takes in the spectacular scenery of Teesdale, Low Force, the Iconic view of High Force, the geographically famous Holwick Scars and views of the Royal residency at Holwick Lodge.

An easy walk from the Bowlees Car Park / Visitor Centre up to Bales Hush and the art installation called Hush.

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.

A virtually level farmland and mossland stroll through two pretty Lakeland hamlets with views of Carrock Fell and beyond.

This circular walk brings you along River Eamont before going up into the woodlands around Dunmallard Hill. On the way enjoy views of the countryside and over Ullswater loch.

Circular walk around Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave.

Circular route up to the Saddleback of Blencathra. The route follows some of the easier routes on this iconic fell; the still-considerable effort is rewarded with dramatic mountain views.

The broad ridge of Souther Fell gives excellent views of Blencathra and more distantly over the Vale of Eden to the North Pennines.

Windy Gyle is the key objective for this walk in the deserted hills of Northumbria. Starting in the beautiful Coquet Valley the walk crosses wild moorland and includes a section of the Pennine Way.

A walk with lovely views in this beautiful peaceful dale following Hudeshope Beck up past the old lime kilns, over the miners bridge, through the wood and fields to Coldberry mine, then back down the beck on the other side.

Circular walk passing by Lunedale and Baldersdale.

A lovely circular walk around Cronkley Scar via High Force.

This North Pennine walk inlcudes Harter Fell and Grassholme Reservoir and a section of the Pennine Way. The start is Middleton-in-Teesdale and the walk includes a variety of scenery. Descending into the Lune Valley the walk continues alongside Grassholme Reservoir before using a section of old railway track back to the start.

A walk combining the rugged moorland of Harter Fell and Crossthwaite Common with the beauty of Holwick Scars and the pastures alongside the River Tees.

Nice and circular walk passing by Hudeshope Beck & Aukside.

A lovely circular walk from Middleton in Teesdale following the Teesdale Way on the northern side of the river and the Tees Railway Path on the southern side.

Nice circular walk around Coldberry and High Force.

Easy circular walk through Teesdale Railway Path and Romaldkirk Moor.

A walk in the North Pennines using a section of disused railway, moorland paths and tracks. The route traverses scenery typical of the area with some views across Teesdale also to be enjoyed.