Best walks in Northumberland

Distance: 2 miles

Terrain: moderate

The legend goes that this ice-age boulder possesses magical healing powers. Druids flocked to the site to worship it in days of yore, and sick children are still passed over the stone in the hopes of healing. There’s a steep ascent to this mysterious monument and the path narrows significantly at the end, but it is well worth the effort, not only for the stunning views across to Harbottle Castle, but also to lay your hands on the Drake Stone itself and see if you can feel its magic!

Distance: 5-6.5 miles

Terrain: moderate

Kielder National Nature reserve sits to the west of the county’s National Park and whilst it is a fair drive from our Northumberland Haven Parks, it cannot be omitted from any list of the best Northumberland walks. The linear route starts from Kielder Burn, and skims the waterside up to the striking William’s Cleugh pines which are part of a project to introduce the native Scots Pines to this reserve. Keep an eye out for the wildlife, too, with pine martens, buzzards, red squirrels and water voles all making their home amongst these woods.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Terrain: moderate

Just a half-hour drive south-west from our Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, towards the northerly edge of Northumberland’s National Park, lies the remains of one of the largest iron age Hillforts in this region. You’ll make your ascent to the top over the rocky paths that weave their way through seas of purple heather. A special highlight of this walk is the opportunity to spot the striking wild cheviot goats that make their home in this landscape.

Distance: 6 miles

Terrain: easy to moderate

This section of the coastal path actually heads inland through forests, fields and farmland, whilst still providing some excellent sea views out towards Holy Island. What’s more, it’s perfectly placed for your stay at our Haggerston Castle Holiday Park as it starts just 10 minutes down the road by car. It’s the shortest section of the coastal walks in Northumberland, which makes it the best section for families with little ones.

Distance: 6 miles

Terrain: moderate

A 15-minute drive south from our Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, this route starts out from Holburn Grange, and takes you over rolling hills, through dense forests and alongside the tranquil Swinhoe lakes. The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly the cave of St Cuthbert itself - a mysterious and magical place that will delight and intrigue you with its stories of this saint and his powers of spiritual healing.

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Terrain: easy

This next route is an unmissable day out for castle and history enthusiasts alike. Starting out from the village of Bamburgh and taking in views of the impressive Anglo Saxon citadel, the walk follows the surrounding bays and countryside in a clockwise direction. The best views of the castle are at Black Rocks Point, so be sure to take your cameras to snap some holiday brochure quality shots.

Distance: 3 miles 

Terrain: moderate 

This route starts just a stone’s throw from our Berwick Holiday Park, making it a wonderfully convenient way to explore the fascinating and turbulent history of the most northerly town in England. The route is mostly along paved paths and up along the city walls, so it’s pretty accessible for most walkers. If you want to make a day out of it, there’s the opportunity to stop off for a visit to The Main Guard and Berwick Museum, and there are plenty of café and eatery options to choose from along Marygate in the town centre.

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Terrain: difficult 

The dramatic diversity and stunning landscapes of this short but challenging walk make it an instant entrant for the best Northumberland walks. Set in the valley of Bowmont water, the walk takes you along the disused railway which used to run between Alnwick and Cornhill and then up to the top of Kilham Hill. The hill-side ascent is not for the faint-hearted, but rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish Lowlands, the North Sea and the extinct Cheviot volcano.