Best walks in Northumberland
The countryside of northumberland is some of the wildest and most remote in England. Rugged and expansive landscapes are punctuated with the ruins of robust Anglo-saxon castles and intersected by meandering lakes and streams.
Once you’ve settled into your lodge or cosied up in your caravan at our Haggerston Castle or Berwick holiday parks, a day out walking in the Northumbrian wilds is a must on the holiday agenda. From the secluded paths of St Cuthbert’s cave to town walks in Berwick, the forest thickets of Kielder and the rolling hills of the county’s National Park, walking in Northumberland is a truly magical experience. With such a vast expanse of countryside on your doorstep, it’s important to set off in the right direction. Below we’ve collected some of the best Northumberland walks for you to peruse before putting your pin in the map and heading out on a great outdoor adventure.
The Drake Stone Walk, Harbottle
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!
Kielder Wildwood Walk, Hexham
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.
Yeavering Bell Walk, Yeavering
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.
Belford to Fenwick Linear
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.
Holburn Grange and St Cuthbert’s Cave, Holburn
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.
Bamburgh Castle Circular Walk, Bamburgh
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.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Circular, Berwick
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.
Kilham Hill Trail, Kilham
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.
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Castles in Northumberland: a guide
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*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
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As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
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An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.