Walking in the North East

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is the largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland and has been here since at least medieval times. This long history has helped make it a fantastic home for flora, fauna and fungi. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or other resident wildlife, including dippers, herons, otters and kingfishers.

Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll or a longer hike with varying terrains, walking at Gibside means you can stick to the paths or venture off the beaten track. There are rest spots to pause and enjoy the wildlife along with plenty of views across the gardens and out over the Derwent Valley.

Walk in the footsteps of Romans and explore a World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in history on a circular walk to the iconic Sycamore Gap, or head out into the Northumberland countryside to discover areas of wetland home to a variety of birds and plantlife.

Walking on the Northumberland Coast  

For a bracing and beautiful coastal walk, you can’t beat Northumberland. With miles of coastal paths, swathes of golden beaches and flocks of circling seabirds you can explore at your own pace or follow the popular Craster to Low Newton coastal walk, a wonderful walk all year round.

Take a gentle stroll around the gardens at Seaton Delaval Hall - perfect for stretching your legs - explore the woodland changing with the seasons or venture further afield and follow a walking trail to discover more about the history that shaped Seaton Delaval Hall.

Take a stroll along the coast at Souter Lighthouse to see returning seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars, cormorants, shags, razorbills and guillemots bring the cliffs and rock stacks of The Leas back to raucous life. Skylark breeding season begins in April so listen for their song as they ascend above cliff top grasslands, one of the most joyful sounds of spring.

With miles of footpaths, you're spoilt for chpoice when it comes to walks at Wallington. Take a gentle stroll through the woods to discover the walled garden, wander along the banks of the River Wansbeck and look for wildlife on the River Walk or go for a country walk across grassy fields on the Farm Walk.