Visitors walking though woodland at Gibside — Walking at Gibside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Walking in the North East

Discover some of the best walks in Northumberland and the North East of England, perfect for every kind of explorer. Whether you're after a short, accessible stroll, a family-friendly woodland adventure, or a challenging hike along coastal cliffs and rolling hills, there's a trail for you. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian’s Wall, spot wildlife in ancient woodlands, or simply enjoy the fresh air and stunning views on one of our many National Trust walking routes.

These top trails are not to be missed – lace up your boots and get ready to explore the very best walks the North East has to offer.

Trail

The Liberty trail at Gibside

This route meanders around the landscape garden created by George Bowes and now in our care. You'll see grand historic features that play a huge part in Gibside's story and garden design.

A family of three observing the views of Northumberland. It a sunny, summer's day and they are all wearing t-shirts. They have their backs to the camera and they are standing behind a wooden gate. In the distance are glimpses of the stepped Simonside Hills.

Trail

Views of Cragside

Explore the grand landscaped garden that wraps around Cragside House and discover amazing views across the Northumberland Valley on this waymarked walk.

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland seen from the beach at Craster with waves washing over the rocky shore on a sunny day

Trail

Craster to Low Newton coastal walk

Enjoy miles of magnificent views along the Northumberland coast with this walking route from the fishing village of Craster to Low Newton by the Sea.

Stepping stones on the river walk at Wallington

Trail

River walk at Wallington

A short, easy walk along the River Wansbeck and around the Wallington Estate in Northumberland.

Two visitors walk towards Souter Lighthouse, silhouetted against the sky at dusk

Trail

The Souter saunter

Discover more than just a lighthouse on this circular walking trail. Starting and ending at Foghorn Field, you'll take in views over Lizard Point, stop to watch the birds at Whitburn Nature Reserve and discover lots of history on the way.

Walkers at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall

Trail

Sycamore Gap walk

Take a circular walk starting from the visitor centre to the Roman Fort and then along the World Heritage Roman wall footpath to the iconic Sycamore Gap. Although the Sycamore tree is no longer there, the stump remains and may regrow. See great views across the countryside as you walk alongside the ancient wall in the heritage landscape.

Two visitors are walking across the Iron Bridge at Cragside. It's a sunny day and light is shining through the canopy of an oak tree. In the distance are the large trunks of the giant trees in the Pinetum.

Trail

The Armstrong trail, Cragside

A 2-mile circular walk along the Armstrong Trail at Cragside in Northumberland. Follow the water from Tumbleton lake through the Debdon Valley. Witness sparkling lakes, towering trees and tumbling cascades.

Summer at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Northumberland

Trail

Allen Banks Morralee Tarn walk

Explore ancient woodland and discover a diversity of flora, fauna and fungi on this walk up to Morralee Tarn at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Looking for a walk that’s easy to access? These routes are great for wheelchairs, pushchairs, or you can borrow a mobility scooter.

Place

Gibside

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a longer hike, Gibside has something for everyone. Stick to the paths or explore woodland trails – powered mobility scooters are available to help you enjoy it all.

Herbaceous border in the Walled Garden in Autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Place

Wallington

Explore Wallington on accessible paths through gardens, woodland, and down to the walled garden. Trampers and a mountain trike are available to help you enjoy the estate with ease.

A visitor walks down a path with Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland in the background on a sunny day

Place

Seaton Delaval Hall

Wander through the dramatic grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall on accessible paths that take in gardens, parkland, and historic views. Mobility scooters are available to help you explore with ease.

Step back in time on these historic walking trails in North East England. Explore Roman roads, castle ruins, and heritage routes.

Cragend Quarry at Cragside, Northumberland. Sheer rock faces meet green grass. There are trees peeping out behind the rock and one in the foreground.

Trail

Gun walk at Cragside

Follow the path of the Armstrongs’ gamekeepers. Walk between impressive rock formations, along craggy paths lined with rhododendrons on this challenging hike through the heart of the grounds.

Visitors admiring the autumn view on their walk along the footpath at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Northumberland

Trail

Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk

Explore one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology on the Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk and get close to Hadrian's Wall.

Disused railway embankment covered with grass, with path running along the top towards fence and copse of trees

Trail

Wannie Line walk

Follow this circular walk along the Wannie and Rothbury railway lines and discover Wallington's post-industrial landscape.

Blyth Beach huts on the wider estate walk near Seaton Delaval Hall Northumberland

Trail

Seaton Sluice and Blyth history walk

Delve into centuries of history, from invading Normans to Second World War prisoners of war, on this circular trail around Seaton Sluice and Blyth, starting from Seaton Delaval Hall.

Blyth battery on the wider estate walk from Seaton Delaval Hall Northumberland

Trail

Seaton country and coast walk

Explore the villages, farmland and coast surrounding Seaton Delaval Hall and learn about a Second World War battery as well as a Victorian coal mining accident on this gentle circular trail.

A spring morning in a graveyard with dew on the ground and daffodils. The gravestones are a mixture of headstones and crosses. All look pre-20th century.

Trail

Holywell Dene and Old Hartley walk

An easy self-guided walk taking in the points of interest around Holywell Dene and Old Hartley, including the history of the local area and Seaton Delaval Hall.

The original hydraulic ram in the Pumphouse

Trail

Now open: Hydro-power Trail

On the Hydro-power Trail you will discover William Armstrong's engineered lakes and experimental technologies that were created to produce hydroelectricity and power hydraulics.

Trail

Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk

Explore one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology on the Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk and get close to Hadrian's Wall.

These shorter, family-friendly walks in North East England are perfect for little legs, with scenic views, fun things to spot along the way, and plenty of opportunities to explore nature together.

Trail

Explorer family-friendly trail at Gibside

Enjoy a circular walk in Gibside's 600-acre woodland that's fun for the whole family, getting active in natural play areas and exploring the best of the estate.

Two girls walking along the banks of the Nelly's Moss lakes

Trail

Nelly's Moss lakes walk, Cragside

Discover the historic lakes, engineered by Lord Armstrong as part of his pioneering hydro-electricity system, on this easy circular walk at Cragside, and spot wildlife like frogs and herons.

A family walk down a path with a summer garden to the right and a castle in the distance beyond the garden.

Trail

Lindisfarne Castle walk

Enjoy a short walk around Lindisfarne Castle, taking in the 19th-century lime kilns, castle headland and the walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Includes options for more accessible routes.

Young visitors running at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

Trail

Souter Lighthouse trail

Discover this trail along the coastal path at Souter Lighthouse in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, ideal for wildlife and especially bird enthusiasts.

Newton Pool near Embleton Bay, Northumberland

Trail

Newton Pool coastal walk

Enjoy a gentle walk alongside the Northumberland coast with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities along the way.

River and riverbed at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Northumberland.

Trail

Bardon Mill Station to Allen Banks

This relaxing stroll from Bardon Mill station to Allen Banks takes in the River Tyne, the ancient Yew tree at Beltingham Churchyard and beautiful open countryside.

A family comprising an adult woman, adult man and two small boys under seven walking through green spring woodland

Trail

Penshaw Monument's Lambton Worm walk

A 2.6-mile walk uncovering the secrets of the Lambton worm near Penshaw Monument in Tyne and Wear.

Stop stepped path is lined with sheer cliff faces in both sides. The cliffs are mossy and the path is covered in fallen leaves and pine needles.

Trail

Rocky Ramble, Cragside

Duck under boulders and wind between gaps in the rock on this adventurous hike through Cragside. Discover engineered crags and man-made rock formations as you traverse the hillside.

Visitors experiencing a guided walk around Tarn Hows, Cumbria

Guided walks and tours at National Trust sites in North East England

Join expert-led guided walks and tours at National Trust sites across North East England to uncover the rich history, natural beauty, and hidden stories of the places we care for.

Discover outdoor activities and walking routes at National Trust places in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham

A family of three, one adult and two children, are enjoying a stroll through the Pinetum at Cragside on a sunny day.

Article

Things to do outdoors at Cragside

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, there is a waymarked walk for everyone at Cragside. A network of 40-miles of footpaths will take you under the canopy of towering trees, across timber bridges, between rugged rocks, along the banks of sparkling lakes and under arches of rhododendron.

A family cycling on the Dragon Cycle Trail at Wallington, Northumberland

Activity

Outdoor activities at Wallington

Reconnect with nature at Wallington and explore miles of footpaths along rivers and through woodland, bring your bikes and try the cycling trail and spot wildlife including red squirrels and otters.

A visitor sits cross legged on a bench on the edge of an area of short grass, looking towards the red and white striped tower and white painted buildings of Souter Lighthouse. Low sunlight casts long shadows. Pink tinged thin grey clouds cover most of the sky above a dark blue-grey strip of sea.

Article

Things to see and do at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Find out what to see and do on a visit to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas. Climb the lighthouse, explore the rock pools and discover this haven for wildlife.

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Lindisfarne Castle seen from the sea, with the remains of wooden posts rising from the sea visible

Discover more in the North East

Characterful houses and gardens, atmospheric woodland and rugged coastlines plus a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the North East

Walking in the North East

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