Two walkers in waterproof jackets pause to look out to sea with binoculars from a grassy cliff top path on a sunny autumnal day. — Walking on the Durham Coast | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Walking in the North East

Enjoy a walk in some of the most beautiful countryside in the North East, looking out for signs of spring wherever you go. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian’s Wall, look out for wildlife in the woodlands or blow away the cobwebs on the Northumberland Coast.

These walks come highly recommended, they are ones not to miss, so grab your walking boots and get ready to explore.

Trail

Inner Farne wildlife walk

Follow a circular walk on the Farne Islands for a unique wildlife experience, or explore a more tranquil, historic island after the breeding season finishes.

Visitors walking in Morden Hall Park, London, in the winter.

Trail

Wonders of Nature trail at Gibside

Explore woodlands, meadows, wetlands and along the riverside, with estate highlights. You'll see nature at work and, if you are lucky, spot some wildlife at play.

A couple are walking two dogs between the trees in the Pinetum at Cragside. The autumn sunshine looks golden as it streams through the trees. The couple are in bobble hats and light jackets.

Trail

The Armstrong trail, Cragside

This walk has a short diversion following Storm Babet. 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.

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.

A stile stands on frosty ground beside the fast-flowing water of the river on the River Walk at Wallington, Northumberland, in winter

Trail

River walk at Wallington

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

A family walks towards the red and white striped tower and white buildings of Souter Lighthouse on a winter's day

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.

These are the more accessible places to walk, whether that's with a pushchair, wheelchair or somewhere you can borrow a powered mobility vehicle.

Visitor riding a tramper to access the 18th-century landscape garden at Gibside, Tyne & Wear.

Place

Gibside

Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll or a longer hike. At Gibside you can stick to the path or venture off the beaten track. Powered mobility scooters are available here.

Family visitors enjoying an autumnal walk on the estate at Wallington, Northumberland

Place

Wallington

Discover Wallington via a network of accessible paths that lead you around the grounds and woodland and down to the walled garden. There are a number of trampers and a mountain trike for you to use on your visit.

A visitor with their dog in the parterre at Seaton Delaval Hall Northumberland

Place

Seaton Delaval Hall

Take a gentle stroll around the accessible path network through the gardens to discover manicured lawns, topiary, wildflower-laden woodlands and playful installations.

Soak up the the amazing archaeology, ancient woodlands and heritage of the North East on these walks through history.

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.

Old stone church half hidden by spreading tree and bush covered in pink flowers

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.

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

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.

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.

These walks tend to be a little shorter and are great places to explore with the whole family, with lots of things to spot on route and lovely views.

Girl holding phone in garden with apple trees covered in blossom.

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.

View of the castle from the walled garden with pink and yellow flowers in the foreground at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

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.

A veteran tree on Broom House Farm, part of the Farm walk

Trail

Wallington Farm walk

Enjoy a relatively easy circular route through woodland and grassy fields at Wallington.

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

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.