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Best trails in Northumberland National Park

Best trails in Northumberland National Park

4.3(11,807 reviews)

·

England
: 
#6 of 10 national parks

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Want to find the best trails in Northumberland National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 136 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 10 easy hiking trails in Northumberland National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 229 to 13,681 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Northumberland National Park.

Top trails

1
#1 - Simonside and Dove Crag Loop
4.8(1201)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 2h 32m
Enjoy lovely views and beautiful moorland scenery as you make your way through the woods, pass Criss-Cross Rock, climb to the summit of Simonside, and continue on to the top of Dove Crag, before heading back down to the road that leads back to the car park. Take care on the rough and steep sections of this trail, especially in wetter conditions when the paths become muddy and slippery. Appropriate footwear is required. Please take care if out with dogs as there are farm animals and ground...
2
#2 - Simonside Hills Circular
4.8(575)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
•Est. 2h 48m
This circular walk takes you to the fell sandstones in Simonside Hills that were created hundred of years ago. Simonside Hills is important to the Bronze Age and contains years of history. Additionally, you will be able to see wildflowers and plants such as butterwort, cranberry, and heath. Make sure to look up from time to time to see the different bird species. On this route, you will see Dove Crag, Old Stell Crag, and Little Church Rock. The path can sometimes be rough and muddy,...
3
#3 - Hadrian's Wall Path, Housesteads Roman Fort and Sycamore Gap
4.7(561)
•Moderate
•6.5 mi
•Est. 3h 3m
This is a picturesque trail along a section of the Hadrian's Wall Path. The route begins at the car park located next to Housesteads Visitor Centre. Take a stroll through the amazing ruins and follow the path leading to Sycamore Gap. Then, continue to Peel Gap and return via Military Way. There are breathtaking views across the top of the hill. Please note that you may encounter livestock along this route, so it is advised to use leads if you bring your dog. Some parts can get rather muddy...
4
#4 - Hareshaw Linn Waterfall from Bellingham
4.7(722)
•Moderate
•2.9 mi
•Est. 1h 25m
Explore the enchanting Hareshaw Linn Waterfall on this trail leaving from Bellingham's village and taking you through beautiful woodlands. It features a local legend about coins growing on trees. The walk follows a solid stone and rocky path for the entire length, which can have a little surface mud and is very slippery in wetter conditions. Appropriate, grippy footwear is required. The route includes several climbs and descents, and there are several flights of steps, a couple of gates,...
5
#5 - Sill and Sycamore Gap Circular
4.6(471)
•Moderate
•1.7 mi
•Est. 44m
This is a circular walk along Steel Rigg to Sycamore Gap, then returning via the Roman Military Road. Standing at Sycamore Gap, you will be able to see the vast and impressive views of Handrian's Wall in the distance. Sadly, the Sycamore Gap tree (often lovingly referred to as the Robin Hood tree), has now been felled. The historical value of this area stands firm, despite this sad loss. There is a lovely cafe nearby (The Sill), ideal for a warm drink and a cake at the end of your walk....
6
#6 - Little Church Rock, Criss Cross Rock, and Simonside Circular
4.7(454)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 2h 14m
Enjoy this moderately challenging route through woodlands and up craggy peaks with lovely views over the surrounding area. You can also keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the wild flowers in spring and summer. This trail takes in Little Church Rock, Criss-Cross Rock, and the summits of Simonside and Dove Crag which offer good spots for a break and picnic. Take care on the rougher sections of this trail, especially in wetter conditions when the rockier sections become slippery....
7
#7 - Crag Loch and Hadrians Wall Circular
4.6(429)
•Moderate
•3.5 mi
•Est. 1h 23m
This is an exciting circular trail that allows you to explore Hadrian's Wall, Steel Rigg, and Crag Loch in Northumberland National Park. On this route, you will be able to see the most majestic views of Hadrian's Wall, which was built with a toll booth. The wall prevented people from moving in and out of Roman Britain freely. Start the trail from the Steel Rigg View car park and follow the Hadrian's Wall signpost, which will lead you to the foot of Peel Crags. The climb up the stone steps...
8
#8 - Simonside Hills Short Circular
4.7(420)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2h 21m
These spectacular hills are full of wildlife including curlew, red grouse, wild goats and even red squirrels. This trail takes you to the top of Simonside, where you have a 360 degree view taking in the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coastline. Below, in the forest, there is a Bronze Age cemetery and swords from this era, unmarked by fighting, have been found on the lower slopes of Simonside. Today, Simonside appears as an open expanse of wilderness, with a great deal of modern forestry. It is...
9
#9 - Housesteads to Sycamore Gap
4.7(323)
•Moderate
•4.9 mi
•Est. 2h 22m
This trail takes in a great mix of natural and historic sights as you wind your way from Housesteads Roman Fort, also known as Vercovicium, along Hadrian's Wall passing milecastles, and past Crag Lough to Sycamore Gap, once the site of a large and famous sycamore tree. Take care on the rougher sections, especially in wetter conditions when the trail is muddy and slippery. Appropriate footwear is required.
10
#10 - Scald Hill, The Cheviot, and Cairn Hill Circular
4.4(384)
•Hard
•8.5 mi
•Est. 4h 40m
This is a wonderful trail in Northumberland National Park, taking you up the Cheviot via Scald Hill and descending via Cairn Hill before returning through the valley. The trail starts from a parking area along the narrow lane that winds along the Harthorp Burn. Follow the road at first, and once you’re across New Burn, look out for the footpath to your right. Take this path, which, after a short section along the trees, continues on a steady ascent across the heather moorland. It’s a...
Showing results 1–10 of 136
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Visitor info

Accessibility
Overview

Several points of interest within Northumberland National Park are wheelchair-friendly. The National Landscape Discovery Centre in Once Brewed is wheelchair accessible, with accessible washrooms and a paved path leading to a viewpoint with sweeping views of Hadrian's Wall.

The Walltown Visitor Centre is wheelchair accessible, with accessible washrooms and an accessible path around Walltown Country Park. Across the street, the Roman Army Museum is also fully accessible.

Additional information about accessible features at Northumberland National Park can be found on their website: https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visitor-info/accessibility/.

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Guides

in Northumberland National Park

Top Picks in Northumberland National Park

6 trails
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Trail reviews for Northumberland National Park

16,118 trailgoers Busiest in May
Steve Fairless
Apr 20, 2025•Camping
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Trail was dry and easy to follow. Great views from Drake Stone, weather was warm and sunny, lambs in meadows, bluebells under woods. It was an idyllic Northumberland Spring day. Food at the Star Inn at Harbottle was lovely, good menu choice, food presentation and taste was great!

The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular
Emily Smith
Apr 1, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Lovely circular route round Simonside Hills! Easy to follow and lots of nice viewpoints across the Northumberland countryside. Make sure you have good shoes as it is a bit rocky at points, but nothing too challenging.

Parking: Free, Large lot
Simonside and Dove Crag Loop
Sam Coleman
Jan 11, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Trail was amazing one of the best walks I've completed to date. The views over Northumberland are spectacular. My cockapoo loved bouncing through the snow, was completely shattered by the end of the walk. Be aware in snowy conditions as some of the route up and down can be very slippy. Would highly recommend this walk.

Parking: Free, Medium lot
Simonside Hills Circular
Teela Besford
Dec 24, 2024•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Visiting the famous Simonside Christmas tree placed there by Northumberland fell runners for the past 30 years

Little Church Rock, Criss Cross Rock, and Simonside Circular
Heather Fox-Lawson
Aug 7, 2024•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great circular walk. Plenty of parking in Wooler - the old school has been turned into a free long stay car park. The walk itself can be very windy but on a clear day there are wonderful views of Northumberland.

Difficulty: Moderate
Wooler to Humbleton Hill Circular
Graeme Wardale
Aug 7, 2024
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Parked at wedder leap car park and headed straight on the trail which is well marked. Still wet and boggy in places but the views are stunning and spectacular and it’s windy at the top walked the route in less than 4 hours and only passed 4 other hikers. Northumberland and the cheviots are an unspoilt and spectacular place.

Windy Gayle Circular
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Northumberland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Northumberland National Park is Simonside and Dove Crag Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,201 reviews. This trail is 5.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,040 ft.

What is the longest trail in Northumberland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Northumberland National Park is Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra (2023 Route). This trail is estimated to be 59.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Northumberland National Park?

There are 136 trails in Northumberland National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 11,807 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Northumberland National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Northumberland National Park has you covered. Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra (2023 Route) boasts the most elevation gain with 13,681 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Ingram, Carshope Plantation and Lamb Hill Circular, which will get you 10,492 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Northumberland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 camping trails in Northumberland National Park and the most popular is The Pennine Way: Greenhead to Once Brewed with an average 4.6 star rating from 84 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Northumberland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 99 running trails in Northumberland National Park and the most popular is Simonside and Dove Crag Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,201 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Northumberland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 46 biking trails in Northumberland National Park and the most popular is Hartside to Linhope Spout with an average 4.5 star rating from 243 community reviews.

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