Where open skies, deep history, and untamed trails offer space to walk, reflect, and reconnect.
North East England is a region shaped by story and space — where rugged coastlines meet high moors, and ancient paths cross deep, quiet countryside. From the edge of the Cheviot Hills to the sweeping sands of the Northumberland Coast, this is a place for walking, wild adventures, and slow, meaningful travel.
Here, every trail links you to history — Roman forts, monastic ruins, castle silhouettes, and old sheep tracks that lead into open land. The experience feels raw yet rewarding, with walking and outdoor escapes that reveal England’s most spacious and storied landscapes.
One of Britain’s most iconic long-distance trails. This 84-mile (135 km) National Trail follows the Roman frontier from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, with the most scenic and historic sections lying in the North East. Walk past milecastles, crags, and panoramic views — where stone meets sky.
Walk an unspoiled 62-mile (100 km) shoreline from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Pass Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island (Lindisfarne), and long, windswept beaches. This coastal route weaves through dunes, estuaries, and fishing villages, alive with birdlife and sea air.
The Cheviots offer remote, grassy ridges, broad horizons, and solitude. Walk from Wooler or Ingram into the Anglo-Scottish borderlands, where the landscape holds both history and hush. Ideal for those seeking open-country walking far from crowds.
Quieter than the Yorkshire Dales, the Durham Dales are full of hidden beauty. Follow riverside trails near Middleton-in-Teesdale, walk the Weardale Way (73 miles), or discover upland moors, wooded valleys, and secret waterfalls. This is underexplored walking with gentle rewards.
North East England is a place of presence and perspective — a land of contrasts, clarity, and quiet power. Walk it slowly, and its stories will unfold with the wind.
The two most iconic trails are the Hadrian’s Wall Path and the Northumberland Coast Path. Both offer rich landscapes and deep history — from Roman forts and crags to castles, islands, and sea cliffs.
Yes — Holy Island is accessible by a tidal causeway from the mainland. It’s essential to check tide times before walking or driving across, as the causeway is submerged at high tide. The island offers peaceful walking, historic ruins, and stunning views.
The Cheviots are remote and feel wild, but many routes are manageable for confident beginners with a map and good footwear. Wooler and Ingram make excellent bases for easier ridge walks and valley trails.
The region is great for birdwatching, stargazing, coastal kayaking, and cycling, especially along quiet country roads or the Coast & Castles route. Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands are also famous for wildlife and photography.
Look for places in Wooler, Alnwick, Bamburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed, or Middleton-in-Teesdale. You’ll find coastal inns, countryside B&Bs, and welcoming pubs that cater to walkers and cyclists.
