Walking and Hiking in Northumberland
England is crossed by a vast network of public footpaths which provide open access to the countryside.
It is illegal for farmers and landowners to do anything to restrict members of the
public from using these footpaths and local authorities (like Northumberland County
Council) are responsible for ensuring that all paths are kept open and useable.
There are no less than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridle ways in the County, suitable
for walkers, which provides some indication of the variety available.
You are welcome to come enjoy walking in Northumberland but please always follow
the Country Code. It is especially important to stay on designated footpath routes
and to keep dogs on leads when there is any livestock (farm animals) present.
Bellingham
Hareshaw Linn/Shepherd's Walks - This is a wonderful woodland walk, which follows the Hareshaw Dene up to the Linn , a 30ft waterfall. (Linn is the old English for waterfall).During the first part of the walk you will pass through the spoil heaps of the iron works before entering the woodland section which has been enjoyed by locals since the end of the 19th century. A wide range of fauna and wildlife is around you all the time, so it is certainly not a walk to be rushed.
Simonburn
Each walk can have stiles, hilly slopes, muddy paths and is about 5/7 miles in length.
Walks are only suitable for those used to walking in the countryside and people
take part at their own risk, although every effort is made to ensure public safety.
Please bring a light lunch, waterproofs and boots.You may wish to have morning coffee
before the walk and finish with afternoon tea. Sorry no dogs. All walks are on a
Wednesday except where stated. Car Parking in main car park.
Costs:
£2 adults
Date:
tbc
Time:
tbc
Location:
Simonburn Tea Room, Simonburn, NE48 3AR
Maurice Holliday 01661 85391
Kielder - Duke's Trail
Here you’ll find something for everyone: ancient woodland with ash, oak, alder, hazel and all the wildlife they bring - there’s even an adventure playground for the kids. You’ll discover a wealth of other exciting things to do off route too. Explore thought provoking sculptures; go on a Water Cruise; go camping; try windsurfing; make feathered friends at the Bird of Prey Centre or take a trip to nearby Otterburn Mill.
Start/Parking
Kielder Castle. OS Map Grid Reference NY632935
Explorer Map OL 42
- Start in the grounds of the 18th Century Kielder Castle, the former hunting lodge of the Duke of Northumberland, and the main centre for information about the forest. The Castle also houses a series of exhibitions about the forest and its wildlife, together with a gift shop and licensed restaurant.
- Follow the trail around the adventure play area, passing Kielder Burn on your right.
- A spur takes wheelchair users up Castle Hill. Walkers looking for a more challenging route can cross the Forest Drive, reaching Ravenshill Wood after a quarter of a mile.
- Continue along the route through the ancient semi-natural woodland of Ravenshill Wood which includes ash, oak, alder and hazel. There is a total of 25 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland in Kielder Forest.
- A gradual descent takes you close to Kielder Campsite, a picturesque 70 pitch camping and caravanning site in Kielder Village, before the forest road leads you back to Kielder Castle.