The North East of England blends scenic trails with historic landmarks and charming villages, all set against rugged coastlines, rolling fields, and peaceful woodlands. Whether you live here or are visiting, its dramatically beautiful landscape is perfect for exploring on foot.
Walking isn’t just good for the body; it’s good for the mind and soul, too. It’s also a simple way to get fresh air, boost your mood, and reconnect with nature, often leading to unexpected discoveries – from cosy country pubs to breathtaking hidden viewpoints.
So, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, here are seven of the best walks in the North East.
1. The Hareshaw Linn Walk, Northumberland
For nature lovers, few places feel as magical as Hareshaw Linn. Home to over 300 species of mosses, liverworts, and lichens, this spectacular waterfall is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The surrounding woodland also teems with wildlife, including red squirrels, woodpeckers, dippers, badgers, and even Daubenton’s bats.
If rare flora and fauna aren’t your thing, just walking the three-mile circular trail can be magical. The path winds through ancient trees, around moss-covered rocks, and over quaint footbridges, with the highlight being a 30-foot waterfall, tucked in a leafy gorge. The sound of rushing water and the cool, damp air only add to the atmosphere as you venture deeper into the forest.
This dog-friendly walk takes around two hours and begins and ends at Hareshaw Linn car park in Bellingham. The village has plenty of refreshment options, from cafés to traditional pubs, and the heritage centre offers fascinating insights into the area’s mining and railway history.
For more information, head over to the Northumberland National Park website.
2. Whitley Bay Coastal Walk, Tyne and Wear
Nothing beats a bracing coastal walk to blow away the cobwebs, and the route from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay is a North East classic. Starting at the clifftop ruins of the 7th-century Tynemouth Priory and Castle, this flat, three-mile path follows the seafront promenade along one of the region’s most scenic stretches of coastline.
You’ll pass Longsands Beach, a favourite with surfers, before reaching Cullercoats Bay – a pretty former fishing village with colourful boats and cafés overlooking the water. As you continue towards Whitley Bay, you’ll spot the elegant Edwardian Spanish City Dome, followed by St Mary’s Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a tidal island you can walk to when the tide is out.
This gentle, wheelchair-accessible route is lined with coffee shops, ice-cream stands, fish-and-chip shops, and toilets, so you can easily make a day of it. If you don’t fancy the return leg, simply hop on the Metro back to Tynemouth.
For more information, head over to the Visit North Tyneside website.
3. Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort, Northumberland
Stretching for 84 miles from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, Hadrian’s Wall is one of Britain’s most iconic long-distance trails. The full route takes 6–10 days to complete, but for a shorter – yet still spectacular section – why not try the Housesteads to Steel Rigg circular walk?
This eight-mile route begins at the Housesteads Fort visitor centre and winds through some of Northumberland’s most dramatic scenery. Built by the Romans in 122AD to guard the empire’s northern frontier, the Wall still bears the remains of milecastles, watchtowers, and forts, so you can enjoy delving into ancient history as you trek.
The well-marked path offers sweeping views of rugged hills and moorland. Graded moderate, it takes about three hours to complete, and starts and finishes at the visitor centre, where you’ll also find a café for a pre- or post-walk treat.
For more details on the route, visit the National Trust website.
4. Hamsterley Forest trails, County Durham
For peaceful woodland walks, Hamsterley Forest is difficult to beat. Stretching along a sheltered valley of the River Wear, this vast forest combines towering pines, tranquil streams, and wide-open moorland, and its extensive network of paths offers something for every walker.
For an easy option, try the Bedburn Valley Loop, a 2.5-mile route along Bedburn Beck with picnic spots and wooden bridges. Or, for a more challenging option, the Three Becks Walk (nine miles) ventures deep into the forest, linking three streams and rewarding you with sweeping moorland views.
A popular middle ground is the five-mile Doctor’s Gate and Blackling Hole Falls Walk. This local favourite takes you through some of Hamsterley’s most impressive forest and moorland scenery, and the dramatic Blackling Hole waterfall is always impressive, especially after rainfall. Keep an eye out for red kites, kingfishers, deer, and woodpeckers as you wander.
For full trail details, head over to the Forestry England website.
5. Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire
Technically just within the North East boundary, Roseberry Topping is one of North Yorkshire’s most distinctive peaks, and its unforgettable views make the climb worthwhile.
Rising 320 metres, this almost triangular hill is steeped in history, from tales of smugglers to connections with Captain Cook, and its unusual shape, formed by a 19th-century mine collapse, makes it instantly recognisable. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Cleveland Hills, Teesside countryside, and even the North Sea on clear days.
Starting from Great Ayton station, the four-mile circular route passes through heather moorland and open fields before the steep final ascent. The summit is exposed, so do keep dogs on leads. Remember to bring your camera…and your stamina.
For more on this route, head over to the National Trust.
6. Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Northumberland
Can’t decide between a riverside walk, a woodland wander, or a gorge hike? Allen Banks and Staward Gorge offer all three. Covering 250 hectares, this ancient woodland is Northumberland’s largest and one of its most peaceful escapes. The scenery is stunning year-round: in spring, the forest floor is carpeted with bluebells and, in autumn, crisp golden leaves blanket the paths.
Starting from Allen Banks car park, the gentle four-mile circular trail follows the River Allen through lush forest and into the dramatic Staward Gorge. Along the way, you’ll discover the remains of a medieval tower, an old mill, and a 19th-century house.
Wildlife lovers can also spot more than 70 bird species, as well as roe deer, otters, and red squirrels. Benches along the route provide perfect spots to stop and take in the tranquil beauty of the forest.
Why not visit the National Trust website to find out more?
7. Derwent Walk Railway Path, County Durham
The Derwent Walk is a North East favourite, combining riverside scenery, open countryside, and a touch of industrial heritage. Following a disused railway line between Consett and Swalwell, just southwest of Newcastle upon Tyne, the 11-mile route is popular with walkers and cyclists. And, with well-surfaced, mostly level paths, it’s accessible, too.
You’ll pass through villages like Ebenezer, Rowlands Gill and Hamsterley Mill, and with plenty of pubs and cafés en route, you can easily make a day of it. Highlights include the impressive Nine Arches Viaduct and Derwenthaugh Park near Swalwell, which has a visitor centre and other facilities.
Keep an eye out for red kites, which were successfully reintroduced in the Derwent Valley, and can often be seen gliding majestically above the trees. A bus service connects Consett with Swalwell, so you don’t have to trek back, either!
More details about the route are available on the Durham website.
Final thoughts…
From ancient Roman walls and roaring waterfalls to windswept cliffs and tranquil forests, the North East of England is packed with incredible landscapes. Each walk offers a glimpse of the region’s unique charm, whether that’s its rich history, stunning scenery, or friendly, welcoming character.
Whether you’re after a gentle riverside stroll, a woodland wander with your dog, or a bracing coastal hike, there’s a trail to suit every pace, ability, and mood. Walking gives us the chance to slow down, clear our heads, and reconnect with nature, and these walks not only showcase the beauty of the North East but also remind us of the simple joy of being outdoors.
Have you been on any of these walks? Or do you have your own suggestions for the best walking trails in the North East? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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