A Guide to the Top Walks Across the North East

From walks along the coast to woodland trails, the North East offers a wide-ranging selection of routes that nature lovers or those in search of knowledge of regional history can pursue. This list displays the best of these walks, stretching from Northumberland down to Durham.

CRAGSIDE

Surrounding an incredible Victorian country house, Cragside’s extensive gardens possess a wide variety of trails encircled by nature.

One trail, Nelly’s Moss lakes walk, is perfect for those who wish to walk a short distance. The 1.5-mile trail around Cragside’s lakes allows visitors to explore the grounds within a short amount of time, leaving additional time to view Cragside House.

For longer distance walkers, there are routes such as the Gun Walk. This is a more difficult 3-mile hike on which you can explore the fairytale-like grounds extensively.

The site is overseen by the National Trust, meaning that non-members have to pay a fee to visit.

 

GIBSIDE

Another National Trust site, Gibside is home to several trails that lead guests around woodlands.

The 2.4-mile ‘Liberty Trail’ passes by the impressive Column to Liberty and Orangery, offering visitors the opportunity to walk around the gardens whilst also viewing structural features.

Alternatively, a 5.5-mile-long ‘Wonders of Nature’ trail gives guests the option to venture through woodlands on a slightly more challenging landscape, whilst watching for wildlife (including deer)!

All trails are circular, beginning and ending at Market Place, where visitors can enjoy food in the cafe, or even visit the second-hand bookshop.

 

SHINCLIFFE TO DURHAM CITY CIRCULAR

Beginning and ending in Shincliffe, this 6.5-mile circular route takes you past multiple landmarks and historic buildings, with information boards to read at points along the riverbank.

One of the first points of interest is St. Oswald’s Church. Walkers should pass through the churchyard to continue onto a path on the bank of the River Wear, then follow the riverside path to Prebends Bridge, completed in 1778.

 

Continuing onto the riverbank, walkers will see structures such as The Count’s House (a summerhouse built in the 1820s) and Durham Cathedral, before finally heading back to Shincliffe by following the footbridge to the Western bank.

 

PENSHAW MONUMENT

One of Sunderland’s most popular landmarks, visitors can climb the steps to the top of Penshaw Hill to view the monument, or follow a 2.6-mile-long trail named the Lambton Worm walk. This trail gives visitors an insight into local folklore whilst offering views of the woodlands that surround the monument.

From April to the end of September every year, guests can book to climb atop Penshaw Monument’s roof via the National Trust website for just £5.

The area surrounding the monument has multiple options for refreshments, including Penshaw Tearoom and Love Lily.

 

SOUTER LIGHTHOUSE TO CLEADON HILLS CIRCULAR

Starting at Souter Lighthouse car park, this circular walk is 6.3 miles long and will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

On this scenic route, walkers will pass the Italianate Water Tower and Old Windmill atop Cleadon Hills.

When passing Cornthwaite Park, walkers can cross the street towards Latimer’s Seafood. This gives the opportunity to stop for a break and refreshments before rejoining the coastal path along the clifftops, heading back towards Souter Lighthouse.

 

HOWICK HALL TO CRASTER CIRCULAR

A 6.2-mile walk that crosses Howick Hall Gardens, woodlands and Craster’s coast, this circular route displays multiple aspects of nature.

The picturesque trail begins at Howick Hall, where a fee is required for entry. However, if looking to visit a historic estate, this is a great budget-friendly option as tickets cost £6.05 for students. Parking is free for visitors to the estate.

If looking to take a break, walkers can choose from a multitude of pubs and cafes along the halfway point of the route in Craster.

 

WATERGATE FOREST PARK

Located in Gateshead, this park has two main woodland trails that walkers can follow.

One option is to take the circular lake walk, which is only 1.4 miles and allows a complete view of the lake and its wildlife.

If you would prefer to take a longer walk, the Watergate and Washingwell Wander route within the park takes you to destinations such as the waterfall, pieces of artwork and sculptures.

 

KIELDER FOREST

As the largest man-made woodland in England, Kielder Forest boasts a seemingly endless variety of trails and roads. These range in difficulty, ensuring that there is a walk suited to everyone.

One of the routes, Bull Crag circular, is a long, yet accessible trail. With mostly flat terrain, visitors will experience scenic views of Kielder Water (Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake) and vast woodlands along the 6.5-mile walk.

 

For additional information on pricing and routes, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ and https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/