Top 10 dog walks in Northumberland

Looking for the best dog walks in Northumberland?

Whether you’re looking for a scenic coastal stroll, a woodland trial with waterfalls or a challenging walk across the Northumberland hills, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly routes across the county.

At Herding Hill Farm, we’re perfectly placed for exploring some of the best dog walks in Northumberland. From Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Forest to Bamburgh Beach, here are 10 of our favourite places to walk with your dog during your stay.

Walking responsibly with your dog

Many of Northumberland's most scenic walking routes pass through farmland and countryside where livestock may be grazing. To help protect animals, wildlife and the landscape, please follow local guidance and keep dogs on a lead where required.

10 best dog walks in Northumberland

1. Sycamore Gap & Hadrian’s Wall

A circular walk east from Steel Rigg or west from Housesteads Roman Fort along Hadrian’s Wall to the Sycamore Gap, where the infamous tree used to stand proud.

Distance: 5 miles
How to get here: You can either walk or drive to the starting point of this walk, as it is only 3.5 miles from our campsite. The AD122 Hadrian’s Wall bus is dog-friendly and can take you to and from our campsite, stopping right outside our entrance. 

For directions for this walk, you can follow the National Trust’s guide.

2. Allen Banks & Staward Gorge

Owned by the National Trust, Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is a wooded valley, perfect for exercising your dog. A 5-mile dog-friendly walk can take you alongside the river gorge up to an old pele tower at Staward Peel, where there are lovely views. There are also shorter walks along the river.

Distance: 5 miles
How to get here: This walk is just a 10-minute drive from our campsite. The Stagecoach 685 bus is dog-friendly and runs between Newcastle and Carlisle, stopping in Haltwhistle, and can take you to and from the town centre to Ridly Hall Road end, where you can walk to Allen Banks.

For directions for this walk, you can follow the National Trust’s dog walk guide.

3. Hareshaw Linn Waterfall

Located just outside the small village of Bellingham, this dog-friendly walk takes you through an area of Woodland Trust of around 3 miles to a spectacular set of cascading waterfalls. The magical forest is home to a variety of ferns, mosses and lichen. You even have a good chance of spotting a range of birds and wildlife, including the red squirrel.

You can also combine Kielder Forest dog walks with a trip to Bellingham.

Distance: 3 miles
How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle to Bellingham.

For directions for this walk, visit the Northumberland National Park website.

4. Langley Viaduct

Listed on the National Heritage List for England, this is one of the best dog walks in Northumberland. Enjoy this circular walk taking in the River South Tyne and the privately owned Featherstone Castle. Make sure you also watch out for the old prisoner-of-war buildings on the riverside.

Walkers can picnic and relax near the river under the 11 arches of this beautiful 19th-century viaduct that used to carry the Alston to Haltwhistle railway line and then climb the stairs to cross the viaduct itself.

The walk is particularly spectacular in Autumn when walkers are treated to the colourful site of the trees along the river changing colour. The area is on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Distance: 4.5 miles
How to get here: We would recommend driving to the starting point of this walk, as it is 6.5 miles from our campsite. The 681 bus is dog-friendly and runs from Haltwhistle to Rowoot. 

5. Kielder Forest Dog Walks

Kielder Forest is the largest woodland forest in England, and Kielder Water is Britain’s largest man-made lake. You can walk or cycle the 26-mile lakeshore path.

Dogs are welcome at Kielder, where there are a variety of trials around Kielder Reservoir and plenty of dog walks around Kielder Forest. There are also lots of outdoor sculptures on the Kielder Forest dog walks. Both the Dukes trail and the Duchess trails are good dog-friendly walks at Kielder, and both start from the visitor centre at Kielder Castle.

If you want to spend some more time at Kielder, here’s what we would recommend.

How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle.

To learn more about Kielder Forest, visit their website.

6. Coastal dog walks in Northumberland

Northumberland is blessed with dozens of glorious sandy beaches, with the closest to Herding Hill Farm around a 60-minute drive and a 90-minute drive to the northern Northumberland beaches.

The best dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland: 

• Alnmouth
• Beadnell Bay (dogs must be on a lead during bird breeding season)
• Craster – from where there is an iconic coastal circular route to Dunstanburgh Castle, which can be extended via Embleton Bay
• Druridge Bay nature reserve
• Seahouses
• Bamburgh, dominated by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle

There are plenty of dog-friendly pubs to choose from in the coastal villages such as Amble, Warkworth, Craster, Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh.

7. Wallington Hall

Although dogs are not allowed inside Wallington Hall itself, there are miles of dog walks through the National Trust gardens, woodland and River Wansbeck. Dogs must always be kept on a lead.

The River Walk at Wallington is an opportunity to see abundant wildlife, including otters and kingfishers. The Farm Walk takes you on a relatively flat, circular walk around the Broom House and Prior Hall Farm fields which are 2 of the 15 farms on the Wallington estate.

How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle.

To learn more about Wallington Hall, visit their website.

8. Bolam Lake

Home to swans and other waterfowl, this is a great dog walk in Northumberland with a 1-mile fully accessible circular path. Thrunton Woods and Long Crag are longer 7.5-mile moderate hikes through woods to peaks, offering varied terrain and excellent views. The Bolam Lake Country Park provides the perfect environment for wildlife such as roe deer, red squirrels, and nuthatches. There is also a cafe at the Visitor Centre.

How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle.

Interested in Bolam Lake? Take a look at their website. 

9. Cragside

Operated by the National Trust, Cragside has huge grounds and gardens. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces at Cragside, including the Rock Garden, Formal Garden, Pinetum and woodland.

There are a variety of Cragside Walks to choose from, including the Gun Walk, Armstrong Trail, Nelly’s Moss Lakes Walk, Inspiration Trail and the Views of Cragside Trail. As well as wonderful flowers and gardens, a wide variety of wildlife and pondlife can be seen. Cragside can also be easily combined with a trip to the lovely town of Rothbury.

How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle.

To learn more about the walks at Cragside, visit their website.

10. The Cheviots

For those looking for something more energetic, the Cheviot Hills (or Cheviots) straddle the border between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders and offer some of the best dog walks in Northumberland. The Cheviot is the highest point in the Northumberland National Park at 815 metres. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District and even Edinburgh. The Big One is a 23-mile walk taking in six of the Cheviot Hills that break the magical two thousand-foot barrier. Starting from the beautiful Harthope Valley, this walk crosses the windswept tops of The Cheviot, Windy Gyle, Bloodybush Edge, Cushat Law, Comb Fell and Hedgehope Hill.

There are also lots of smaller dog-friendly walks if you don’t fancy anything quite so strenuous! The College Valley & Three Forts Foray is a moderate 5-mile circular route, ideal for history and nature lovers with scenic river views and hidden hillforts.

How to get here: This walk can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Haltwhistle.

To learn more about the Cheviots, take a look at their website.

FAQs

What are the best dog walks in Northumberland?

Some of the best dog walks in Northumberland include Hadrian's Wall, Allen Banks, Hareshaw Linn, Kielder Forest, Cragside and Bamburgh Beach. These routes offer a mix of countryside, woodland, coastal scenery and historic landmarks.

Can dogs walk on Hadrian's Wall?

Yes, dogs are welcome on most sections of Hadrian's Wall National Trail. Owners should keep dogs under control and follow local signage, particularly where livestock may be present.

Are dogs allowed on Northumberland beaches?

Many beaches in Northumberland welcome dogs throughout the year, although some may have seasonal restrictions. Popular dog-friendly beaches include Bamburgh Beach, Alnmouth Beach, Beadnell Bay and Druridge Bay.

Where can I stay for a dog-walking holiday in Northumberland?

Herding Hill Farm is ideally located for exploring Northumberland's countryside, coastline and Hadrian's Wall. The award-winning, dog-friendly campsite offers glamping, camping and touring pitches, along with facilities including a secure dog exercise field and dog wash.

Stay close to Northumberland’s best dog walks

Planning to explore the best dog walks in Northumberland? Herding Hill Farm is the perfect base for you and your four-legged companion.

Winners of the Dog Friendliest Campsite Award 2025, we offer facilities designed with dogs in mind, including a secure dog exercise field, dedicated dog wash and plenty of space for stretching paws after a day of adventure.

With dog-friendly glamping, camping and touring pitches, plus easy access to Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland National Park and the county's stunning coastline, you'll be perfectly placed to discover some of the region's most scenic walks. After a day exploring timeless landscapes and history-rich paths, return to Herding Hill Farm to enjoy dog-friendly glamping and unwind under starlit skies.