Top 10 dog walks in Northumberland
Discover ourTop 10 Dog Walks in Northumberland
Our Northumberland campsite is dog friendly and offers a selection of dog friendly glamping. We have a choice of dog friendly accommodation in Northumberland and the following campsite facilities for dogs. We charge a small cleaning fee per stay for dog friendly glamping and welcome 2 dogs free of charge on our tenr and touring pitches. Our dog friendly campsite has the following facilities for your pets:
- Hot water dog wash - perfect for getting your pet clean after one of our Top 10 dog walks in Northumberland
- Secure exercise field - where pets can be safely let off the lead - you can book the field for exclusive use
- Scenic dog walk - Northumberland sunsets
- Selection of dog treats, toys and essentials for sale in our campsite shop
- Sturdy dog rings on all glamping anf touring pitches
- Dog welcome packs in our dog friendly lodge with hot tub and pet friendly Castle Pods
- Local dog walks - a lovely circular walk from the site down Haltwhistle Burn
- Dog Checklist - so you don't forget anything
Dog walkers should be conscious that there may be livestock at certain times of the year when undertaking one of our best dog walks in Northumberland and dogs may need to be kept on a lead.
What, in our opinion, are the best dog walks in Northumberland?
1. Sycamore Gap & Hadrian’s Wall
One of our Top 10 dog walks in Northumberland to what was ne of the most iconic landmarks in Northumberland. A circular walk East from Steel Rigg or West from Housesteads Roman Fort along Hadrian’s Wall to the once site of the infamous tree at Sycamore Gap. A return is possible using the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall bus, dog friendly public transport in Northumberland. The Ad122 stops at the entrance to our campsite entrance. A 5-mile Northumberland dog walk highlighted by the National Trust can be followed by clicking HERE. Hadrian’s Wall is perfect for dog walks in Northumberland. Alternatively there is a longer walk which also takes in the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, click HERE for a route map. Refreshments at The Sill or Twice Brewed, as well as a cafe at Vindolanda.
2. Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Owned by the National Trust Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is a wooded valley, perfect for exercising your dog, just a 10-minute drive from our dog friendly campsite. A 5-mile dog friendly walk takes you alongside the river gorge up to an old pele tower at Staward Peel from where there are lovely views. There are also shorter walks along the river. The National Trust website includes a selection of dog friendly walks at Allen banks and Staward Gorge. There is dog friendly public transport in Northumberland via the Stagecoach 685 which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle and stops at both Haltwhistle and the Ridly Hall road end from where you can walk to Allen Banks.
3. Hareshaw Linn Waterfall
Located just outside the small village of Bellingham, the Hareshaw Linn walk is a dog friendly walk 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 could combine Kielder Forest dog walks with a trip to Bellingham. You have a good chance of spotting a range of birds and wildlife, including the red squirrel. The First and Last Brewery have a tap room close to the start of the walk. There is no direct bus from Haltwhistle to Bellingham.
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4. Langley Viaduct
Listed on the National Heritage List for England, Langley Viaduct is one of the best dog walks in Northumberland. A wonderful 7km circular walk taking in the River South Tyne and the privately owned Featherstone Castle. 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 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). Please note that the viaduct is currently closed but there is a diversion in place. For dog friendly public transport in Northumberland the 681 bus runs from Haltwhistle to Rowfoot or it's about an hours walk from Haltwhistle to the start of the walk.
5. Kielder Forest Dog Walks
Dogs are welcome at Kielder and there are a variety of trails around the Kielder Reservoir and plenty of 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. There are 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. Read our blog on Things to do at Kielder.
6. Coastal Dog Walks in Northumberland
Northumberland is blessed with dozens of glorious sandy beaches, the closest being about a 60-minute drive from Herding Hill Farm and around a 90-minute drive to the Northern Northumberland beaches. Most beaches have no dog restrictions and so it would be remiss of us not to include our coastal Top 10 dog walks in Northumberland. The best dog friendly beaches in Northumberland are the beaches at:
- 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 be kept on a lead at all times. The River Walk at Wallington is an opportunity to see abundant wildlife including otter and kingfisher. 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.
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8. Bolam Lake
Bolam Lake is home to swans and other waterfowl and is a great dog walk in Northumberland, with a 1-mile fully-accessible circular path. Thrunton Woods & Long Crag is a longer 7.5-mile moderate hike 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 a cafe at the Visitor Centre.
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.
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 the six of the Cheviot Hills that break the magical two thousand feet 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.
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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. Pack your walking boots, pick your path—urban, woodland, hill, or coastal adventure awaits!