Discover 3 of Northumberland’s Most Breath-taking Walks

Looking for the best walks in Northumberland with epic views, ancient legends and hidden gems? These three breath-taking hikes are beloved by locals and packed with history, mystery and magic. Northumberland is a land of rugged beauty, where legends linger in the hills and waterfalls whisper stories of the past. As someone who’s spent years exploring its hidden corners, I’ve narrowed it down to my top three walks, each one offering a very different adventure. If you love dramatic landscapes, myth-soaked stones and woodland waterfalls, keep reading.

In this blog I’ll share with you my three favourite walks in Northumberland. As a local I’ve visited many around the county but these three are by far my favourites. Each is very different to the other, each having its own charm, appeal and very different character.

I’ll share with you my personal insights, some of the local history, myths and legends for each walk, and a few top tips for making your Northumberland hiking adventure a very memorable one.

A Summer Sunrise over the Simonside Hills above Rothbury

Simonside Hills Walk – Ancient Spirits and Epic Views

The Simonside Hills are more than just a stunning backdrop to Rothbury, they’re steeped in myth and alive with energy. Climbing Simonside feels like stepping into an old Northumbrian folktale. The views stretch for miles, taking in the Cheviots and even the sea on a clear day. But it’s not just the scenery that makes this walk unforgettable.

The Simonside Hills are the legendary home of the Duergar, mischievous dwarf-like creatures said to lure travellers off the path after dark. I’ve walked here countless times and there’s something undeniably eerie about the way the mist rolls over the hills, even in daylight. Locals say you should never walk here after sunset, and I never do.

Early morning mist in the valley below the Simonside Hills

This is a moderate circular walk, with a good mix of woodland, heath, and open ridges. The summit of Simonside is around 430 metres, with a dramatic ridge walk that feels much higher. It’s especially magical in the golden light of late afternoon. Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Lordenshaws car park, free. Or start in Thropton from the Three Wheat Heads Inn

• Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads, sheep grazing in area

• Opening Times: Open year-round, rocks can be very slippy in Winter

• Admission Charges: Free

• Child Friendly: Older children (10+) with walking experience

• Facilities: None on site, Rothbury nearby for shops and toilets
  

Food & Drinks: There are a number of fantastic places to eat and drink in Rothbury following your hike. Great traditional pub food is served at the Newcastle House, Queens Head, and Turks Head. If you fancy something a bit more gourmet as a treat, we can heartly recommend Bewicks in Rothbury. The Three Wheat Heads Inn at Thropton, has a very extensive menu too, very reasonably priced and great portions.

The hills are a haven for wildlife

The Drake Stone & Harbottle Walk – Where Legends Are Carved in Stone

This circular walk from the village of Harbottle takes you through one of the most atmospheric places in Northumberland. The star of the show is the Drake Stone, an enormous sandstone boulder perched on the hillside above Harbottle. Local legend says it has healing powers, especially for children. Some believe it was once a Druidic site.

Climbing to the stone is short but steep, and well worth the effort. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the Coquet Valley and Harbottle Forest. On a windy day, the stone hums faintly, some say it’s the whispers of ancient spirits.

Looking out across the valley at Harbottle

The route then drops into Harbottle Lake and the surrounding forest, which feels completely untouched by time. I often come here when I need to reset, as it’s a place that feels protected and peaceful, like stepping into another world.

The Drake Stone is an impressive sight

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Small lay-by in Harbottle village, or the carpark below the castle

• Dog Friendly: Yes but keep dogs on a lead when livestock is around

• Opening Times: Open year-round

• Admission Charges: Free

• Child Friendly: Yes, with supervision on steep ascent and around the lake

• Facilities: Toilets in Harbottle at the Star Pub

Food & Drinks: For amazing stone baked pizza, traditional pub food and a warm welcome you can't go wrong with a visit to the Star Inn. It has a fantastic courtyard area which is a suntrap in the Summer months. The pub is dog and child friendly too.

Fancy a wild swim in Harbottle hill top lake?

Hareshaw Linn – Northumberland’s Secret Waterfall Walk

Tucked away behind the village of Bellingham, Hareshaw Linn is a lush, fern-filled gorge walk leading to one of the most magical waterfalls in Northumberland. This is a gentle, family-friendly trail that feels like a secret garden, especially after rain, when the falls roar through the forest. In late Spring the woodland floor is covered with wild garlic, the strong scent fills the air as you zig-zig your way along the trail on route to the waterfall.

Wild garlic carpets the forest floor in late Spring

The walk winds through ancient woodland, over wooden bridges and past the ruins of old ironworks. Hareshaw Linn itself is a 30-foot cascade hidden in a sandstone amphitheatre that feels otherworldly. I always bring visitors here when they want something easy but unforgettable.

It’s also a haven for wildlife. Look out for red squirrels, dippers, and even the odd deer if you’re quiet. Early morning or golden hour are the best times to visit for photos and solitude.

Hareshaw Linn waterfall

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Bellingham village car park, free

• Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near livestock

• Opening Times: Open year-round, avoid after heavy storms, it can get very muddy

• Admission Charges: Free

• Child Friendly: Yes, with supervision on slippery paths

• Facilities: Toilets in Bellingham

Food & Drinks: Carriages Tea Room or Fountain Cottage Café in the village, they also serve great ice cream.

One of the wooden bridges that zig-zags across the river on route to the waterfall

Final Thoughts, What’s Your Next Northumberland Adventure?

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Northumberland walking recommendations. If you’ve got any questions at all, feel free to comment in the section below or reach out via the website.

If you loved this blog and you’re a big nature and history fan, you might enjoy my “5 Top Tips for Planning the Ultimate Northumberland 250 Adventure”

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Planning the perfect road trip to Northumberland? No trip is complete without your personal travel guide. Grab a copy of our 377-page full-colour guide and start planning the ultimate road trip adventure here.

Our 377-page full colour Northumberland 250 guidebook

See you out there, Debby