The Four Best Forest Walks in Northumberland
- Debby
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Love woodland walks, hidden waterfalls and wildlife? These stunning Northumberland forests are perfect for quiet hikes, scenic photos and soul-soothing escapes into nature as you travel the Northumberland 250 Road Trip.
Northumberland’s forests are some of the most peaceful places in the county. They’re often overlooked for beaches and castles, but for me and Jeff, the woodlands are where the real magic lives. Whether you’re after a short family walk or a long, soul-stirring ramble through pine-scented trails, you’ll find it here.
In this blog, I’ll share my top four forest walks in Northumberland, each one different in mood, scenery and experience. From fairytale glades to dramatic ravines, these walks will take you deep into the heart of the wild.
I’ll also share some personal memories, practical advice, and tips to help you make the most of each spot. If you’re craving stillness, wild beauty and a chance to reconnect with nature, these forests are calling your name.
1. Thrunton Woods: A Hidden Gem with Big Views
Tucked between Rothbury and Alnwick, Thrunton Woods is a local favourite. It offers a perfect mix of woodland peace and panoramic views, especially if you climb up to Coe Crag or Callaly Crag. This forest is full of winding trails, mossy rocks, and a silence that feels ancient.
I love walking here in autumn when the bracken turns gold and the mist hangs low between the trees. There’s also a quiet eeriness that makes it feel like stepping into another world.
Some locals believe Thrunton is haunted, and there are stories of ghostly monks seen on the path. True or not, the atmosphere is something you have to experience to understand.
Top Tip: The circular route to Coe Crag and back takes around 2–3 hours and includes one of the best forest views in the county. Take a photograph of the information board before setting off, that way you have a record of the clearly marked routes.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Forestry England car park
Dog Friendly: Yes, very
Opening Times: Open all year
Admission Charges: Free
Child Friendly: Yes, for confident walkers
Facilities: The is a café on site which opens at 10am
Nearest Towns: Head to Rothbury or The Running Fox Café at Powburn for refreshments
2. Kielder Forest: The Wildest Place in England
No list of Northumberland forests would be complete without Kielder. It’s the largest man-made forest in the UK and home to over 250 square miles of walking trails, art installations and incredible wildlife.
You can spot red squirrels, roe deer and birds of prey here, and at night, the skies are some of the darkest in Europe. The walk around Kielder Water is long, but you can choose sections depending on how far you want to go. Jeff has walked the full forest path circular a number of times clocking up over 30 miles in a day and ticking of numerous sculptures and interesting artworks on route.
My favourite part is the Lewisburn Valley trail. It’s quieter than the lakeside path and takes you through a peaceful mix of forest and moorland, with bubbling streams and hidden sculptures along the way.
Top Tip: Bring binoculars if you’re into wildlife. Kielder is a hotspot for red squirrel sightings, especially in the quieter trails. In the summer months be prepared for the midges, bring insect repellent, especially if you're waling early morning or evening. If you plan to sit and picnic, pack some citronella candles to keep the midges away.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Multiple pay and display car parks around Kielder or you can pay online in advance
Dog Friendly: Yes, ideal for dogs
Opening Times: Open all year
Admission Charges: Forest free, parking from £2–£5
Child Friendly: Yes, lots of activities for kids
Facilities: Visitor centres, play areas, toilets
Café: Kielder Castle Café, or Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
3. Harwood Forest: Peaceful, Remote and Undiscovered
If you’re looking for solitude, Harwood Forest is the place to go. Located between Rothbury and Elsdon, it’s less developed than Kielder or Thrunton, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The wide forestry tracks are perfect for long walks or even cycling, and there are views across the Simonside Hills that take your breath away. This is the kind of place where you might not see another person for hours.
I often come here when I need to clear my head. The air is fresh, the silence is total, and the sky feels closer somehow. You won’t find signs or visitor centres, just forest, moorland and space to think.
Top Tip: Be prepared with a downloaded map. Signal is limited and signage is sparse.
No trip to Harwood Forest is complete without a 5 minute detour to visit the spooky site of Winter's Gibbet, a lonely gallows pole on a remote moor located just of the road passing the forest.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Small lay-bys and track entrances
Dog Friendly: Yes
Opening Times: Always open
Admission Charges: Free
Child Friendly: Best for older children
Facilities: None
Café: Nearest options in Rothbury town or the Bird Inn the Bush Inn at Elsdon the do great bar meals and also have a cafe serving cakes, traybakes, pies and sandwiches.
4. Holystone Woods: A Sacred Spring and Spiritual Stillness
Holystone is one of Northumberland’s most underrated forest walks. Tucked away in the Coquet Valley near Harbottle, this beautiful little woodland surrounds the Lady’s Well, a sacred spring that has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
The walk itself is short and gentle, but the spiritual energy here is powerful. The trees lean in quietly, and the spring water is crystal clear. It’s said that Saint Ninian baptised early Christians here in the 7th century.
Lady's Well at Holystone a real hidden gem
I always bring a flask and sit by the water for a while. Whether you’re spiritual or not, it’s hard not to feel something in this peaceful, forgotten place.
Top Tip: Combine this with a walk up to the Drake Stone and Harbottle Lake for a full-day experience of forest, legends and views.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Small parking area at Holystone
Dog Friendly: Yes
Opening Times: Open all year
Admission Charges: Free
Child Friendly: Yes
Facilities: None on site
Café: Head to the Rose & Thistle at Alwinton, the Star Inn at Harbottle or Rothbury town for food and drink
Final Thoughts and What’s Your Next Northumberland Adventure?
I hope this blog inspires you to explore some of Northumberland’s best forest walks. These are the places I go when I want to feel grounded, breathe deeply and reconnect with the natural world.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like "Discover 3 of Northumberland’s Most Breath-taking Walks"
Join our Northumberland 250 Adventures Group to find even more hidden trails, local tips, and peaceful places away from the crowds. We share real stories, walking routes, and all the best secret spots. Join us at: Northumberland 250 Adventures | Facebook
Planning a trip? Don’t forget to grab your copy of our full-colour 377-page Northumberland travel guide. It’s packed with forest walks, castle ruins, myths, maps and insider-only gems. You can buy your copy here today.
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