Northumberland is a walker’s paradise, offering everything from gentle woodland strolls to invigorating coastal hikes. Staying at South Meadows puts you in the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of trails, whether you’re looking for short family-friendly routes or rewarding day-long adventures with spectacular views. Here are some of the best walking trails to explore nearby.
This scenic 3-mile trail connects two of Northumberland’s most charming coastal villages. Starting at Bamburgh Castle, the walk follows sandy shores and grassy dunes with stunning views of the Farne Islands. It’s an easy, family-friendly route, perfect for spotting seabirds and enjoying fresh sea air before finishing with fish and chips in Seahouses.
One of Northumberland’s most famous long-distance trails, St Cuthbert’s Way stretches from Melrose in Scotland to Holy Island. While the full walk takes several days, shorter sections are easily accessible from South Meadows. The route combines rolling countryside, quiet woodlands, and coastal landscapes, finishing with the dramatic tidal causeway crossing to Lindisfarne.
For a more challenging hike, head into the Cheviot Hills for sweeping views of the Northumberland National Park. Routes vary in length, with some loops offering 6-10 miles of rugged beauty. Expect open moorland, heather-clad slopes, and peaceful valleys. On a clear day, the summit of The Cheviot rewards walkers with breathtaking panoramic views.
This spectacular coastal walk begins in Craster and leads you along dramatic cliffs to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. The 4.5-mile return route is rich with history and coastal wildlife, making it a favourite with families and photographers. The trail is relatively easy and offers sweeping views of Embleton Bay, perfect for a picnic.
A quieter option, this walk begins near Bamburgh and leads across fields and dunes to the unspoilt beach at Ross Back Sands. The 3-mile trail offers solitude, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views across to Lindisfarne. It’s a great choice for those who prefer peaceful walks away from crowds while still enjoying coastal beauty.
For a gentle countryside walk, explore Alnwick’s Hulne Park, once part of a medieval monastery estate. With woodland paths, riverside strolls, and parkland views, it’s a relaxing way to spend a few hours. The trails are well-marked and vary in length, making them suitable for all ages. Wildlife sightings, including deer and herons, are common.
For a unique experience, the Holy Island circular walk offers 4-6 miles of heritage and coastal views. Explore Lindisfarne Priory, climb to Lindisfarne Castle, and enjoy peaceful shoreline paths with opportunities to spot seals and migratory birds. This walk is tidal dependent, so check safe crossing times before your visit.
Yes, routes like Bamburgh to Seahouses and Dunstanburgh Castle are gentle, scenic, and perfect for families of all ages.
For coastal paths, sturdy shoes are often enough, but walking boots are recommended for hill and countryside trails, especially in wet weather.
Most local trails are dog-friendly, including beaches and coastal paths. Just keep dogs on leads near livestock or wildlife.
Yes, popular routes like St Cuthbert’s Way and Dunstanburgh Castle are well marked. For more remote trails, a map or GPS is useful.
The Bamburgh to Seahouses route and the Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle walk both offer some of the finest coastal views in Northumberland.
Yes, but only at safe tide times. Always check the tidal timetable before attempting the crossing – it can be dangerous if mistimed.