2024 Walk Schedule

Distance: Approx 13 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 1105 feet
Grade: 4, Strenuous

This walk is accessible for those staying in Haltwhistle without a car as it begins and ends in the Market Place, Haltwhistle.

Take a walk with us from Haltwhistle through the lawless region north of Hadrian’s Wall where the vigilante Moss Troopers ruled in the 17^th Century. The walk takes us past a 12^th century castle, across fields, over fells and through areas once occupied by the Romans. We return to Haltwhistle through a beautiful gorge with a rich industrial past.

Distance: Approx 7 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 845 feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

This walk is accessible for those staying in Haltwhistle without a car as it begins and ends in the Market Place, Haltwhistle.

This circular walk takes us from Haltwhistle into Northumberland National Park through areas once occupied by The Romans. There is an excellent view of the course of a vallum before we arrive at one of the most spectacular sections of Hadrian’s Wall near King Arthur’s Well. The walk follows Hadrian’s Wall Path, where there are superb views over the Tyne Valley and The North Pennines and finally descends through a spectacular gorge back into the historic market town.

This walk is accessible for those staying in Haltwhistle without a car as it begins and ends in the Market Place, Haltwhistle.

Whether you are new to walking or just want to see how far you can go, this is a great opportunity to take in some fabulous scenery and do it your way. You can either try a 4-mile walk or, if you are feeling strong, carry on and do a 6-miler. The circular walk heads out of Haltwhistle through beautiful countryside and opens out to give you wonderful panoramic views. There will be a decision point where you can decide if you would like to walk the 4-mile or 6-mile route. Our Walk Leaders will be there to guide you on whichever route you decide to do.

Don’t worry if your companions decide to do a longer walk than you.  We can wait for them in the Manor House, enjoying a well-deserved tea/coffee – or something a little stronger from the bar!

Sponsored by the Manor House, Haltwhistle.

This is an exciting circular walk from Blanchland which takes us from The Derwent Valley through woods and across fells towards Weardale. We will walk through areas where remnants of former industry will remind us of the area’s rich mining history. From Weardale, we make our way northwards to the highest point on the walk at Bolt’s Law (1772 feet). The views from here are magnificent in all directions and if you are a ‘Trig Bagger’, tick another one off your list. There may be a song to be sung at ‘The Lonesome Pine’ before we make our way over the fells back to Blanchland.

This is a lovely walk starting in the hamlet of Whitley Chapel where the route takes us across beautiful countryside, through woods and over burns that will eventually feed Devil’s Water.  We pass through Letah Wood, managed by The Woodland Trust, which is renowned for wildflowers and magnificent trees. You may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel as you wander through the wood. A stroll across fields and alongside the lovely Rowley Burn takes us back to the finish at Whitley Chapel.

Distance: Approx 6 – 8 miles
Ascent/Descent: Undulating
Grade: 2, Moderate
Please allow a full day for this walk.

This walk is accessible by public transport as it begins and ends in the Market Place, Haltwhistle.

You say ‘litchen’; I say ‘liken’. Let’s call the whole thing ‘moss’. Except, of course, we can’t do that because mosses and lichens are not the same thing at all! Mosses and lichens play a hugely important role in a healthy ecosystem by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air.  But what makes a moss a moss and a lichen a lichen, what can they tell us about the environment, and how do they feed and spread?  Join our local expert, Gordon Beakes, to learn more about these fascinating organisms which thrive on everything from rocks and walls to trees and the woodland floor.

Starting and finishing in the Village of Allenheads, this walk takes us along and above the beautiful East Allen valley. Allenheads was founded around the lead mining industry and we will see lots of reminders, including the many reservoirs that gave it the nickname of ‘Silverdale’, as we go along.  The route takes us through wonderful countryside, past an impressive former corn mill, along riverside paths and up onto the fells. 

This is a circular walk from the settlement of Stonehaugh in the Northumberland National Park. The village is home to the Star Dome and you will also see some fabulous totem poles. The walk takes in two sections of the Pennine Way and you will walk on both the South and North sides of the Warks Burn valley. We will visit ‘The Long Drop’ which is believed to be the highest perched loo in England!! This is beautiful countryside and a lovely place to walk.

Ice, fire and water have all had a hand in creating our local landscape. Join Ian Jackson, local geologist and author of the best-selling book, Northumberland Rocks, and travel back in time with him to explore how ancient rocks have created an outstanding landscape which is now designated as a World Heritage Site. 

There are a couple of steep ascents to negotiate but the views and the knowledge gained will be well worth the effort. 

This walk is accessible by public transport.

This walk from Bardon Mill in the South Tyne valley meanders its way up to a mysterious standing stone on the fell above Vindolana Roman Fort. This is an amazing viewpoint where the sheer scale of the fort can be seen from a ‘birds eye perspective’. We then head northwards for Hadrian’s Wall, walking above Crag Lough and along to the highest point on The Wall at Winshield Crags (1132 feet). Our descent takes us through an area where Roman camps were situated, past Vindolanda and through woodland with a former industrial heritage.

Take a walk with us from the village of Slaley which nestles in a lovely area situated south of Hexham and Corbridge. Our walk follows a lovely route through some beautiful and varied countryside. It takes us across pastures, passes through woodlands, along and over burns that feed into the River Tyne and passes a fine example of a former watermill building.

This is a fabulous walk starting and finishing in the village of Hallbankgate in Cumbria. We will visit a fell top covered in cairns that has amazing views westward over the Eden valley towards the Lake District Fells and northwards towards The Solway Firth and Scotland. We will walk above and along the course of the River Gelt and through a forest with no trees. We take paths and tracks that seldom see walkers and pass through amazing scenery.

Our walk begins at Lanercost Old Bridge in the valley of the River Irthing from where we will wander up towards Hadrian’s Wall Path, crossing the course of the vallum on the way. We will walk along the path, passing places where milecastles and turrets once stood. From an elevated position above the valley we pass the site of a Roman signal station before descending back down to the river. A gentle wander along the valley takes us along footpaths beside the amazing Lanercost Priory where you could choose to end the walk and explore or, alternatively, continue the short distance back to the end of the walk.

This walk is accessible by bus from Hexham.

From the pretty little village of Wark we will take a leisurely walk along the banks of the River North Tyne, and through the woods, enjoying the spring flowers. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos along the route.

If water levels permit, and it is safe to do so, we will visit Gold Island, which stands in the River North Tyne. With any luck, the beautiful bluebells which grow there will be out!

Our return route offers excellent views across the North Tyne Valley.

The walk will be led by Kevin Hilton, who is an accomplished photographer. The group will also be encouraged to share their own knowledge and photographic techniques so be sure to bring your camera or mobile phone with you to capture what you see. A close-up lens may be helpful but no tripods, please.

This circular walk from Blueback Bridge takes in both the East Allen and West Allen valleys and the moors that separate the two. We will walk through this amazing area taking in its wonderful scenery and areas showing the relics of its industrial past. It includes a walk along a section of Isaac’s Tea Trail that takes us to the place where the naughty monks were sent. Intrigued? Come along with us and find out the story.

This walk is accessible by bus from Hexham.

The walk starts and finishes in the lovely village of Newbrough on the route of The Stanegate Roman road in the South Tyne Valley. We will head out of the village through open countryside, crossing the boundary into Northumberland National Park and onto the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Here we will visit the sites of a Roman fort, a Roman temple and the course of the vallum. Once we have seen ‘all things Roman’, we will meander back through the countryside and visit the site of the first ever Boy Scout Camp before heading back to Newbrough.

Distance: Approx 4 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx. 550 feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

24th JAN: WALK UPDATED

This walk which begins with a steady climb to Hareshaw Linn, a beautiful 9 metre high waterfall. The tree lined route is full of wildlife, such as red squirrels, which you may be lucky enough to spot. This is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest which hosts rare ferns and lichens.

Following the walk, we will take a tour of the award winning First and Last Brewery and learn more about the science, art and history of beer making. We will also have an opportunity to sample some of their wares! There will be non-alcoholic options available for non-drinkers and designated drivers.

Distance: Approx 11.5 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 1415 feet
Grade: 4, Strenuous

This walk is accessible by public transport.

From the picnic area by the River South Tyne at Haydon Bridge, we will walk through an area that gave inspiration to the renowned artist, John Martin. We will walk along and above the River South Tyne where we can see spectacular views northwards towards Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland National Park. We will pass Langley Castle, a restored medieval tower house, (now operating as a hotel) then onwards towards a hamlet with a lovely Grade II listed hall before descending through woodland back towards our destination at Haydon Bridge.

Distance: Approx 7.5 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 1170 feet
Grade: 3, Moderate

Our walk today begins at the HQ of The South Tynedale Railway in the market town of Alston. This lovely route takes in sections of the three walking trails that crisscross the area: The Pennine Way, The South Tyne Trail and Isaac’s Tea Trail. The walk offers wonderful views of the South Tyne Valley and the North Pennine AONB. It passes a lovely church inspired by a holiday in the Black Forest and the site of a strategically placed Roman Fort.

Sponsored by The South Tynedale Railway, Haltwhistle.

Nick Leeming is a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic birdwatcher who has lived in Haltwhistle for many years. His bird walks in the Spring Festival are legendary and are always fully attended so early booking is advised.

The walk will start in Haltwhistle Market Place and follow a route down to the river South Tyne. Do not be surprised if many interesting birds are spotted whilst still in the town, but the plan is also to visit a range of different habitats including woodland, farmland and moorland. The actual route will depend on the weather and the birds.

Please do not wear bright clothing; the birds do not like it!

Also note that this is NOT a photography walk, but please bring binoculars if you have any.

This walk is accessible without private transport as a coach picks us up from Haltwhistle Market Place.

Beginning from the South Tyne valley at Garrigill, we set off deep into the North Pennines towards our destination at Carrshield on the banks of the River West Allen. On our way we will pass an amazing waterfall, ascend onto fell tops with views along the Nent valley and beyond, hop between counties and walk through areas where lead was once king.

Distance: Approx 7.5 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 920 feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

This circular walk starts and finishes at Slaggyford Station in the South Tyne Valley. It includes sections of The Pennine Way and The South Tyne Trail which follows the course of the railway line. The valley is also the route chosen by The Romans to build ‘The Maiden Way’ which was a supply route for the Hadrian’s Wall forts and settlements. An elevated section of the walk gives us superb views over The South Tyne valley and the North Pennine fells. This is a beautiful area of Northumberland and is well worth exploring.

Sponsored by The South Tynedale Railway, Haltwhistle.

Distance: Approx 12.0 miles
Ascent: Approx 1765 feet/Descent: Approx 2300 feet
Grade: 4, Strenuous

This walk is accessible without private transport as a coach picks us up from Haltwhistle Market Place.

Today’s walk commences in the old mining village of Carrshield from where we will cross the West Allen valley and head up onto the fells before descending to the limit of cultivation in the area. We climb again and cross the watershed between the West Allen and the South Tyne rivers, once again hopping over the county borders. After arriving in the South Tyne Valley, we cross the river and head towards our destination at Lintley Halt on the South Tyne Railway. 

Distance: Approx 8 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 915 Feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

Starting in the market town of Allendale, we head out into lovely countryside where views open out over the East Allen valley and beyond. At the village of Catton we will visit a lovely arboretum in a fabulous location where the owner will tell us about the trees and his stone circle. From Catton we walk above the valley before descending down into the East Allen Valley. Finally, we meander along the valley beside the river in the footsteps of Isaac Holden, a famous local tea trader and philanthropist.

Distance: Approx 6.0 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 390 feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

UPDATED APRIL 11TH

The walk today starts and finishes at Wydon Farm, near Haltwhistle. Along the route we will see a castle that is reputedly haunted by a ‘Grey Man’, the ghost of a minstrel who was accused of being a spy. We will walk through pastures, along a former railway line and over a historic viaduct spanning the River South Tyne. Finally, we will return to Wydon Farm where our delicious and well-deserved tea awaits.

Distance: Approx 12 miles
Ascent: Approx 1115 feet/Descent: Approx 1480 feet
Grade: 4, Strenuous

This walk is accessible without private transport as a coach picks us up from Haltwhistle Market Place.

On our final day of the walk, we set off from Lintley Halt, on a section of The Pennine Way, before crossing the River South Tyne and climbing up onto a path with great views over the valley and the Pennines. We visit an amazing viaduct that impressively spans a wide gorge and once carried the trains on the Haltwhistle to Alston railway. We pass through some lovely open countryside and walk on the route of an old Roman Road before heading along the riverbank and to our destination at Haltwhistle.

Distance: Approx 7 miles
Ascent/Descent: Approx 880 feet
Grade: 2, Moderate

This walk is accessible without private transport as a coach picks us up from Haltwhistle Market Place.

A coach from Haltwhistle will take us the short journey to the start of the walk at the village of Lambley. We visit, stand on and walk under an impressive former railway viaduct over the River South Tyne before crossing open countryside on route to a lovely, quaint Quaker Meeting House. We follow the valley of a burn towards open moorland where we pass above a beautiful waterfall. From the top of the moors, the views open up over the South Tyne valley and on towards the impressive crags on Hadrian’s Wall. Finally, we cross the South Tyne Trail before making our way back into Haltwhistle.