Haltwhistle
Walking
Festival
More than just a walk...
Saturday 26th April – Monday 5th May
There festival is over for another year.
A huge thanks to all who joined us and made the 2025 festival a wonderful event.
We'll see you in the next one!
- 26 festival walks over 10 days.
- Explore rocks, Romans, wildflower photography and a local brewery.
- 3-day trek celebrating the Pennine Way’s 60th Anniversary.
- Knowledgeable local leaders.
- 5 - 22 miles in length.
- Ranging from easy to strenuous.
Celebrate the Pennine Way’s 60th Anniversary at Haltwhistle Walking Festival
Hike high moorland and forests with the spirit of the Border Reivers and a frontier of Roman Empire for company. Myths and legends abound among wild country and lonely loughs. Quite simply, the Pennine Way is Britain’s oldest and most iconic National Trail – a 268-mile trek along the spine of England.
Join a celebratory three-day trek on the Pennine Way from Bellingham to Haltwhistle. Do one, two or all three days. Transport is included from and back to Haltwhistle.
Walk 21: Pennine Way – Day 1 Bellingham – Housesteads
We start the day with some relatively flat miles close to the River North Tyne, and past some wonderfully remote
Walk 23: Pennine Way – Day 2 – Housesteads to Greenhead
This is a stunning day’s walk where the Pennine Way coincides with some of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall.
Walk 25: Pennine Way – Day 3 Greenhead to Haltwhistle
Our bus takes us back to Greenhead for the final stage of our 3-day trail.
Take in the Pennine Way with any of our 3 circular walks along Hadrian’s Wall and the South Tyne Valley.
Walk 3: Rocks at the Edge of Empire
Join Ian Jackson, local geologist and author of ‘Rocks at the Edge of Empire’.
Walk 7: Loughs Behind the Wall
From The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre, we climb up to Hadrian’s Wall which was built upon the igneous
Walk 18: Trail to Tutman’s Hole
This is a high-altitude circuit from England’s highest market town.
Haltwhistle, the geographical centre of Britain.
An ideal location for a fun-filled festival week with a selection of walks which you can mix, match or just choose one.
Important Info
Thinking about joining one of our walks? Familiarise yourself with our guidance and information at the link below before booking.
Walking Advice
As well as incredible scenery, you’ll also encounter livestock and Open Access areas while walking in the Haltwhistle area. Read our guidance and advice for walking in Northumberland.
What walkers say about our festival...
2023 Festival
“It is well worth our 280 mile journey from West Wales to take part in the Haltwhistle walking festival. A stunning part of the country. Superb well organised walks. Mountains of local knowledge and fabulous company. Try to keep us away. Go once and you will keep going back.”
Chris and Jeff from West Wales
2024 Festival
“Completely lovely day. I got to see the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site with an amazing bunch of people and lovely knowledgeable leaders. I hope to see you all next year.”
T from Leicester
2023 Festival
“I’ve been coming to the Haltwhistle Festival for quite a few years now and always look forward to it. From treading in the footsteps of Wainwright or the Border Reivers to wandering along the banks of the South Tyne or discovering England’s newest mountain, the walks are always well planned and imaginative. Together with the wonderful wild landscape and the exceptional friendliness of the group it makes for a most enjoyable holiday, well worth my 250 mile drive to get there.”
Sue from Gloucestershire
2024 Festival
“Great to learn about the area and experience warm Northumbrian hospitality in such fabulous scenery.”
R from Morpeth