Best Walks from Hexham

Hexham sits at the heart of the Tyne Valley, and it punches well above its weight as a walking base. Within a few miles you can be striding along a Roman wall, descending into the largest ancient woodland in Northumberland, or following the River Tyne through meadows that have barely changed in centuries. Whether you have an hour or a full day, there is a route to suit.

Riverside Walks Along the Tyne

Tyne Green and Watersmeet (Easy, 4.5 miles / 7km)

The most accessible walk from Hexham starts right at the edge of town. Tyne Green Country Park hugs the southern bank of the river, and its circular trail follows the Tyne from Hexham Bridge east to Watersmeet — the dramatic confluence where the North and South Tyne merge. The path is flat, mostly surfaced, and excellent for bird watching: dippers, kingfishers and grey wagtails are regulars. Dogs love it too.

Parking: Tyne Green car park, off B6531 just north of Hexham town centre. Free parking available.

Hexham to Corbridge (Moderate, 5 miles / 8km one way)

This classic linear walk heads south-east from Hexham town centre into Dukeshouse Wood, then traces woodland trails eastward past Duke's House towards Dilston Castle. From Dilston it picks up the Devil's Water — a surprisingly dramatic stream with a series of small waterfalls — and follows it north to its confluence with the Tyne. From there the path swings east into Corbridge with its Roman fort and independent shops. Return by train (Corbridge station is right in the village) or retrace your steps.

Access: Start from Hexham town centre. Return trains run roughly hourly.

Hexham to Haydon Bridge (Moderate-Challenging, 10.5 miles / 17km one way)

For a longer day out, the Tyne Train Trail heads west from Hexham along quiet roads, farm tracks and riverside paths to Haydon Bridge. The South Tyne valley here is broad and pastoral, with views across to the moorland fringe. There are some steady climbs away from the river but nothing technical. Take the train back from Haydon Bridge station — the line runs through some of the most beautiful valley scenery in the North East.

Access: Start from Hexham station. Haydon Bridge station is on the same Newcastle-Carlisle line.

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Allen Banks Woodland Walks (Easy to Moderate, 1.5-5.8 miles)

The National Trust's Allen Banks and Staward Gorge estate, about seven miles south-west of Hexham near Bardon Mill, is the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. The River Allen has carved a deep gorge through the 250-hectare site, and a network of colour-coded trails threads through it at various lengths.

The Purple route (1.5 miles) loops around Morralee Tarn — a tranquil reed-fringed pool perfect for families. The Orange route (2 miles) explores the main woodland. For a fuller day, the Brown route (3 miles) reaches Plankey Mill and gives you the full drama of the gorge. A longer circular combining the gorge and the ridge above runs to around 5.8 miles and takes roughly three hours.

Whatever the season, this place rewards a visit: carpets of bluebells in May, golden canopy in October, and the sound of the Allen tumbling over boulders year-round.

Parking: Signed car park off the A69, one mile east of Bardon Mill village. National Trust members free; charge for non-members.

Hadrian's Wall Walks

Chesters Roman Fort and the North Tyne (Easy, 2.5 miles)

Chesters (Cilurnum) lies six miles north of Hexham on the B6318, right where Hadrian's Wall crossed the River North Tyne. Managed by English Heritage, the fort has the best-preserved Roman bath house in Britain. From the site a marked circular walk of 2.5 miles loops through the village of Humshaugh — an easy, unhurried route with wall remains and pastoral Northumberland on all sides.

Getting there: Drive north on the B6318 from Hexham, or take the AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus (runs year-round from Hexham; show your bus ticket for a discount on fort admission).

Steel Rigg, Crag Lough and Sycamore Gap (Moderate, 4 miles / 6.4km circular)

This is arguably the finest short walk on Hadrian's Wall. The car park at Steel Rigg sits on a dramatic ridge about 20 miles west of Hexham, and the circular route covers the most photogenic stretch of the wall: the switchback crags above Crag Lough, the famous dip at Sycamore Gap, and Milecastle 39. The walk involves some steep, rocky descent and ascent — poles are useful in wet conditions.

Parking: Steel Rigg car park (Northumberland National Park, pay and display). Access via the B6318 then minor roads from Once Brewed. The AD122 bus also serves the area.

Letah Wood and Dipton Mill

Dipton Mill Circular (Moderate, 4 miles / 6.4km)

Starting from the Dipton Mill Inn — a real-ale pub about two miles south of Hexham — this circular trail climbs into Letah Wood, a 34-acre Woodland Trust property considered the last wild daffodil wood in Northumberland. In spring the woodland floor turns a vivid yellow; in summer it is a cool green escape from the town. The route crosses active farmland with views back towards the Tyne Valley before dropping back down to the inn.

Parking: Roadside parking near the Dipton Mill Inn on Dipton Mill Road.

Hexham Town: The Heritage Trail

Hexham Heritage Trail (Easy, 2 miles / 3km)

Sometimes the best walk starts and ends with a coffee. This relaxed loop takes in Hexham Abbey (founded AD 674 and one of the finest early medieval churches in England), the Market Place, Sele Park — gifted to the town by Lord Allendale in 1908 — the Old Gaol (England's oldest purpose-built prison), and a riverside stretch along the Tyne before looping back to the abbey. Allow 1-1.5 hours; longer if you stop to look around.

Start: Hexham Abbey, Beaumont Street. Hexham town centre has multiple car parks; the train station is a five-minute walk.

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Hexham is served by the Newcastle-Carlisle railway line, which makes car-free walking genuinely practical. The AD122 Hadrian's Wall Country bus connects the town to Chesters, Housesteads, Steel Rigg and Haltwhistle throughout the year. For maps and route cards, the Visit Northumberland website and Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL43 (Hadrian's Wall) are essential companions.