- Feel Good
- 28th Jan 2026
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7 scenic walks in Northumberland and beyond that’ll actually make you stick to your New Year’s resolution
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Searching for ‘walks near me’ this New Year? The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a fresh commitment to your health and well-being.
If your resolution is to get more active, the key to sticking with it is enjoyment. Forget punishing gym routines or boring treadmill miles – one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to boost fitness is walking.
The North East offers some of the most scenic walks in the country, from historic trails like Hadrian’s Wall and Simonside Hills to gentle riverside paths in Durham. Exploring these routes is a fun way to stay active while discovering the beauty of Northumberland, Durham, Newcastle and beyond.
Go Smarter Go Active makes it easy, with walking and cycling itineraries, interactive maps, curated day trips and regional cycling events. Plan your journey using the Nexus Journey Planner, take advantage of Metro and X-line Go North East buses (many allow standard bikes), and explore the region sustainably.
So, grab your boots, wrap up warm and enjoy a scenic active adventure this winter with Go Smarter Go Active.
HOUSESTEADS TO STEEL RIGG – WALK THROUGH HISTORY (HADRIAN’S WALL, NORTHUMBERLAND)
Length: 8 miles (3 hours)
Dog-friendly: yes, but on a lead
Accessible: no
Start your walking journey at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. This circular route takes you past Housesteads Roman Fort and along the Whin Sill escarpment. Rugged moorland and Roman ruins create a dramatic backdrop, making walking feel less like exercise and more like an adventure. Beginners can break the walk into sections or take a guided tour. Seeing historical landmarks appear over the horizon rewards your effort and keeps you motivated.
SIMONSIDE HILLS – RIDGE TOP (ROTHBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND)
Length: 4.5 miles (3 hours)
Dog-friendly: yes, but on a lead
Accessible: no
For panoramic views without a strenuous hike, try the circular route at Simonside Hills near Rothbury. Moderate in difficulty, this walk winds through heather-clad hills and woodland, offering 360° views over Coquetdale. Short, manageable walks like this make it easier to schedule activity into your week and help stick to your New Year’s resolution.
WHITLEY BAY – ENERGISE BY THE SEA (NORTH TYNESIDE)
Length: 3 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Dog-friendly: yes
Accessible: yes
Sometimes motivation comes not from challenge but from enjoyment. The 3-mile promenade along Whitley Bay is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, offering sweeping coastal views and a chance to see St Mary’s Lighthouse. Smooth paths and gentle gradients make this walk perfect for anyone seeking exercise without rough terrain. Incorporating short, scenic walks builds confidence and stamina gradually, making it easier to maintain your active lifestyle.
ALNMOUTH TO WARKWORTH – HISTORY MEETS TRANQUILLITY (NORTHUMBERLAND COAST)
Length: 7 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
Dog-friendly: yes
Accessible: no
Combine exercise with exploration on this beautiful return route along the Northumberland coast. Starting in the charming village of Alnmouth, the trail winds past sand dunes and beaches before arriving at Warkworth Castle. Beautiful scenery and historic landmarks make each step feel like an achievement. Treat your resolution as a mini-adventure each week, rather than a chore.
HIGH FORCE WATERFALL – NATURE’S MOTIVATOR (COUNTY DURHAM)
Length: 4.5 miles (2 hours)
Dog-friendly: yes
Accessible: no
Few sights inspire movement like a waterfall. The circular walk to High Force Waterfall in the North Pennines is moderate but rewarding. Flowing rivers, moorland landscapes, and the roar of the waterfall motivate you to lace up your boots, even on cold winter days. Setting a scenic destination for your walk is a powerful way to stick to your fitness goals.
DURHAM RIVERSIDE WALK – GORGEOUS GENTLE STROLL (DURHAM)
Length: 3 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
Dog-friendly: yes
Accessible: yes
For a low-impact option, try the Durham Riverside Walk, with paved paths and gentle gradients. This wheelchair-accessible route provides stunning views of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Even gentle walking counts toward your fitness goals, and urban trails like this remove barriers such as transport or rough terrain. Short, repeatable walks like this are a key to long-term success with New Year’s resolutions.
DERWENT WALK RAILWAY PATH – ESCAPE TO THE COUNTYRSIDE (COUNTY DURHAM)
Length: 12 miles (4 hours)
Dog-friendly: yes
Accessible: yes
The Derwent Walk Railway Path follows a former railway line, providing a flat, accessible route through riverside parkland and countryside. Its easy terrain makes it ideal for families, beginners, or anyone easing into fitness. Knowing a path is manageable encourages commitment—resolutions are far easier to keep when the activity feels doable.
By exploring these Northumberland walks and North East England walks, you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether it’s historic Hadrian’s Wall, the dramatic cliffs at Whitley Bay, or peaceful rivers in Durham, each route offers stunning views and accessible ways to stay active.
This year, leave excuses behind and let Northumberland, Durham and the wider North East guide you toward a healthier, happier you.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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