Northumberland

Northumberland is a region of broad horizons, empty hills and paths that often feel far removed from the rest of England. The Cheviots form its wild northern backbone, with rounded summits, deep valleys and a high border ridge shared with Scotland. These are not technically difficult mountains, but long approaches, peat and rapidly changing weather give them a properly remote character.

Further south, the landscape changes around Hadrian’s Wall. Here the hard Whin Sill rock creates a natural line of crags, carrying the Roman frontier above rough grassland, hidden lakes and some of the finest walking country in northern England.

The Simonside Hills provide something different again: sandstone ridges, heather moorland and woodland overlooking the Coquet Valley. Lower hills such as Yeavering Bell and Humbleton Hill hold the remains of Iron Age settlements, border battles and communities that occupied these heights long before walkers arrived with laminated maps.

Eastwards, Northumberland meets the sea through dunes, tidal causeways, sandy beaches and ruined castles. Routes can follow the coast towards Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Holy Island, usually with considerably less climbing but rather more attention to tide tables.

It is a remarkably varied walking region — and one where finding a quiet path rarely requires much effort.