About the Region
Northumberland is England's most northerly and least visited national park — a landscape of wide open moorland, the Cheviot Hills, ancient border fortifications and some of the darkest skies in the country. Its emptiness is its greatest virtue.
The Cheviot (815m) is the commanding summit of the range, flanked by a plateau of peat hags and grass moorland. Hadrian's Wall — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — runs through the park's south, offering one of Britain's most historically resonant long-distance walks.
"Northumberland's fells have a brooding, ancient quality that lodges deep in the memory."
— Alfred Wainwright
Border Heritage
The Cheviot Hills form a natural border between England and Scotland — a remote, peaty plateau with a wild, untamed character.
Built by Emperor Hadrian from 122 AD, the 84-mile wall is the most dramatic frontier monument in the Roman Empire — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northumberland is England's largest Dark Sky Park — the stargazing is exceptional and the Milky Way is visible on clear winter nights.
When to Visit
Conditions improve and crowds thin. Snow may linger on the highest tops — check before heading above 700m.
Long days and warm weather, but popular fells can be busy. Early starts reward you with empty summits.
Many walkers' favourite season. Rich colours, stable weather windows and noticeably fewer people on the paths.
A serious undertaking above the snowline. Crampons and ice-axe skills required. Views on a clear day are unmatched.
Essential Routes
A long moorland approach to England's most northerly high ground — remote, peaty and utterly wild.
The finest section of Hadrian's Wall — dramatic crags above the Northumberland plateau.
Ancient sandstone ridges above Rothbury with panoramic views and Bronze Age rock art.
A spectacular coastal walk from Craster to Bamburgh past a ruined castle and sandy beaches.
Ready to explore Northumberland?
Browse all fells, plan routes, and track your progress.