Nine dog-friendly walks in Northumberland

Northumberland has a varied landscape, ranging from beaches to castles, lakes and forests. Knowing the best dog-friendly walks is vital if you and your pup are going to take full advantage of this stunning area of England. Below are nine of the best dog-friendly walks in Northumberland.

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1. Vindolanda and Hadrian’s Wall

Address and map: Hexham NE47 7JN

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Six miles

Terrain: Hilly footpaths

The Vindolanda and Hadrian’s wall walk in Northumberland National Park, starts and ends at Once Brewed village. The walk has some of the best-kept wall remains, including Vindolanda. It’s pet-friendly, although keep dogs on leads when near livestock.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Visit the Twice Brewed Inn at the finish of this circular walk.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Hadrian’s Garden Villa is a traditional rustic cottage near the village of Henshaw.

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2. Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

Address and map: Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TW

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Four miles

Terrain: Gentle hills

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a four-mile walk there and back, over gentle slopes and coastline ridges. This is an excellent north east coastline walk and some of the beaches are accessible but rocky. Dunstanburgh Castle is a fine example of a medieval castle and Craster is a quaint coastal village.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is well known for its cosy atmosphere and welcoming your pup into the bar or garden.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Harbour House is a wonderful coastal cottage with a view over the busy harbour at Craster.

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3. Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle

Address and map: Chare Ends, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SE

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Fivemiles

Terrain: Dunes and coastal paths

Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle circular walk is one of the quieter walks as it goes around the island’s edge rather than to the village. You must keep your dog on a lead as there are rare birds on Holy Island. Lindisfarne Castle is also on this route.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Crown and Anchor is a dog-friendly pub set in the village on Holy Island.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Bramble Barn Bamburgh is a converted barn located near Holy Island causeway in the Beal area.

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4. Bamburgh Beach

Address and map: Bamburgh NE69 7DD

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One and a half miles

Terrain: Sandy beach

Bamburgh Beach is one of the best beaches in Northumberland, partly because of the golden sand, but also because of Bamburgh Castle, which overlooks it. The beach is a perfect stop on a dog-friendly holiday and a main attraction in Northumberland.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Hut at Bamburgh is on the edge of the car park, perfect for grabbing a burger after a long walk on the beach.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Jara is a quaint cottage based in the village of Bamburgh, not far from the castle itself.

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5. The Kirknewton Hillfort Circuit

Address and map: Kirknewton, Wooler NE71 6HF

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Seven miles

Terrain: Hilly hiking paths

The Kirknewton Hillfort Circuit takes you high into the Cheviot Hills from the small village of Kirknewton. You and your pup should be ready for a climb and some incredible views from the top of the hill.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Red Lion is set in the village of Milfield, not far from the Cheviot Hills. It has a decking area, where you can enjoy a fine beer with your four-legged friend.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Akeld Cottage is nestled at the base of Yeavering Bell Hill. This dog-friendly cottage in Northumberland is perfect for dog walks and hiking.

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6. Newton Pool

Address and map: 1, 1 Coastguard Cottages, Alnwick NE66 3EH

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One mile

Terrain: Flat paths and beach

Newton Pool is a nature reserve just off Low Newton by the Sea Beach in Alnwick. It’s an ideal walk for young pups and kids as it’s not too long or difficult. The beach is golden and peaceful, with an easy walk up to the nature reserve and then around the lake and back to Low Newton.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Ship Inn is a traditional pooch friendly pub in the village.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Cottage in Northumberland is a coastal property sleeping six.

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7. Walk to the Wildwood, Kielder Forest

Address and map: 2 Castle Dr, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1EP

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Six and a half miles

Terrain: Flat paths

Walk to the Wildwood in Kielder Forest and take you through some of Kielder’s lush green areas. The entire forest is the largest in England and also includes Britain’s largest man-made lake.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Anglers Arms provides a dog-friendly bar and garden area where you can rest and relax with your pup.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Kielder Kip Cottage is located in Kielder Village, not far from the visitor centre. It has an enclosed garden to enjoy the peace in private.

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8. Warkworth Castle

Address and map: Warkworth, Morpeth NE65 0UJ

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Two miles

Terrain: Flat

If you fancy a less strenuous walk, then spending the day exploring Warkworth Castle could be perfect. There is lots to see and do, especially on activity days, and it’s dog-friendly. There is even a river walk with a boat crossing and the village of Warkworth nearby.

Dog-friendly pit stop: The Hermitage Inn is in the village of Warkworth and welcomes pups into their friendly bar area.

Dog-friendly place to stay: Garden Cottage is a small cottage on the outskirts of the village near the castle. With a Kota BBQ hut, it makes a perfect winter retreat.

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9. Hareshaw Linn Walk

Address and map: Bellingham, Hexham NE48 2DA

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Three miles

Terrain: Hilly footpath

From the village of Bellingham, take a stroll to Hareshaw Linn with your furry friend through the Northumberland countryside. You’ll see lots of wildlife and eventually reach an idyllic waterfall where you can rest and relax, and your pup may even have a swim.

Dog-friendly pit stop: Carriages Tea Room is a train-themed cafe with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area to rest after the waterfall.

Dog-friendly place to stay: 2 Redeswood Cottages is a quaint cottage just outside the village of Bellingham, with an open fire and enclosed garden.