Curius Blog

Before choosing a direction, think about where you want to finish your walk. This is the moment you’ll celebrate your achievement, so picture the place that feels right for you. Do you want the energy and choice of the city, with restaurants, pubs, museums and easy transport links? Or would you prefer to end somewhere peaceful, with big skies, sandy beaches and time to let it all settle?

A thoughtful look at the different ways to walk Hadrian’s Wall, from fully self-guided to supported itineraries and guided experiences. Whether you love planning your own adventure or prefer a more relaxed journey with stories and insight along the way, this guide helps you choose the walking style that suits you best.

If you’re planning a trip and want something beyond the usual castles and postcard stops, here are the local experiences and hidden gems in Northumberland you won’t want to miss.

Hadrian’s Wall is full of surprises — sweeping views, Roman ruins, and the occasional sheep watching with quiet judgement. But there’s one thing every walker eventually faces that rarely makes it into guidebooks: loo logistics.

We still live in a world that often tells women what we can’t do... too busy, too old, too out of shape, too late to start. Adventure is the remit of the young, the beautiful, the athletes, and the adventurers... not us ordinary women. But what I have come to know is that the idea of who qualifies to take part is hogwash, balderdash, utter tripe and nonsense. Taking part in a long-distance adventure is for everyone regardless of age, experience, body size or shape.

Rather than heading straight for Alnwick and its famous castle, here’s a slower, quirkier circuit that blends grand design, proper cake, Border Reiver grit and a gentle stretch of the legs.

If you’re looking for a short walk in Northumberland that ends with a cosy pub or café, look no further — this one offers both, and then some! Bellingham is a hidden gem of a village, full of charm, character, and welcoming spots to refuel after your walk. It’s a beautiful route that highlights some of Northumberland’s true hidden gems.

I covered 20 miles in blazing heat... sometimes running, sometimes walking, sometimes having a boogie. What does an event that touts itself as being the Glastonbury of running events have to do with long-distance walking, you may be saying out loud to your computer screen? Read on, my friend, read on.

I’ll be exploring different parts of Northumberland: Hadrian’s Wall corridor, the Northumberland coast, Kielder, and central Northumberland and Northumberland National Park. I'll suggest a walk and pair it with some less-explored places to visit. These ideas are just a starting point, but I hope they shine a light on walks and spots that might not be on your radar—and that you’ll agree are some of Northumberland’s true hidden gems.

The Dales Way took us from Ilkley to Bowness along rivers, over stepping stones, through villages and valleys, across open fell, and over more wall stiles than we could count. Many were narrow gaps at the top of stone walls, each with a small wooden gate and a very eager spring. Fun at first, then surprisingly tiring on the legs after a while.

Being out on the trails takes serious preparation, training, planning, navigation and the right kit to keep you safe. But once that’s in place, give yourself over to the fun. For the long answer, read on... If you’ve spent any time on our Curius Compass socials, you’ve probably noticed the tutus. They’re a regular feature of our run/hike/walk attire. So, what’s the story? Are we marking a milestone? Raising money for charity? Training for a dance recital? Nope, we wear tutu

£15 for a pair of socks—really?! I know! Is one pair worth three pints of Tyneside Blonde? Honestly, yes. I haven't always bought fancy socks, but after several long-distance trails (and a lot of blisters), I’ve realised they’re worth it.

You’ve probably heard the quote: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” A lesser-known translation puts it even better: “A journey begins beneath the feet.” And it’s true: your feet do all the work. It’s worth taking the time to get your footwear right.

You might be reading this because you’re ready for a new challenge. Maybe you’re a regular walker looking to go further, or you’re curious about taking on your first multi-day hike. Or perhaps you’re wondering what makes the best first long-distance hike if you’ve never tried one before. Read on, my friend...

Before you buy new kit or sign up for a gym membership, the first thing to do when preparing for a long-distance walk is to find your why. Why do you want to walk a long way? Is it something you’ve always dreamed of achieving? Something to prove to yourself (or maybe others)? A step toward a more active, healthy lifestyle? Or perhaps a way to process or recover from something difficult?

I have not always been a runner or even a walker, and certainly not someone who enjoyed endurance or long distances. I started out in my late thirties in a couch to 5K group, who became a slow runner who entered a few races, who then set herself a few challenges, who fell in love with the trails who met a community of runners who surrounded her with positivity and encouragement, who then decided to combine it all ...