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Good Walks in Northumberland: Hadrian’s Wall

Updated: 3 days ago

After taking part in the Know Your Northumberland Gold Ambassador programme this spring, I’ve come away with a renewed appreciation for just how much this county has to offer. There are hidden gems, breathtaking views, and stories waiting around every corner. Even places I thought I knew inside out revealed something new.


Over the next few blogs, 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.


First up, Hadrian’s Wall corridor...


Hadrian’s Wall Corridor


Rather than heading straight for Vindolanda or Housesteads —both brilliant and a big part of our guided walks— I want to share a lesser-known stretch of the Hadrian’s Wall corridor. This scenic route from Chollerford takes in Roman remains, riverside views and peaceful woodland paths. It’s a quieter way to experience the Wall, away from the crowds, yet still full of character and history, making it perfect for a slower-paced wander with plenty to discover.


Start your walk in Chollerford. You can park at the Riverside Café car park. It's small, but there’s usually space to park on the verge along the opposite side of the road near the roundabout.


Person in red jacket walking along a moss-covered stone wall in a forest. Overcast sky, earthy tones, and scattered leaves enhance the rustic setting.

Begin by crossing the bridge, where you’ll spot the remains of a Roman bridge abutment just downstream, a reminder of the original Roman crossing. Follow the road briefly, then pick up the path towards Brunton Turret (26b), one of the best-preserved turrets on the Wall.


Here, you’ll see a rare detail: a clear change in the Wall’s width. On the east side of the turret, the Wall is the original broader build (around 3 metres wide), while the west side connects to a narrower section (about 2.3 metres), evidence of an early change in the Roman construction plans.


From Brunton Turret, head along the road towards the village of Wall and take the left turn. Keep going until you spot a signpost on your right for Planetrees. In early spring, this wooded stretch is something special. The ground is literally carpeted in snowdrops, which, when walking through the woods, is just a little bit magical.


Planetrees itself is a brilliant section of Wall, about 35 metres long, and really well preserved. What’s especially interesting here is that the foundation is wider than the Wall built on top. It’s yet another spot where you can see the Romans changing their plans partway through construction.


three women in front of old red door of a church.

Cross the road and follow the path to St Oswald’s Church. This spot is where King Oswald is said to have raised a wooden cross before the Battle of Heavenfield in 635 CE. His victory helped re-establish Celtic Christianity in Northumbria. The current church, dating from the late 19th century, stands on the site of a medieval church, and before that, an Anglo-Saxon one. Inside, you’ll find artefacts reflecting its layered history. St Oswald’s also marks the end/start of the long-distance path St Oswald’s Way. It’s a peaceful spot to pause and reflect before returning to Chollerford.


The full loop is around 4.5 miles. You can find a detailed map of the route here: Chollerford to Heavenfield Route Map


Turn a Good Walk into a Grand Day Out

Assorted baked goods on a wooden table. Includes scones in a basket, a layered cake, crumbles, and brownies on "The Riverside" paper.

After your walk, head to Riverside Café in Chollerford. This café that sits next to the river has the most amazing homemade cakes, bakes, and toasties, just the thing to refuel after your wander. My favourites are the chocolate cake and the lemon cheese cake. If the sun’s out, grab a seat outside.

Opening hours

Summer: Mon–Sat 10 am–5 pm, Sun 10 am–4 pm

Winter: Tues–Sun 10 am–4 pm, Mon closed


If you fancy a dip, Chollerford is also a great place to go wild water swimming. The water here is relatively calm and shallow, and therefore a good choice for beginners and experienced swimmers. The water can be accessed between the bridge and the George Hotel via the small landing on the hotel grounds.


Just a 2-minute drive (or a scenic 15-minute stroll) brings you to Chesters Roman Fort. The riverside bathhouse is a real showstopper, with remnants of steam rooms, plunge pools, and even a Roman clubhouse; imagine the spa day of the 2nd century. The museum’s a treasure trove too, packed with artefacts uncovered on site.

Open weekends only, 10 am–4 pm.


A little further west (about 4 miles) lies Brocolitia and the Temple of Mithras, a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, dating back to the 3rd century. Mithraism was a mysterious cult that flourished across the Roman Empire between the 1st and 4th centuries CE. It was deeply secretive, so there’s still a lot that is unknown about its practices. What we do know is that it was steeped in ritual, followed a strict hierarchy, and excluded women entirely. Mithraism was especially popular among Roman soldiers, who were drawn to its emphasis on loyalty, order and initiation.

Open year-round. Free entry.


Want something completely different? Head to Falconry Days, where you can see owls, hawks, and eagles up close. Learn about their care, conservation, and even try a half-day or full-day handling experience.

Open Summer (21 Feb–31 Oct): Open daily, 10 am–4 pm

Open Winter (1 Nov–31 Mar): Sat & Sun only, 10 am–3 pm


Interested in another Good Walks in Northumberland recommendation? Head to Good Walks in Northumberland: The Coast. Not the usual bucket-and-spade stuff. Here, I share a few favourites from my ambassador trips and local wanderings that lean more towards tucked-away landmarks, quirky stately rooms, and some properly good afternoon teas (what does the fox say? Probably “more scones, please”). Read on!


Want to dive deeper into Roman history or uncover the equally fascinating tales of the Border Reivers? Join one of our guided tours along Hadrian’s Wall and explore where ancient and wild histories meet.


The Bit at the Bottom Where We Answer Stuff…


Where is a good base in Northumberland? Hexham is one of the best bases for exploring Northumberland and Hadrian’s Wall. Twice voted the happiest place to live in Britain, this historic market town has a train station with regular services to Newcastle and Carlisle, and a nearby bus station linking directly to Hadrian’s Wall sites via the AD122 service.


At its heart sits magnificent Hexham Abbey, surrounded by cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and pubs. You can explore Hexham Old Gaol, the oldest purpose-built prison in England, or head to Tyne Green riverside park, a lovely spot for walking, picnics, and parkrun mornings.


Hexham is perfectly placed for day trips, just 25 miles (about 40 minutes) to the Northumberland coast and 30 miles (around 50 minutes) to Kielder Water and Forest Park. You’re also only minutes from Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads, and Vindolanda, making Hexham an ideal base for exploring the best of Northumberland’s history, scenery, and charm.


What else is there to do near Hadrian’s Wall besides walking? If you’re looking for something different to do near Hadrian’s Wall, there’s plenty beyond the trails. Try stargazing at Twice Brewed Inn or Kielder Observatory, head to Hexham Abbey for their amazing installations and events like Yoga beneath Gaia, silent discos or line dancing. Learn countryside skills like dry stone walling or navigation with Northumberland National Park. Get creative at Green Bee Crafts, enjoy Craft Sundays at The First & Last Brewery, test your wits at quiz nights at Hexham Forum, the Tannery, and the Victorian Tap, or meet the friendly alpacas at Ferny Rigg Alpaca Walks.


Solvitur ambulando” – Saint Augustine (It is solved by walking)

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