Walks in Northumberland by train

Parkland, woodland and a stretch of the Northumberland coast — beach, dunes and the village of Alnmouth.

The Northumberland Coast Path: A coastal trail along the Northumberland shoreline forming part of the England Coast Path, here running past Buston Links and Alnmouth bay.

Time: 3h30

Warnings: Some field sections lack defined paths and can be boggy when wet.

Walk details: Northern Railway (tips, photos, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

River South Tyne valley, woodland and the South Tyne Trail along a former railway line.

The South Tyne Trail: A 23-mile recreational route along the former South Tyne railway line, following the wooded valley of the River South Tyne.

Time: 2h30

Warnings: Some navigation required; crosses the A69 twice.

Walk details: Northern Railway (tips, photos, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

Recommended: Interesting, fairly flat walk, though both stations are some way inland.

Coastal: half along the coast.

Time: 6h30–12h30

Warnings: Widdrington has only around three trains a day.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: A varied walk, with a couple of miles inland before reaching the coast.

Coastal: two thirds along the coast.

Time: 4h–8h

Walk details: Railwalks.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 4h–7h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A great woodland and river walk; A lovely route. A pleasant walk on riverside and woodland paths and tracks along the Tyne, with some roads. Begins with a climb and steps out of Hexham, then mostly uphill muddy woodland paths and a tarmac drive that becomes a muddy farm track, before a well-made path beside the river into Corbridge. Steps and rough and muddy ground make much of it foot-only. The route passes right by the entrance to Dilston Physic Garden, a two-acre botanical garden with homemade herbal teas (entrance fee; check opening times). It also passes the remains of the Roman bridge near Corbridge and the multiple chimneys of Duke's House.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 2h–4h

End-of-walk reward: Corbridge has plenty of coffee and pub stops.

Warnings: The walk crosses a railway line on an unboarded pedestrian level crossing, so take care. Care is also needed crossing the A695 at Dilston. Steps and rough, muddy woodland paths.

Walk details: Slow Ways.