Walks from Haltwhistle

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).

A long rural route along the South Tyne valley over tarmac roads, unpaved country lanes and field paths, with woodland sections that can be muddy and wet with a few fords. Mostly flat with some genuinely steep climbs and several lesser-used footpaths get badly overgrown with nettles and brambles in summer. Follows the signposted River Tyne Trail as far as Haydon Bridge, then goes off-route. Passes the National Trust's Allen Banks site, where there is a toilet. Can be split at Haydon Bridge, which has trains.

Time: 7h30–15h

Lunch: No cafes between Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge; Haydon Bridge (roughly mid-route) has a good coffee shop, a fish and chip shop, a pub and a Co-op.

End-of-walk reward: Hexham has a good selection of cafes and eateries around the market square.

Warnings: Take care crossing the A69, where traffic moves fast. Several ladder stiles, some missing a step or two. Summer growth can leave the smaller footpaths overgrown, so long trousers help.

Walk details: Slow Ways.