Walks from Hexham

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.

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.