If your dog loves long walks, open spaces and plenty of new places to sniff and explore, Northumberland is the perfect place to head. From sweeping sandy beaches and rugged coastline to peaceful countryside trails, there are adventures to enjoy in every season. Discover the dog walks perfect you and your four-legged friend and explore some of Northumberland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Find the Perfect Dog Walk Near You in Northumberland
Northumberland is made for exploring on four paws, with miles of dramatic coastline, peaceful woodland, rolling countryside and open trails to discover. From easy-going seaside strolls to more energetic countryside routes, there’s something to suit every dog and their walking style.
Whether your pup prefers sniffing through woodland, racing along the sand or tackling a longer trail, our favourite Northumberland walks bring together some of the county’s best scenery and hidden gems. Planning a quick walk while you’re visiting or making a whole dog-friendly getaway of it? These routes offer plenty of variety for a memorable day out.
To help you choose the right adventure, we’ve included all the essentials for each walk, from distance and difficulty to terrain and dog-friendliness, so you can pick your perfect route before you set off.
dog walks northumberland
Seahouses to Bamburgh Castle Coastal Walk
Location: Seahouses to Bamburgh
Length: 6 miles return (9.5 km)
Route type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Firm sandy beach, coastal paths and dunes
Starting point: Seahouses, NE68 7RN
Closest car park: Seahouses Harbour Car Park
Public transport: Seahouses is served by local buses, including routes connecting with Bamburgh and Alnwick
Lead guidance: Dogs can enjoy the beach, but keep them under control and follow local signs.
Closest inn: The Bamburgh Castle Inn
What to expect:
Arguably one of the most iconic dog friendly walks in Northumberland, this route follows one of Britain's finest stretches of coastline. Starting from Seahouses Harbour, you'll head south along miles of golden sand with uninterrupted views across the Farne Islands. Dogs love the wide-open beaches, while owners can enjoy spectacular scenery throughout the walk.
Once you reach Bamburgh, you can explore the village, enjoy refreshments at one of several dog-friendly cafés or simply relax on the beach before returning along the same route.
Keep an eye out for seals offshore and numerous seabirds throughout the year
dog walks northumberland, seaton sluice
Holywell Dene
Location: Seaton Sluice
Length: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland trails, riverside paths and bridges
Starting point: NE26 4QR
Closest car park: Seaton Delaval Hall car park
Public transport: Buses from Newcastle towards Blyth stop at Seaton Delaval Hall, and West Monkseaton Metro is around 3 miles away.
Lead guidance:Off-lead is allowed
Closest inn: The Commissioner's Quay Inn
What to expect:
If your dog enjoys woodland adventures, Holywell Dene is a hidden gem tucked away near the coast. This peaceful nature reserve follows the course of a small stream through mature woodland, creating a cool and sheltered walk that's particularly enjoyable during warmer months.
The trails weave beneath ancient trees, across wooden bridges and alongside flowing water, providing plenty of interesting scents for curious dogs. Wildlife is abundant, with kingfishers, woodland birds and butterflies regularly spotted.
The dene offers a completely different experience to Northumberland's famous coastline and is ideal for a shorter, quieter walk.
dog walks northumberland
Alnwick Circular
Location: Alnwick
Length: 6 miles (10 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Riverside paths, woodland tracks, parkland and quiet roads
Starting point: Alnwick Town Centre, NE66 1HS
Closest car park: Anwick Town Centre Car Parks
Public transport: Buses station in Alnwick town centre
Lead guidance: Lead recommended near roads and livestock, off-lead is suitable on rest of walk
Closest inn: The Hog's Head Inn
What to expect:
This varied circular walk showcases the historic market town of Alnwick alongside beautiful countryside and riverside scenery.
Beginning in the town centre, the route follows sections of the River Aln before passing through attractive woodland and open parkland. You'll enjoy impressive views of Alnwick Castle and the surrounding estate. The walk combines history, nature and peaceful countryside, making it ideal for owners looking for a slightly longer outing without venturing too far from local amenities.
Dogs will enjoy the changing landscapes, while owners can finish the walk by exploring Alnwick's independent shops, cafés and welcoming pubs.
dog walks northumberland
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Location: Holy Island
Length: 4-6 miles (depending on route)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Coastal tracks, grass paths and sandy beaches
Starting point: TD15 2RX
Closest car park: LHoly Island Main Visitor Car Park
Public transport: Buses serve Holy Island, but services are limited and must be planned around the tidal causeway
Lead guidance:Dogs should be kept on a lead or at heel at all times.
Closest inn: The Lindisfarne Inn
What to expect:
Situated on Holy Island and accessible only via the tidal causeway, this walk offers spectacular coastal scenery, fascinating history and abundant wildlife. The reserve features salt marshes, sand dunes, mudflats and coastal grassland, all of which support thousands of migratory birds throughout the year.
Dogs are welcome, but because of the sensitive habitats and large numbers of nesting birds, they should be kept on a lead in many parts of the reserve. It's also essential to check safe crossing times before travelling, as the tidal causeway is completely covered by the sea twice a day.
dog walks northumberland
Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle
Location: Craster
Length: 4 miles (6.5 km) return
Route type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Well-maintained coastal paths, and grassy tracks
Starting point: Craster, NE66 3TW
Closest car park: Craster Quarry Car Park
Public transport: Buses serve Craster, including connections towards Alnwick and Berwick
Lead guidance: Lead may be required if livestock are on path
Closest inn: The Bamburgh Castle Inn
What to expect:
This route begins in the picturesque fishing village of Craster and follows the Northumberland Coast Path to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
The trail hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking sea views, rugged cliffs and open grassland. Your dog will love the variety of scents and open space, while you'll enjoy one of the county's most photographed landscapes. The imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle make for an excellent halfway point before returning to Craster, where several dog-friendly cafés and pubs provide the perfect place to refuel.
The castle is owened by National Trust, so if you wish to look around the ruins payment to enter or a pass would be required.
dog walks northumberland
Simonside Hills Circular
Location: Rothbury
Length: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Terrain: Moorland paths, rocky trails, forest tracks and steep ascents
Starting point: Grid reference NZ 052 987
Closest car park: Simonside / Forestry Commission car park
Public transport: No direct connections to walk's start
Lead guidance: Keep dogs on leads around livestock and during sensitive wildlife periods
Closest inn: The Hog's Head Inn
What to expect:
For adventurous dogs and owners looking for a rewarding challenge, the Simonside Hills offer some of the finest panoramic views in Northumberland.
The route climbs steadily through woodland before emerging onto open heathland and rocky ridges. On clear days, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the Cheviot Hills, the North Sea and the surrounding countryside.
Dogs should be comfortable on rough terrain and remain under close control around grazing sheep, particularly during lambing season.
dog walks northumberland
Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Walk
Location: Bellingham
Length: 3 miles (5 km) return
Route type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, riverside paths, wooden bridges and uneven ground
Starting point: NE48 2DA
Closest car park: Hareshaw Linn National Park Car Park
Public transport: No direct service to the starting point, but Bellingham is served by local buses
Lead guidance: Leads recommended around the waterfall
Closest inn: The Hog's Head Inn
What to expect:
Hidden within peaceful woodland near Bellingham, Hareshaw Linn is one of Northumberland's most enchanting waterfall walks.
Following the Hareshaw Burn, the trail crosses numerous wooden footbridges before reaching the impressive 30-foot waterfall nestled among moss-covered rocks. The constant sound of flowing water and shaded woodland make this an especially enjoyable walk during warmer months. Dogs that enjoy woodland exploration and splashing in shallow streams will particularly love this route.
Druridge Bay
Cresswell and Druridge Bay Circular
Location: Cresswell
Length: 5.5 miles (9km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Sandy beach, coastal paths, gravel tracks and country lanes
Starting point: Red Row, NE61 5BX
Closest car park: Druridge Bay Country Park Visitor Centre Car Park
Public transport: Hadston is served by the X20 from Newcastle/Alnwick and X18 from Morpeth
Lead guidance: Off-lead walking is welcome on the beaches, but recommended lead walking inland when close to wildlife
Closest inn: The Amble Inn
What to expect:
Starting in the village of Cresswell, the route heads onto the golden sands of Druridge Bay, where you'll enjoy miles of open beach and sweeping views across the North Sea. Depending on the tide, there's plenty of room for dogs to stretch their legs, play in the surf and explore the dunes.
The walk then loops inland past Cresswell Pond, a popular birdwatching spot, before returning through quiet lanes and footpaths. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot wading birds, ducks and geese, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Dogs should be kept on a lead near the nature reserve to avoid disturbing nesting and migrating birds.
dog walks northumberland - cragside
Cragside Estate Circular
Location: Rothbury
Length: 4.5 miles (7 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, estate paths, hills, gravel tracks and lakeside paths
Starting point: Cragside Visitor Centre, NE65 7PX
Closest car park: Cragside main car park
Public transport: Driving recommended as no pedestrian walkway from Rothbury to Cragside
Lead guidance: Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times throughout Cragside.
Closest inn: The Hog's Head Inn
What to expect:
Cragside is one of Northumberland's most spectacular walking destinations, offering miles of waymarked trails through woodland, landscaped gardens and rolling parkland. While dogs aren't permitted inside the house itself, they are welcome throughout much of the estate, making it an excellent day out for walkers.
The circular route takes you through towering pine forests, around tranquil lakes and alongside tumbling streams, with plenty of opportunities to admire the Victorian engineering and landscaping that make Cragside so unique.
There are several steady climbs throughout the walk, but the changing scenery makes every step worthwhile.
dog walks northumberland
Northumberlandia
Location: Cramlington
Length: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Wide gravel paths, grass trails and gentle hills
Starting point: Blagdon Lane, NE23 8AU
Closest car park: Northumberlandia Visitor Car Park
Public transport: Limited, primarily a car-accessed attraction; local buses serve the wider Cramlington area
Lead guidance: Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
Closest inn: The Commissioner's Quay Inn
What to expect:
Known as the "Lady of the North", Northumberlandia is one of the county's most unique walking destinations. This enormous land sculpture, shaped like a reclining woman, offers a network of accessible paths winding across gentle hills, around lakes and through landscaped parkland.
The circular route is ideal for a relaxed dog walk, with plenty of open space and panoramic viewpoints across the surrounding countryside. The paths are generally well surfaced, making this an excellent option for walkers of all abilities. Dogs are welcome throughout the park but should be kept under control, particularly when other visitors and wildlife are nearby.
Northumberlandia is also home to a visitor centre and café to refuel.
dog walks northumberland
The Cheviot via Harthope Valley & Scald Hill
Location: Harthope Valley
Length: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Moorland, rocky paths, grassy trails and steep inclines
Starting point: NE71 6RG
Closest car park: No formal car park, walkers use the grassy roadside parking area at Langleeford
Public transport: Not accessible via public transport
Lead guidance: Close control recommended on steep sections and near wildlife
Closest inn: The Lindisfarne Inn
What to expect:
For dogs and owners who enjoy a proper challenge, this hike to The Cheviot, Northumberland's highest peak at 815 metres, is a rewarding adventure through the heart of the Cheviot Hills. The route climbs from Harthope Valley towards Scald Hill before continuing towards the summit, with spectacular views across Northumberland and, on a clear day, towards Scotland and the North Sea.
Expect a real workout, with steep climbs, exposed moorland and some rough or boggy ground underfoot. Your dog will need to be comfortable with longer distances and uneven terrain, while owners should come prepared for changeable weather, especially as you reach the summit.
It's a fantastic choice for an energetic dog and makes a strong challenging walk to spend your day.
A note before you set off: These walks are intended as a helpful guide and starting point for exploring the local area with your dog. Routes, conditions and access can change, so please check current local guidance, weather conditions and access restrictions before setting off. Always use your own judgement and choose a route that’s suitable for you and your dog.
FAQs for your dog friendly walks
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Are dogs allowed on beaches in Northumberland?
Yes, many Northumberland beaches are dog friendly, making the county a brilliant choice for a seaside walk with your four-legged friend. However, some beaches have seasonal restrictions, especially in summer months. Always check local signs before letting your dog onto the sand.Northumberland's wide-open beaches such as Druridge Bay are particularly popular with dog walkers, but conditions and temporary restrictions can change, so it's worth checking before you travel.
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Are there off-lead dog walks in Northumberland?
There are places where dogs can enjoy off-lead freedom in Northumberland, provided they are under effective control and there are no local restrictions. However, dogs must be kept on a lead in the vicinity of livestock, and restrictions can also apply during nesting season and in particular areas of access land. Always follow local signage and be prepared to put your dog back on a lead when required. -
Are there stile-free dog walks in Northumberland?
Yes. If your dog struggles with stiles, there are several walks with relatively straightforward paths and fewer obstacles. Northumberlandia, sections of the Northumberland coast and many routes around country parks can be good choices. Always check the specific route before setting off, as individual paths can include gates, steps, uneven ground or stiles. -
What are the best easy dog walks in Northumberland?
There are plenty of easier routes for a relaxed walk with your dog. Holywell Dene, Northumberlandia, Hareshaw Linn and the Seahouses to Bamburgh coastal route are all great options, depending on how far you want to walk. For an easy-going day by the sea, Northumberland's beaches offer plenty of space to explore, while woodland and country park walks provide more sheltered surroundings. -
What should I take on a long dog walk?
For a longer Northumberland walk, it's best to come prepared for changing weather and varied terrain. Pack:
- Plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl
- Dog food or treats
- Lead and a spare
- Poo bags
- A towel for muddy or wet paws
- A basic dog first-aid kit
- Your phone and a map or navigation app
- Suitable walking boots and waterproofs
- Extra layers for exposed routes
If you're heading into the Cheviots or other remote areas, take extra water and food and check the weather forecast before setting off. Conditions can change quickly in exposed areas of Northumberland.
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Where can I find dog walks with parking and toilets?
Many of Northumberland's most popular walking spots have nearby car parks and visitor facilities, making them convenient for a day out with your dog. Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberlandia, Cragside and coastal locations such as Seahouses and Craster all have parking nearby, with facilities available at or close to the main visitor areas.
Northumberland County Council also provides information about coastal car parks, including locations at Craster, Bamburgh, Seahouses and Holy Island.
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Where can I stay with my dog in Northumberland?
There are lots of dog-friendly places to stay across Northumberland, from coastal inns close to the beach to countryside pubs that put you within easy reach of scenic walking routes. Look for accommodation that welcomes dogs in bedrooms and has dog-friendly areas where you can relax after a day on the trails.
For a walking break, staying somewhere close to your chosen route means you can spend less time travelling and more time exploring Northumberland with your four-legged friend. Our dog-friendly inns make a great base for exploring the county's beaches, countryside and walking trails, with plenty of adventures right on the doorstep. You can browse all our Northumberland inns here, where you and your dog can fit right inn.
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Your dog-friendly stay awaits
Browse our dog-friendly inns in Northumberland, where the whole family can fit right inn...