Top Walks in the North of England

Our inns across the North offer some of the best walking routes across the UK, which is why we launched our Walk-Inn Breaks! Discover some great walks below which surround our inns…

The Old Man of Coniston

With epic views of The Old Man of Coniston from our inn, you will be dreaming of tackling this fell! It is the highest peak in the Furness Fells at 803 meters in height.  This can be a circular walk, with a route of approximately 7 miles.

Like many Lake District walks, you will begin by tackling the Old Man of Coniston fell! From the summit there are excellent panoramic views of all surrounding hills and fells, from Black Combe around to the Pennines taking in the Scafell group to the North and as far as the Isle of Man to the West, along with Blind Tarn and Goat’s Water below. This exhilarating walk allows you to walk along the summit ridge too.

You will then go on the explore Dog Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike on your descent back to Coniston.

Grasmere Lakeshore

Grasmere is simply delightful – it was once a favourite for William Wordsworth who was inspired by its natural beauty. The lake that sits to the south of the village is a great place to explore.

The walk is mainly along a level lakeshore path, which makes it a great option for all the family. Make more of a day of it by taking a picnic too and relaxing by the beautiful waters. Keep your little ones occupied by making sure they look out for the hollow tree – a great spot to play hide and seek!

If you fancy extending your walk, why not include Rydal Water too?

Bassenthwaite Lake walk

One of the few Lake District walks which doesn’t require an incline, Bassenthwaite Lake Walk still provides stunning views with a mix of lakeside and forest explorations – you’re likely to see plenty of wildlife on this walk such as otters, osprey, and deer!

This route makes use of the Allerdale Ramble, so its path is well defined making it perfect for all walkers. We recommend starting in the popular town of Keswick and you will soon come across a long river section of River Derwent. Following the beautiful woodland trails through Dodd Wood, you will then find yourself at the picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake.

Loughrigg Fell

When you visit The Ambleside Inn, a walk with views of the iconic Lake Windermere is a must. Loughrigg is a 7-mile circuit walk that begins and ends in Ambleside. As many Lake District walks do, this walk requires you to work your way up a fell – Loughrigg Fell of course! There is a track to follow all the way to the summit, where you will discover simply breath-taking views. Its central location is the perfect spot to see some of the Lake’s finest fells, as well as views over Ambleside, Grasmere, Windermere, Rydal Water, and of course Lake Windermere. On your return down, you will wander past the southern shore of Rydal Water.

Loughrigg Fell is one of the most popular walks in the Lakes, due to it is simply amazing views. It is a great walk for all ages and abilities – Loughrigg Fell isn’t too steep or high and although we recommend starting in Ambleside, this route can be enjoyed from all directions, with numerous paths to explore along the way.

Pilgrims Way

Northumberland is filled with amazing walking routes. Pilgrims Way links Holy island to the mainland and is a great walk when staying at The Lindisfarne Inn. It is 7 miles long and mainly flat terrane, however, remember to take great care to complete the walk within the safe crossing times to and from the Island.

Depending on what time of year you embark on this peaceful walk, you’ll either be joined by seals splashing around and gathering on the sandbanks, or the migrating birds will come calling and the bay will be filled with beautiful sounds.

Bamburgh Castle beach walk

A walk starting from the beautiful village of Seahouses which takes you to the iconic Bamburgh Castle. To begin, you will enjoy a 3 mile stretch along the sandy Northumberland beach all the way to the Castle. This is a fantastic way to approach the Castle. Have a break by visiting the fortress and travelling through centuries of history, before starting on your return.

You can also extend your walk by including St Oswald’s Way, which is through farmland and quiet country lanes.

Hulne Park

This circular walk takes you through Hulne Park, but also the picturesque town centre of Alnwick, Narrowgate, Bailiffgate, and Ratten Row. This walk combines beautiful nature when you wander through Hulne Park, whilst giving you the opportunity to see Alnwick Castle too. You will also meander around Alnwick town centre, a traditional market town with quaint old building cobbled streets to discover. It is the perfect walk to discover this beautiful part of Northumberland.

Note: Dog’s are not allowed inside Hulne Park.

Northumberland’s Coastline

The best way to discover Amble and all its beauty is by going on a coastal walk. We recommend a 5-mile walk from Amble heading south to Hauxley. This lovely coastal walk enables you to take in a great section of Northumberland’s beautiful coastline. You will initially be treated to some fantastic views of Coquet Island too, which sits less than a mile offshore, before skirting around Hauxley Nature reserve.

The great thing about this walk is that if you would like to go further, you very easily can! Keep trekking and you will come across Druridge Bay Country Park, followed by a lovely little village called Cresswell. Just remember, this is not a circular route so however far you go, you will have to walk to same back!

Wagonway

There are coastal walks aplenty in Northumberland, but this walk gives you the opportunity to discover lots of local points of interest and historical facts too. It is 4 miles long and should take you approximately 2 and a half hours to complete.

This walk begins at Seaton Delaval Hall and follows the Old Wagonway to the south of it. This provides simply magnificent views of the estate – the perfect way to begin a walk. For those who love the beach, do not worry, part of this walk is on the coast. You can also choose to go further by making your way up the coastline once you are almost back to the beginning too, perfect for those who like a bit more of a challenge too.

Roseberry Topping and Cook’s Monument

With views of this epic hill from our inn, an ascent up Roseberry Topping is a must. However, it is not the longest walk (despite looking pretty big, Roseberry Topping is only 320 meters!), which is why we recommend lengthening it by continuing onto Cook’s Monument. This 7-mile walk gives you unparalleled views, heather moorland, and nature galore – you are likely to see some robins and maybe even deer!

This circular route should take you approximately 5 hours to complete and you can start and finish it from The King’s Head Inn doors! Which means by the time you complete it, you will be ready for one of our delicious home-made meals and a pint (or two!).

Durham Riverside Walk

A visit to Durham must include a walk around its historic city. This riverside walk allows you to discover this ancient city and take in the beautiful scenery. It is a 3-mile walk and you will wander past numerous city highlights including the River Wear, Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and so much more!

You can lengthen your walk by picking up a nice trail to the west of the city too or spend your day exploring the beautiful city of Durham instead.

Durham Heritage Coast Walk

This 11-mile walking route from Seaham to Crimdon follows the England Coast Path National Trail and gives you the best of both worlds – magical coastlines and beautiful grasslands aplenty. You will also enjoy the wonderful display of Magnesian Limestone Coastal Grasslands which supports a vast array of wildflowers and insects – a treat not to be missed!

During the summer months, you are likely to see wildlife at the coast too, including seals and basking sharks. As you wander through the woodland, you will come across bluebells and snowdrops, whilst enjoying the sounds of birds singing.

Rievaulx Abbey

The route from the picturesque market town of Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey is well known, but always a delight. Walking through Helmsley offers great town and castle views to begin your travels, before making your way through charming countryside.

This walk takes you through fields, woodlands, and country tracks before you arrive at Rievaulx Abbey, one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries. If you have the time, we highly recommend visiting the Abbey and wandering around its impressive ruins.

These are just some of the magnificent walks you will find nearby our inns when you stay with us. Is one taking your fancy? Book onto our Walk-Inn Breaks for the perfect way to explore! You’ll enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast break, with dinner on the first night, and a welcoming pint on arrival. We’ll supply a delicious packed lunch to take with you on your explorations, along with a waterproofed O/S walking pack containing a range of classic walks of various lengths and abilities too. Can’t leave your four-legged friend behind? We don’t blame you! Bring your dog along to enjoy these fantastic walks for free. Click here to find out more.