Our peaceful corner of the country is England’s northernmost region, and in winter the snow and frost brings magic and sparkle in full measure. Mornings are made gentle with dawn mist and frosted moors and the evenings are aglow with bright starlight.
From coastal strolls to blow away the cobwebs to enchanted woodland walks and adventures in snow-draped moorland, winter is a great time to wrap up warm and explore the spectacular Northumbrian countryside. And waiting for you at the end of every pink-cheeked day out, a crackling fire, a welcoming kitchen and a snug home-from-home, set in the heart of the countryside.
Explore our guide to the best Northumbrian winter trails to plan the perfect walking holiday from our luxurious stable suites.
Heatherslaw
Travel back to a simpler age on this walk through sleepy, rural villages, past cottages dusted with snow and twinkling with winter magic. An accessible, flat and straightforward walk that nonetheless has lots to see, this route is ideal for families with young children.
Park up at Heatherslaw Light Railway car park and follow the marked path towards the village of Etal. Full of activity in the spring and summer months, both villages are a little more quiet at this time of the year, offering a peaceful and tranquil walk through the Northumbrian countryside. The trail takes you past the pretty Tillside Cricket Club pitch and the ruins of Etal Castle, ending on the banks of the River Till, a popular spot for local fishermen.
Lambley Viaduct
A circular walk, this trail rewards those wit ha head for heights with truly spectacular views. Park at the South Tyne Trail Car Park and follow the tracks fo the old Haltwhislte to Alston Railway line. This will bring you to this 32-metre high Lambley Viaduct, crossing the South Tyne river and offering breathtaking views of the Northumberland North Pennines.
Take care over the steep, stepped descend to follow the trail along the riverbank and out into open farmland. Follow the path to discover the remains of a World War II Prisoner of War camp and the 11th century Featherstone Castle before returning to your starting point.
Hadrian’s Wall
Your stable suite lies in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall, and no trip to Northumberland is truly complete without a walk along its 2,000-year-old route – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A popular walk, and for good reason, the Steel Rigg to Crag Lough trail is beautiful at all times of the year. Bring stout walking boots and park at Steel Rigg car park to embark on an adventure through history. The marked trail encompasses sharp ascents and steep descents and requires care, particularly in winter. But your effort is rewarded with dramatic scenery, the landscape dropping away on either side of the wall to reveal a tapestry of frosted fields, snow-draped moorland and a landscape alive with ancient beauty.
Climb to the top of Peel Crags and follow the path to a Roman milecastle, continue along to find the site of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree and a further ascent to the peak of Highshield Crags, offering views of the crystal blue waters of Crag Lough below.
Penny Pie
Follow in the footsteps of hardworking drovers from centuries gone by in this walk from the sweet riverside village of Blanchland up to sweeping, windblown moorland. Park in the village and stroll along the tranquil River Derwent before taking a path up and out of the valley and into open moorland, draped with heather and home to nesting grouse. The trail follows the same route taken by drovers, taking their cattle to market in nearby Hexham. The walk is named after Penny Pie House, where they would stop for a pie and a well-earned rest on their journey. Follow the trail back down through Slaley Woods and descend back into Blanchland village.
Whether you’re ready for an adventure in the Northumbrian countryside or just fancy a stroll to blow away the cobwebs this winter, return to cosy fires and and the luxuries of home with a walking holiday at our 5 star stable suites. With pet-friendly options and suites for up to 8 people – the whole family can explore and discover the winter magic of Northumberland on foot.
