7 best dog-friendly walks in Northumberland

If there’s one word that’s guaranteed to get your pup’s tail wagging, it’s WALKIES! Lucky for your furry friend, pooch-friendly Northumberland is jam-packed with tracks, trails and thoroughfares to explore on two (and four) legs. Whether Fido wants to run free across the county's rugged national park, paw through ancient woodland or dig for treasure on the coastline; dog walks in Northumberland are plentiful - in fact you're spoilt for choice! 

We’ve sniffed out seven of our favourite Northumberland dog walks, some of which offer the best canine trails in the UK that Fido will love exploring. 

If you've already got your human and hound trail mapped out and fancy a base for your Northumberland dog walks, why not book a night in one of our dog-friendly cottages nearby? Click the button below to explore the collection. 

Skip to:

• Newton Pool  
• Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle  
• Reaveley Farm Circular  
• Shepherds Cairn  
• Armstrong Walk
• Sycamore Gap  
• Allen Banks and Staward Gorge  

Best for bird lovers and children - Newton Pool

As well as fantastic dog-friendly beaches, Northumberland's dramatic coastline plays host to a variety of charming towns and villages, all exuding seaside charm, and Newton Pool is no exception. 

No doubt one of the most peaceful Northumberland dog walks; enjoy tranquil strolls around the village's nature reserve where you'll find delightful views and even a pooch-friendly pub to stop for a bite, pint or bowl of water.

Best for coastal walks - Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

If you're on the hunt for dog walks in Northumberland and your pooch loves the salty sea air in their face, then blow away the cobwebs with a coastal walk from the seaside town of Craster to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. 

The tail-wagging trail leads walkers through open farmland with plenty of off-lead opportunities; with the headline act being Dunstanburgh Castle's haunted grounds! To round off one of the best walks in Northumberland, you'll be pleased to find a choice of welcoming pubs where you can enjoy a fresh pint or bowl of water back in Craster. 

Best for accessible family walks - Reaveley Farm Circular

The Reaveley Farm trail is an easy walk for all ages around a picturesque village in the Northumberland National Park. One of the more family-friendly Northumberland dog walks, this trail crosses the River Breamish where your hounds will love splashing in the water on a warm day. 

Best for energetic dogs - Shepherds Cairn

If you're dog walking in Northumberland and fancy a countryside mooch with your pooch, the Shepherds Cairn walk is the one for you. It reaches an elevation of nearly 1,000ft and takes in the Shepherds Cairn - a memorial to two local shepherds who died in 1962.

With plenty of grassland and fauna for dogs to sniff out, Fido's tail won't stop wagging at all the sights and sounds on offer here. And if you're packing a picnic, you're utterly spoilt with scenic spots that celebrate the region's rural beauty. 

Best for lovers of nature - Armstrong Walk

One of the best dog walks in Northumberland if you want to combine your passion for nature with local history; this delightful route leads walkers and woofers past some of Cragside's most picturesque scenery. 

Set within the grounds of a beautiful Victorian house, the Armstrong trail boasts man-made Tumbleton lakes, winding stone steps and some of the tallest trees in the UK - lovers of the outdoors will be in their element. 

Best for photographers - Sycamore Gap

When it comes to combining dog walking in Northumberland with fascinating history, look no further than the Sycamore Gap walk where the world-famous Hadrian's Wall awaits your discovery.

This region of Northumberland is known for its natural beauty; with undulating hills and fields where Roman walls and ancient tree stumps line the trails. The route was once home to the former England Tree of the Year - Sycamore Gap tree – which was felled in 2023, much to the anger of locals.

Although only a tree stump remains, the trail is still as beautiful as it is historic, and you’ll encounter plenty of beauty spots with far-reaching views along the way.

Dog-walking fact file

Why your dog will love it: Fido will love following the ancient sights and smells of this historic trail

Terrain: Clear paths and some steep hills as you approach the Roman wall

Distance: 5.2 miles

Good to know: Parking is available at the starting point, and toilets and refreshments are available at Housesteads Visitor Centre and Museum

Stay nearby: Gatehouse Cottage, Hexham | sleeps 1 dog + 2 humans

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Best for wildlife spotting - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

 

Nope, Allen Banks isn’t someone’s name, but a spectacular gorge and woodland. Known as the Allen Banks Morralee Tarn walk, this is one of the best dog walks in Northumberland for spotting local animals and birds, and leads humans and hounds through the trees towards the water at Moralee Tarn.

With an abundance of dense woodland and scurrying wildlife for Fido to sniff out, this trail offers a sensory haven for any outdoor-loving hound. 

Dog-walking fact file

Why your dog will love it: Your hound can nose around the woodland, chase birds, squirrels and sticks, and run wild

Terrain: Marked footpaths with a few short climbs 

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Good to know: Find a public car park, a picnic area and toilets at Allen Banks 

Stay nearby: Codley Farmhouse, Allendale | sleeps 2 dogs + 2 humans

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Map of dog-friendly walks in Northumberland

With so many Northumberland dog walks to explore, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots, pack the lead and head for the trails. See our map below of all the dog walks in Northumberland that we've featured in this guide. 

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Explore Northumberland

If after reading this guide you feel inspired to discover the many dog walks in Northumberland, why not enhance your outdoor getaway by booking a night in one of our dog-friendly cottages nearby? 

With properties for solo travellers with the pooch in tow, and retreats for couples, families and large groups of friends; our collection is sure to have something that catches your eye. Click the button below to find the perfect base for your Northumberland dog walks. 

Dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland