The best walks and hikes around Greenlee Lough
4.5
(850)
6,322
hikers
118
hikes
Hiking around Greenlee Lough offers diverse landscapes within Northumberland National Park. The area features a shallow lake fringed with water plants, surrounded by a mosaic of habitats including reedbeds, herb fens, blanket bogs, and native woodlands. Geologically, the landscape is shaped by the Great Whin Sill, a natural ridge of crags. Hikers can experience varied terrain, from tranquil wetland paths to routes along historical features.
Best hiking trails around Greenlee Lough
- The most popular hiking route is Hadrian's Wall – Sycamore Gap (Robin Hood Tree) loop from Hadrian's Wall, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 58 minutes to complete, offering views of the iconic Sycamore Gap.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hadrian's Wall Path, a moderate 6.1 miles (9.8 km) path. This route follows a section of the historic Roman wall, providing expansive views across the landscape.
- Local hikers also love the Vindolanda & Hadrian's Wall Trail, an 8.6 miles (13.8 km) trail leading through historical Roman sites and open countryside, often completed in about 3 hours 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Greenlee Lough is defined by wetland ecosystems, ancient Roman wall paths, and varied woodlands, with options for both easy walks and more moderate trails. The region's network of paths allows for exploration of its natural and historical features.
- The routes in Greenlee Lough are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. More than 6000 hikers have used komoot to explore Greenlee Lough's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(31)
467
hikers
6.77km
01:56
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
4
hikers
7.63km
02:12
200m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(66)
671
hikers
9.85km
02:46
200m
200m
Hike a moderate 6.1-mile section of Hadrian's Wall Path, gaining 662 feet, past Sycamore Gap and Housesteads Roman Fort.
4.7
(82)
431
hikers
5.66km
01:32
70m
70m
Embark on the Steel Rigg & Hadrians Wall Walk, an easy hiking route that immerses you in dramatic scenery and ancient history. You will follow the iconic Hadrian's Wall, experiencing impressive stretches of the Roman structure and enjoying expansive views across Northumberland National Park. This trail covers 3.5 miles (5.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 241 feet (74 metres), making it a rewarding experience that typically takes around 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete.
When planning your visit, be aware that the path includes undulating sections with short, steep ascents and descents, often involving stone steps. It's wise to wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can become rocky and muddy, especially after rain. Parking is conveniently available at Steel Rigg, which serves as an excellent starting point for your hike. Be prepared for potential strong winds, particularly on the more exposed, elevated parts of the route.
This section of Hadrian's Wall is notable for its historical significance and the striking natural landscape it traverses. As you hike, you will pass by iconic landmarks such as Milecastle 39 and the dramatic dip of Sycamore Gap, offering spectacular views over Crag Lough. The trail follows the Whin Sill, a geological feature that contributes to the area's unique topography and provides those memorable 'big views' across the national park.
4.7
(73)
336
hikers
13.8km
03:55
300m
300m
Hike the 8.6-mile Vindolanda & Hadrian's Wall Trail, a moderate route exploring Roman history and scenic Northumberland landscapes.
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Tips from the Community
Steel Rigg is one of the most beautiful viewpoints along the high, central part of Hadrian's Wall.
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The Roman milecastle 39 is known as Castle Nick, because it lies in a niche in the hillside. The site was excavated between 1908 and 1911 and re-excavated between 1982 and 1987. In the south-east corner there was a stone oven and in the south-west corner a rectangular building with a sunken floor, associated with Roman finds. The milecastle appears to have been occupied until the end of the 4th century. In the 18th century, a dairy may have been built in the west corner. (Northumberland National Park)
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A great view of the Wall from this vantage. Pretend you're a Pict !
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Housestead Fort is one of the most impressive Roman forts you can ever come across. It is super well preserved and free to enter if you belong to the National Trust, so don't forget your card. There is a small museum and shop nearby where you can get entry tickets, coffee, and snacks.
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This is a lovely section of woodland path just above Crag Lough. It is not the sort of trail you expect to see along Hadrian's Wall, but it is a super nice section. It is a pity it's not a few kilometres longer.
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Milecastle 39 is a super scenic and impressive place. It is a well-preserved Milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall. It is immediately to the west of the Sycamore Gap and is just one of many outstanding features on this stretch of wall.
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Walking to the top of Winshield Crags and its trig point is a super nice hike with grand vistas in all directions. It is the highest point on Hadrian's Wall, and it makes for a good rest spot. It is one of only three trig points directly on the Hadrian's Wall National Trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Greenlee Lough?
There are over 100 hiking routes available around Greenlee Lough, offering a wide variety of experiences. These include easy strolls through wetlands, moderate paths along Hadrian's Wall, and a few more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Greenlee Lough?
The terrain around Greenlee Lough is diverse, featuring a mosaic of habitats. You'll encounter paths through shallow lake fringes, reedbeds, herb fens, and blanket bogs, often with thoughtfully installed boardwalks. There are also sections through carr woodland, grasslands, and newly planted native woodlands. Geologically, the landscape is shaped by the impressive Great Whin Sill, offering routes with views over crags and columns.
Are there easy walks suitable for families around Greenlee Lough?
Yes, Greenlee Lough offers many easy walks perfect for families. Approximately 46 of the available routes are rated as easy. A popular choice is the Greenlee Lough Circular Walk, a moderate 3.8-mile route that features boardwalks and bird hides, making it engaging for all ages.
Can I find circular hiking routes near Greenlee Lough?
Yes, circular routes are a popular option in the area. The Greenlee Lough Circular Walk is a well-known example, offering a tranquil 3.8-mile loop. Another option is the Hadrian's Wall – Sycamore Gap (Robin Hood Tree) loop from Hadrian's Wall, which is an easy 4.3-mile trail.
Where can I park when visiting Greenlee Lough for a hike?
A primary parking location for accessing trails around Greenlee Lough is the Steel Rigg Car Park. From here, you can easily access routes like the Greenlee Lough Circular Walk and sections of Hadrian's Wall.
What wildlife can I expect to see while hiking around Greenlee Lough?
Greenlee Lough is a haven for wildlife. You can observe various wildfowl and waders, especially in winter, including whooper swans, greylag geese, wigeon, and teal. In spring and summer, mute swans, mallards, and great crested grebes are common. The lough is also home to protected species like the white-clawed crayfish, and you might spot otters, pike, perch, meadow pipits, skylarks, and various butterflies and moths.
Are there historical sites or landmarks to explore near Greenlee Lough?
Absolutely. Greenlee Lough is one of the 'Roman Wall Loughs' and is located very close to Hadrian's Wall. Many hikes in the vicinity incorporate sections of the Hadrian's Wall Path, offering views of historical sites like Housesteads Roman Fort. The Vindolanda & Hadrian's Wall Trail is another excellent route for exploring Roman history.
When is the best time of year to hike around Greenlee Lough?
Greenlee Lough offers different experiences throughout the year. Late June and early July are particularly vibrant when the hay meadows are in full bloom. Winter provides opportunities to observe a wide array of wildfowl and waders. Spring and summer are ideal for seeing mute swans, mallards, and great crested grebes. The boardwalks make many areas accessible year-round.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Greenlee Lough?
The trails around Greenlee Lough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil countryside, the diverse wetland ecosystems, the well-maintained boardwalks, and the stunning views, especially those incorporating sections of Hadrian's Wall.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Greenlee Lough area?
While many routes are easy to moderate, there are a few more challenging hikes available. The broader Northumberland National Park, which encompasses Greenlee Lough, offers over 600 miles of trails, including some with more significant elevation changes and longer distances for experienced hikers.
Is Greenlee Lough accessible by public transport?
Access to Greenlee Lough by public transport can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services or consider options like the Hadrian's Wall Bus (AD122) which operates seasonally and stops at key points along the wall, some of which are near Greenlee Lough. For detailed and up-to-date information, it's best to consult the Northumberland National Park's official transport guides.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Greenlee Lough?
Dogs are generally welcome on public footpaths around Greenlee Lough and within Northumberland National Park. However, as Greenlee Lough is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, ground-nesting birds, and sensitive wetland habitats, to protect the diverse wildlife.
What are some notable viewpoints around Greenlee Lough?
Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views from various points around Greenlee Lough. The Great Whin Sill provides elevated perspectives, and you can get expansive vistas of Winshield Crags and the distant North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The bird hides also offer excellent, serene viewpoints for observing the lough's wildlife.
Most popular routes around Greenlee Lough
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