The best walks and hikes around Hunstanworth

Yes, many of the trails in the region are loops. For a moderately challenging circular route that showcases the area's industrial past, consider the Sikehead Dam and Rookhope loop — North Pennines. It's a great way to experience the varied landscape without having to retrace your steps.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Hunstanworth. However, you will be walking through open moorland and farmland where livestock graze. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during bird nesting season (typically March to July) to protect ground-nesting birds on the moors.

The area around the Derwent Reservoir offers several gentle and well-maintained paths that are ideal for families. Pow Hill Country Park, located on the reservoir's edge, is an excellent starting point for a leisurely stroll with pleasant views and picnic spots.

The nearby village of Blanchland is famous for its historic pub and serves as a fantastic start or end point for a hike. The Blanchland Abbey – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Blanchland is a popular choice that combines a rewarding walk through the countryside with the chance to visit the village's well-regarded inn.

There are several footpaths connecting the two villages, taking you across classic North Pennines scenery. The routes often cross open moorland and follow parts of the River Derwent, offering a peaceful and scenic hiking experience between these two historic locations.

For walks around the Derwent Reservoir, the car park at Pow Hill Country Park is a convenient option. If you plan to start your hike from the village of Blanchland, there is a public car park available there. On-street parking in Hunstanworth itself is very limited, so using designated car parks is recommended.

The region is steeped in history. Many trails pass by remnants of its 18th and 19th-century lead mining industry. The village of Hunstanworth itself was largely rebuilt in a distinctive Gothic Revival style in the 1860s, while nearby Blanchland grew up around a 12th-century abbey.

Absolutely. The Derwent Reservoir is a dominant feature of the landscape and offers excellent opportunities for waterside walking. You can enjoy panoramic views of the water and surrounding hills on well-maintained paths along its shores, making for a serene and relatively flat hike.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the sense of tranquility, the stunning moorland vistas, especially when the heather is in bloom, and the interesting historical features related to the area's lead mining past.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes around Hunstanworth on komoot. These range from short, easy walks suitable for all abilities to more challenging full-day hikes across the moors, ensuring there's a trail for every type of walker.

The moorlands of the North Pennines are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for ground-nesting birds like curlew, lapwing, and red grouse, particularly in the spring and summer. The varied habitats also support a range of other fauna.