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United Kingdom
England
North East England

Haltwhistle

The best walks and hikes around Haltwhistle

4.7

(419)

3,779

hikers

31

hikes

Hikes around Haltwhistle explore the landscape of Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines. The region is characterized by rolling hills, expansive meadows, and sections of ancient woodland. Water features prominently, with routes following the River South Tyne and the Haltwhistle Burn. The area is also notable for its proximity to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best hiking trails around Haltwhistle

  • The most popular hiking route is the Caw Gap loop from Cawfields Quarry, a 3.7 mile (5.9 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This easy walk follows a section of the Hadrian's Wall Path.
  • Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Winshield Crags trig point – Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall loop from Haltwhistle, a moderate 6.8 mile (11.0 km) path. The route includes ascents to viewpoints along the wall.
  • Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Thirlwall Castle to Walltown Quarry loop from Halfwhistle, a 10.9 mile (17.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 4 hours 45 minutes.
  • Hiking around Haltwhistle is defined by historic Roman sites, riverside paths, and rolling moorland. The network of trails provides options for different ability levels, from short walks to more challenging hikes.
  • The routes in Haltwhistle are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 350 reviews. More than 3,400 hikers have used komoot to explore Haltwhistle's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

4.9

(9)

65

hikers

#1.

Caw Gap loop from Cawfields Quarry

5.88km

01:35

80m

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(8)

38

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Tips from the Community

Dominiek Van Dooren
July 3, 2026, View of Crag Lough

Crag Lough was formed by glaciers during the last ice age and is one of the four Roman Wall lakes. The other three are Broomlee, Greenlee and Halleypike.

Translated by Google

4

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Steel Rigg is one of the most beautiful viewpoints along the high, central part of Hadrian's Wall.

Translated by Google

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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)

Translated by Google

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A great view of the Wall from this vantage. Pretend you're a Pict !

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This area is set in a valley with very steep steps taking you down to the river and the underside of the viaduct. You have to carry the bike down the steps. There are some narrow rugged single tracks to make your way around, once through you get an excellent view looking up at Lambley Viaduct arches

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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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The Sycamore Gap tree was an iconic tree that was over 200 years old and located in a dramatic dip along Hadrian's Wall. It was made famous in the film Robin Hood, which featured a scene where Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman acted out a scene at this exact location. Unfortunately it could not stand up to a malignant, vengeful human with a chainsaw.

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David Howells
April 4, 2026, Peel Gap

Peel Gap Tower is a super nice turret in a remarkable scenic spot. It is the only additional turret found on the entire Wall. It was added to supplement the defence of the wall due to a possible weakness in the wall at this point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Haltwhistle?

Yes, the area offers several shorter, less strenuous options perfect for families. The walk along the Haltwhistle Burn is a beautiful and tranquil choice. For a route with historical interest, the Caw Gap loop from Cawfields Quarry is an easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) trail that follows a section of Hadrian's Wall.

Can I take my dog on the trails around Haltwhistle?

Dogs are welcome on most trails, especially in open areas like Walltown Quarry Country Park. However, you will be walking through farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead at all times. Also, be mindful of stiles which may be difficult for larger dogs to cross.

Where is the best place to park for hikes near Haltwhistle?

Many walks start from designated car parks. Cawfields Quarry is a popular and well-equipped starting point with toilets and picnic areas, ideal for accessing the central sections of Hadrian's Wall. For walks around the South Tyne valley, there are parking options in Haltwhistle town itself.

Which hike is best for seeing Hadrian's Wall and other Roman sites?

For a comprehensive experience of Roman history, the Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian's Wall loop from Haltwhistle is an excellent choice. This challenging hike covers a significant section of the wall and leads directly to the well-preserved fort, offering a deep dive into the area's past.

Can you recommend a walk that features a castle?

Certainly. The Thirlwall Castle to Walltown Quarry loop is a moderate hike that incorporates the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Thirlwall Castle, providing a dramatic historical backdrop to your walk.

Is there a walk that goes to the Lambley Viaduct?

Yes, you can explore this impressive piece of Victorian engineering on the Lambley Viaduct – Lambley Viaduct loop from Haltwhistle. This moderate walk follows the path of an old railway line through the scenic South Tyne valley to the stunning nine-arched viaduct.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Haltwhistle?

The trails around Haltwhistle are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique combination of breathtaking natural scenery and the immense historical significance of walking alongside Hadrian's Wall.

How many hiking trails are there to choose from around Haltwhistle?

There are over 30 curated hiking routes available around Haltwhistle on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to challenging full-day treks, ensuring there's a trail for every ability level.

Are there any walks that feature waterfalls or scenic river sections?

Many routes follow the picturesque River South Tyne or the wooded Haltwhistle Burn. For a dedicated waterfall walk, the trail to Hareshaw Linn near Bellingham is a local favourite, leading through ancient woodland to a spectacular waterfall.

What are the options for a more challenging, long-distance hike?

For those seeking a tougher challenge, the Winshield Crags trig point – Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall loop is a great option. This 6.8-mile (11.0 km) route involves some steep climbs to the highest point on Hadrian's Wall, rewarding you with outstanding panoramic views.

Is it possible to reach the hiking trails using public transport?

Yes, Haltwhistle has a train station on the Newcastle-Carlisle line, making it accessible. From the town, you can walk directly onto many trails, including the Haltwhistle Burn path. For trails starting further out, the AD122 Hadrian's Wall Country Bus runs seasonally, stopping at key sites like Housesteads and Cawfields.

Are there any good circular walks that have a pub or cafe on the route?

Haltwhistle itself has several pubs and cafes, making it a perfect start or end point for a circular walk where you can get refreshments. Many of the 'Haltwhistle Rings'—a series of 22 circular walks—are designed to begin and end in the town, allowing for a well-earned break.

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