The best walks and hikes around Hedgeley
4.4
(337)
2,250
hikers
129
hikes
Hiking around Hedgeley offers a diverse landscape characterized by river valleys, nature reserves, and elevated viewpoints. The region features the tranquil waters of Branton Lakes and the winding course of the River Breamish. Hikers can expect a mix of flat paths along waterways and more challenging ascents to hills like Cochrane Pike, providing varied terrain for exploration.
Best hiking trails around Hedgeley
- The most popular hiking route is Branton Lakes Nature Reserve – Branton Nature Reserve Lake loop from Powburn, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail that takes 52 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the tranquil lake area.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bridge Over the River Breamish – River Breamish loop from Powburn, a moderate 5.4 miles (8.7 km) path. This trail follows the River Breamish, offering riverside scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Cochrane Pike – View from Cochrane Pike loop from Powburn, a 11.5 miles (18.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain to an elevated viewpoint, often completed in about 5 hours 7 minutes.
- Hiking around Hedgeley is defined by river valleys, nature reserves, and hills, with options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Hedgeley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. More than 2,100 hikers have used komoot to explore Hedgeley's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(2)
34
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
12
hikers
8.70km
02:22
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
17
hikers
18.5km
05:07
320m
320m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
35
hikers
12.0km
03:03
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Climbing Cochrane Pike with a height of 335mtrs might not be the biggest climb around, however, it can be physical and needs determination. Towards the summit is exposed land where wind conditions tend to be harsher. Low level cloud can restrict distant visibility. The surface does have sections of peat / bogland but it is easy to pick a better, firmer ride line around the edges of worse spots. Once at the top the following downhill section is great to ride on. Fast flowing, but on some slightly rocky double tracks, your speed picks up and then vision diminishes due to excessive vibration. Keep the brakes on if you chose as picking a decent ride line and seeing potential parts of the track that you need to avoid, can be difficult on this high speed downhill section.
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There are literally thousands of birds sitting on the water at Branton Nature Reserve. A good single track around the lakes is easy enough to ride on. The noise from the birds is quite loud at times. A small car park that can fit about 5 cars is available. Unfortunately as I rode around the lake perimeter the birds seen and heard me on the bike, they then all took off, but less than a minute later they returned
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This section has rugged boulder rock all over, picking a ride line is not easy, the bike is rattling through this section. Thankfully I was going downhill, it would be difficult to pass through if riding the opposite direction
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Heading west you start to see the scale of the hills climbs ahead. There are some good viewing points in this area, where you can see in many directions. The scenery is very nice on a good weathers day
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Ingram Village Hall is situated on the edge of Northumberland National Park in the village of Ingram. It hosts several activities and entertainments throughout the year. It can also be used as an overnight stop.
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In the rolling Cheviot hills located between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders
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Located close to the hamlet of Branton, Branton Lakes Nature Reserve provides 29 hectares of diverse habitat for numerous species of plants, birds and other wildlife. The site centres on two lakes with surrounding grassland for grazing animals and woodland pasture fringing the site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Hedgeley?
Hedgeley offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 120 routes to choose from. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring options for all skill levels.
Are there easy hikes suitable for beginners or families in Hedgeley?
Yes, Hedgeley has plenty of easy routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve – Branton Nature Reserve Lake loop from Powburn is a gentle 2.1-mile (3.4 km) trail that explores the tranquil lake area, ideal for a relaxed outing.
What are the typical lengths of hiking trails in Hedgeley?
Hiking trails in Hedgeley vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes like the 2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop around Branton Lakes, moderate options such as the 5.4-mile (8.7 km) Bridge Over the River Breamish – River Breamish loop from Powburn, and longer, more challenging trails extending up to 11.5 miles (18.5 km) or more.
Are there any circular walks in Hedgeley?
Many of the routes in Hedgeley are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve loop and the Cochrane Pike – View from Cochrane Pike loop from Powburn, which provides an elevated viewpoint.
What natural attractions can I see while hiking in Hedgeley?
Hedgeley's landscape is rich with natural beauty. You can explore the tranquil waters of Branton Lakes, follow the winding course of the River Breamish, or ascend to hills like Cochrane Pike for panoramic views. The region is characterized by its river valleys and nature reserves.
Are there any viewpoints with scenic vistas in Hedgeley?
Absolutely. For stunning views, consider hiking to Ros Castle Hill Fort or Cochrane Pike. These elevated points offer expansive panoramas of the surrounding countryside.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Hedgeley?
Generally, dogs are welcome on most public footpaths and trails in Hedgeley, provided they are kept under control, especially near livestock. When hiking through nature reserves like Branton Lakes, it's advisable to keep dogs on a lead to protect wildlife.
Are there options for public transport to reach hiking trails in Hedgeley?
Public transport options directly to trailheads in Hedgeley can be limited. Many routes start from villages like Powburn, which may have bus services. It's recommended to check local bus schedules in advance or consider driving to access a wider range of starting points.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Hedgeley?
Parking is often available in the villages where many trails begin, such as Powburn. Some popular trailheads, especially those leading to nature reserves or specific attractions, may have designated car parks. Always check for local signage and be mindful of private property.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the hiking trails in Hedgeley?
Yes, after a hike, you can find places to refresh. The River Breamish – Ingram Café and Visitor Centre loop from Powburn, for example, passes by the Ingram Café and Visitor Centre, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Hedgeley?
The komoot community highly rates hiking in Hedgeley, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscape, which includes tranquil river valleys, peaceful nature reserves, and rewarding ascents to viewpoints like Cochrane Pike.
What is the best time of year to hike in Hedgeley?
Hedgeley offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh greenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and even winter can be picturesque, though some trails might be muddy or require appropriate gear. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
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