Keen walker David Steel from Morpeth is used to sharing all you need to know about walks around the North East.
However David, who runs website Plan Watch Walk, has now been given the unenviable task of narrowing these down to just his top five.
He has selected a range of different types of walk, with some on the coast and some in the countryside which could be perfect to try during the bank holiday weekends in May. He has used his vast experience and knowledge of the subject to compile the list below, in order to encourage people to spend time outdoors.
Here is Plan Watch Walk's David Steel with his top five North East walks. If there is one near you, why not head out and see the beauty of the North East for yourself.
David says There are so many great walks in the North East, so it was quite hard to pick just five. All of these walks have personal memories for me, that will stay with me forever.
As I say in all of my videos, never forget to look behind you as you walk, as there is so much to take in. At times your senses can be overloaded, as there is so much for them to absorb. Walking rejuvenates the soul, and removes the trials and tribulations of day to day life, so what a great way it is to spend some time in the outdoors.
1. Morpeth - River Wansbeck
There is so much on offer from a walk around Morpeth. It only takes a short walk past the station to get into the fields surrounding the market town. The walk then concludes with a stunning stroll along the banks of the River Wansbeck.
This walk is particularly special to me as it is so close to home, and I am able to get straight on my way from where I live in a matter of minutes. it is truly amazing what you can find right on your doorstep, as is the case all over the North East.
2. The Cheviot via Hedgehope Hill
There are many ways to reach the highest peak in the Cheviots, but this one is my personal favourite. This is the horseshoe route, which has its peak on Hedgehope Hill, with some incredible and near-limitless views across the county.
After this first stop, we then head around the horseshoe and peak on the Cheviot itself. This walk is a great way to experience some fantastic views, with two locations on your way that offer some incredible visuals, perfectly showcasing the natural beauty of our region.
3. The Northumberland Coastal Path
This selection that I have made it technically a bit of cheat, as it is six walks in one, however I decided to choose them all as they are part of the same path. We start from Cresswell in South Northumberland and eventually the trail ends in Berwick upon Tweed. This walk will take you along some less trodden routes, which for me personally is very enjoyable.
Considering the overall length of the coastal path, you of course don’t need to do this in one go. It can be completed over a number of separate days, if you so wish. If you can have the time to spare, you will certainly not regret completing this walk.
4. Hexham circular route (Juniper, Dipton Woods and Dilston)
This is such a tranquil walk with some varied types of walking, which always adds to the overall enjoyment. You first start in the historic market town of Hexham, before heading further south, and reaching the picturesque village of Juniper.
Heading along the Pennine journey path, you will then have many different bridge crossings, which have fantastic scenery and a great backdrop. Once you have explored Dipton Woods, you can then head towards Dilston, which gives you a great view of Corbridge.
To complete the route, you can then make a return journey to Hexham. There is something very satisfying about a circular route and this really shows through here on this particular walk.
5. Ingram Valley to Linhope Spout Waterfall
For this walk, before you even get to the stat point, driving to the head of the Ingram valley is a delight in itself. You are able to take in all of the sights this way too, while knowing that you will soon embark on a peaceful walk.
Starting at Hartside, this is a very beautiful walk along more recognisable paths, through rural wooded areas and ending with a short walk over the fells, before you then reach the absolutely stunning Linhope Spout Waterfall. This is a relatively easy walk as well, but it still takes you away from day-to-day life, and you return home feeling totally revitalised.
All of the above walks can be found on the Plan Watch Walk website here, where routing, planning and maps (available on the OS GPS app) can be found.
Each of these walks are also videoed and fully edited, and they can be viewed on the Plan Watch Walk YouTube channel. We also have bird’s eye flythrough videos where you can see the full route from above, which are also on the YouTube channel here.
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