After a busy week of work, there's nothing better than blowing off the cobwebs by taking a relaxing walk around our beautiful landscape. And arguably there's no better place to go for a walk than in and around than these top North East spots.
Bosses at Which? asked 1,807 members to rate more than 51 of the nation’s favourite walks that won’t take more than a day to complete (coming in at 13 miles and under).
They then we asked you to rate them across different categories, including best scenery, best food and drink – championing local produce wherever possible – best for wildlife spotting and where’s best to escape the crowds.
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Three walks in Northumberland were named high up the national ranking, with Sycamore gap 8th, the Craster, Dunstanburgh and Low Newton Circuit 10th and Housesteads to Steel Rigg 11th in the survey.
Here is a description of each:
Sycamore Gap, Northumberland
Sycamore Gap was awarded the title of the best walk in the North East of England by Which? the UK's consumer champion. With a lone sycamore tree standing between two hills, made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the walk appears in two top 15 tables of walks.
Which? Members awarded it five stars for scenery and four stars for places of interest. Described as "photogenic", the walk showcases some of the best-preserved parts of the Unesco world heritage Hadrian’s Wall - so there's plenty to see and experience.
A longer eight-mile route is possible for those wanting a bigger challenge, but this shorter version offers similar access to Roman ruins en route to the iconic tree. It also gives visitors the opportunity to explore the Housesteads Roman Fort on their way back.
Craster, Dunstanburgh, and Low Newton Circuit
Described as a "refreshing and invigorating" coastal walk, the views from this route from Craster to Low Newton are simply stunning. The quaint fishing village of Craster, which is six miles northeast of Alnwick, has plenty on offer for visitors wanting a chilled day out.
Walkers can enjoy magnificent views and miles of sandy bays as they begin at Craster and pass the mighty ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. They will then follow the long sweep of Embleton Sands before reaching Low Newton by the Sea.
It's a wonderful walk all year round, with dune flowers blooming in spring, paddling (or swimming for the brave) in summer, migrating birds in the autumn, and beautiful light and empty paths in winter.
Housesteads to Steel Rigg
Northumberland is one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology with miles and miles of Hadrian's Wall gracing our landscapes. But so many people are still yet to see it properly for themselves.
On this walk from Housesteads to Steel Rig, you'll be able to explore Hadrian's Wall Country on this beautiful eight-mile circular walk starting at Housesteads Fort.
Walkers are urged to head west along the Wall, which was built in AD122, before returning north of the Wall. There you can appreciate the stunning surroundings and impressive Whin Sill the Wall was built on.
