The best walks and hikes around Horsley
4.5
(556)
5,890
hikers
304
hikes
Hiking around Horsley features a landscape characterized by river valleys, rolling hills, and agricultural land. The region includes waterways like the River Tyne and smaller streams, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities. Elevation changes are generally moderate, providing accessible routes through the countryside.
Best hiking trails around Horsley
- The most popular hiking route is Tyne Riverside Path – Hagg Bank Bridge loop from Prudhoe, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 16 minutes to complete, following…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.8
(12)
168
hikers
8.71km
02:16
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
11
hikers
6.54km
01:41
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
4.10km
01:06
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
George Stephenson's birthplace is a simple stone worker's cottage on the north bank of the River Tyne in Wylam, built circa 1760 to house mining families, and where the future railway pioneer was born in 1781. A Grade II* listed building owned by the National Trust, it is now a historic house museum with original furnishings and displays about Stephenson's childhood and early locomotives, and is opened to visitors by costume guides who wish to experience the living conditions of a Georgian mining family.
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Please note it closes at 1600
8
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Nice and relatively quiet path.
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To understand why this rather modest-looking house remains an attractive destination for visitors to Wylam to this day, we must go back several centuries in history. To be precise, to June 9, 1781. On that day, a baby named George Stephenson was born here – of course, no one at the time could have imagined that this man would later become an engineer and a famous railway pioneer beyond the borders of the British Isles. A picture of his famous locomotive, the "Rocket," can be found at the following link on Wikipedia =>> https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson#/media/Datei:Stephenson's_Rocket.jpg
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Its the coffee TREE Cafe a good stop off if your heading back into Newcastle along the river. Home made cakes good coffee.
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The Wylam Waggonway was built in 1748 by John Blackett to carry coal from the Wylam Colliery over a five-mile (approximately eight-kilometre) route to the staithes at Lemington on the River Tyne. Initially using wooden rails and oxen for traction, it was fitted with iron plate rails in 1808 and from 1813 housed the first commercial steam locomotives Puffing Billy and Wylam Dilly. It fell into disuse after the colliery closed around 1868, became part of the Scotswood, Newburn & Wylam Railway in 1875 and now serves largely as a walking and cycle path within the Tyne Riverside Country Park.
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The Hagg Bank Bridge, also known as the Points Bridge or Half-Moon Bridge, is a Grade II* listed pedestrian bridge spanning the River Tyne at Wylam. It was originally built in 1876 as a railway bridge for the Scotswood, Newburn & Wylam Railway. W.G. Laws's design incorporated a 73-metre single rib arch with no piers in the river, an innovation at the time and likely inspiration for later bridges such as the Tyne Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Following the closure of the railway line in 1968, the bridge was reopened in 1975 as a walkway and cycle path linking Wylam with the Tyne Riverside Country Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Horsley?
There are over 300 hiking routes available around Horsley, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored more than 5000 of these routes, highlighting the area's popularity for outdoor activities.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Horsley?
Yes, Horsley offers a good selection of easy trails. Over 160 routes are classified as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. An example is the Vallum Farm Café – Whittledean Reservoir loop from Vallum Farm, which is 4.0 miles (6.5 km) and leads through open countryside.
Are there many circular hiking routes in Horsley?
Many of the trails in Horsley are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the popular Tyne Riverside Path – Hagg Bank Bridge loop from Prudhoe is a 5.4-mile (8.7 km) circular trail along the River Tyne.
Are Horsley's hiking trails dog-friendly?
Most hiking trails in Horsley are dog-friendly, especially those traversing open countryside and river paths. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly near livestock or in nature reserve areas, and to check specific trail regulations if available.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Horsley?
Yes, Horsley has many family-friendly options, especially the easier, shorter routes with minimal elevation gain. Trails through agricultural land and along riverbanks are generally suitable for families. The Goose Fair Cross loop from Prudhoe is an easy 4.0 km route that could be a good choice for families.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Horsley?
Hiking around Horsley features a diverse landscape characterized by river valleys, rolling hills, and agricultural land. You'll encounter waterways like the River Tyne and smaller streams, offering varied terrain and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Are there good viewpoints along the trails in Horsley?
Yes, many trails offer excellent viewpoints. For example, the Horsley Wood Dene Stream – View of the Hills and Valley loop from Ovingham provides scenic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. Additionally, you can find specific viewpoints like Red Kite Viewpoint and Bees, Bombers and Butterflies Sign – The Spetchells in the wider area.
What can I see along the hiking trails besides natural scenery?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore historical and cultural highlights. Nearby attractions include several castles such as Vicar's Pele Tower and Aydon Castle. You might also encounter interesting natural monuments like the Memorial Tree Garden and The Battlefield.
Is parking available near the hiking trails in Horsley?
Parking is generally available at common starting points for trails, such as near villages, pubs, or designated car parks. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for parking information provided by other hikers.
Can I reach Horsley hiking trails using public transport?
While some trailheads might be accessible by local bus services, public transport options can vary. For detailed information on reaching specific starting points, it's best to consult local bus timetables or public transport websites for the Northumberland area.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Horsley?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful river paths, the rolling hills, and the well-maintained agricultural landscapes that offer a pleasant and varied hiking experience.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the hiking trails?
Yes, you can find cafes and pubs in and around Horsley and nearby villages that are convenient for hikers. For example, the Vallum Farm Café – Whittledean Reservoir loop from Vallum Farm starts near a café, and the The Coffee Tree Café – George Stephenson's Birthplace loop from Wylam also offers a starting point with amenities.
Most popular attractions around Horsley
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