The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hexhamshire

Hexhamshire offers a great selection of family-friendly hikes. You'll find 16 routes specifically curated for families, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something for every age and ability.

Hexhamshire's family-friendly trails wind through a diverse landscape of rolling hills, open moorland, and dense woodlands. You can expect picturesque riverbanks, agricultural fields, and elevated sections offering expansive views. Many routes, like the Slaley Forest loop from Whitley Chapel, immerse you in beautiful forest settings.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in Hexhamshire are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the Dipton Mill Inn loop from Hexham RaceCourse is an easy circular option, perfect for a relaxed family outing.

While not directly on the listed routes, the Hexhamshire region is close to the enchanting Hareshaw Linn Waterfall near Bellingham. This "hidden gem" is reached via a moderate hike through magical woodland, crossing bridges to a spectacular 9-meter waterfall, which can be a fantastic family adventure.

For shorter, easier walks ideal for young children or toddlers, consider routes with minimal elevation gain and shorter distances. The Dipton Mill Inn loop from Hexham RaceCourse is an excellent choice, covering just over 3 km with gentle ascents, making it very manageable for little legs.

Many trails in Hexhamshire are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local signage and keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves. The diverse landscapes, from woodlands to moorland, offer plenty of opportunities for your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors with the family.

Hexhamshire is rich in both natural beauty and history. While hiking, you might encounter parts of Hadrian's Wall nearby, or explore woodlands like those around Sidley Forest Singletrack. For natural features, keep an eye out for various peaks and viewpoints such as Bolt's Law summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Yes, if your family is up for a longer adventure, Hexhamshire offers more extensive routes. The Moorland Crossroads Signpost – Allendale Town Centre loop is a moderate 17 km hike, providing a more challenging yet rewarding experience through varied terrain for active families.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Hexhamshire, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the region's quiet, beautiful pastoral corners, the variety of landscapes from woodlands to moorland, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable outings with children.

Parking is generally available at or near the starting points of many trails. For instance, the Dipton Mill Inn loop starts conveniently from Hexham RaceCourse, which typically offers parking. It's always advisable to check specific route details for parking information before you head out.

Hexhamshire boasts several beautiful woodland walks perfect for families. The Slaley Forest loop from Whitley Chapel is an excellent example, offering a pleasant 6.6 km journey through dense woodlands. Another great option is the Kingslaw Plantation loop, providing a moderate forest experience.

Hexhamshire's diverse habitats, from woodlands to moorland and riverbanks, support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds like buzzards and curlews, and you might spot deer in the forests. The Hareshaw Linn Waterfall area, for example, is known for its rich wildlife, including red squirrels and various bird species.