7 Scenic North East Dog Walks You & Your Pooch Will Adore

The north east certainly has no shortage of incredibly good places to walk dogs. Whether exploring the huge expanses of coastline or staying further inland at the Northern end of the Pennines, there’ll be plenty of beautiful sights for you and infinite smells for your pooch. 

So, we’ve rounded up 5 of the most scenic north east dog walks right here – bookmark this post for easy-to-follow directions as you explore!

North East Dog Walks (In & Around Newcastle & Northumberland)

1. Chesters Roman Fort Circular Walk in Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Giving you a generous dose of history and a healthy helping of picture-worthy country views, Chesters Roman Fort Circular Walk is one of the most stunning north east dog walks. Passing through wonderful woodlands, far-stretching fields, and tiny towns, there’ll be plenty to keep your pup sniffing. 

Need-to-know information: 

• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Rolling hills, woodland, historic trail

Chesters Roman Fort Circular Walk Route: 

1. Head to Chesters Roman Fort – one of the best-preserved Roman cavalry forts in Britain. You can take a look around the baths, steam room, officers’ quarters, and explore the museum, but you’ll need to pay unless you’re an English Heritage member. 
2. Follow the main path up to the Hadrian’s Wall Trail and turn left, heading west (it’s not easy to get lost, so don’t worry). You’ll be walking on the south side of the wall, which was built in AD 122 as a frontier of the Roman Empire. Take in views of the North Tyne River and miles of rolling hills as you walk along this historic monument.
3. After passing Milecastle 38 (not to be confused with mile 38), cross over the farm track at the bottom of the hill and switch to the north side of the wall. Follow the path through Crag Lough Woods. Well-known for its biodiversity, you can spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife as you go.
4. Here comes the slightly challenging part – descending the crag to walk through the wall at Sycamore Gap (you’ll need a good pair of grippy walking boots). You might recognise this infamous spot – although not for good reason – thanks to the vandals who decided to chop down the tree at the back end of 2023.
5. Make your way back to Chesters Roman Fort, passing other Roman remains like Chesters Bridge Abutment and Planetrees Roman Wall. If this isn't one of the best dog walks in Northumberland, we don’t know what is.

2. Hareshaw Linn Walk in Northumberland 

If your pup loves a dip (which pup doesn’t?), the Hareshaw Linn Walk is one of the most exciting dog walks in the north east. A 3-mile walk to a spectacular waterfall, we promise their tails will be wagging the whole way. But this route isn’t for the faint-hearted – fuel up and stay hydrated with our picnic equipment and make sure you’re fully kitted out in proper dog walking clothing.

Need-to-know Information:

• Distance: 3 miles
• Time: 2 hours 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Terrain: Woodland path, bridges, waterfall trail 
• Recommended to keep dogs on a lead 

Hareshaw Linn Walk Route: 

1. One of the more popular north east dog walks, the route begins at the Northumberland National Park car park at Hareshaw Linn in Bellingham (relax – it does get better than this). Would you believe us if we told you this area was home to an ironworks in the mid-1800s?
2. Follow the footpath up to the old dam on your left and continue to an open area. You should see a small waterfall here – don’t worry, this isn’t the waterfall. 
3. Look out for signs to Hareshaw Linn and follow them along the stream. You’ll cross six bridges and walk through ancient woodland – an adventure for you and your pooch. 
4. And at the end of the trail, you’ll see the nine metre high waterfall (if you don’t, you’ve definitely gone the wrong way – retrace your steps to get back on track). Take a photo – or several – of your walking squad, pooch included. It would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?
5. To get back to the starting point at the car park, all you need to do is walk the same route!

3. Greenlee Lough Circular Walk in Northumberland 

If you’re on the hunt for north east dog walks with the whole works – wetlands, forests, and rivers – the Greenlee Lough Circular Walk is a no-brainer. But it’s not just a great route for walking. Take your fishing rod, your mountain bike, and your binoculars to enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. 

Need-to-know Information:

• Distance: 4 miles 
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Terrain: Boardwalks, woodland paths, stiles
• Recommended to keep dogs on a lead

Greenlee Lough Circular Walk Route: 

1. Park in the Greenlee Lough Permissive Car Park and follow signs for Greenlee Nature Reserve. 
2. Walk along the boardwalk through the wetlands and forests. When you reach the junction, stick to the boardwalk (and snap an obligatory photo of the lough). 
3. Turn right at the end of the boardwalk and follow the path along the edge of the lough.
4. Carefully climb over the stile on your right and cross the field to get to the fingerpost. Then turn left and follow the path along Caw Burn. 
5. Cross a footbridge and continue until you reach a road. Turn left at the road and follow it back to the car park.

4. Druridge Bay Country Park in Northumberland 

We know, when it comes to planning north east dog walks, it’s almost impossible to choose between the beach and the countryside, isn’t it? And that’s exactly why Druridge Bay Country Park is our top choice for those days when you just can’t decide. 

Need-to-know Information:

• Access to a 7-mile stretch of beach
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Beach, dunes, gravel paths, grassy meadows

Positioned along Northumberland's stunning coastline, between Amble and Cresswell, this has got to be one of the easiest dog walks in the north east (as far as we’re aware, anyway). Inside the park, there’s Ladyburn Lake. Look out for waterfowl nesting in the reeds – and make sure you keep your pooch on a lead! 

You can also wander through the meadows, grassland, and woodland areas, where you might catch glimpses of butterflies, dragonflies, and wildflowers. Plus, there’s the three miles of pristine sandy beach and dunes that make up Druridge Bay itself. So, if you’re looking for dog friendly beaches in the north east, look no more. 

How to Get to the Beach From Druridge Bay Country Park

Although Druridge Bay Country Park isn’t glued to the coast, it’s about as close as you can get whilst enjoying the best of both worlds. Which means finding your way to the beach from the park is easy-peasy. 

1. Follow the signs to the beach starting at the main car park located right behind the cafe.
2. Cross the narrow road to continue with the path on the other side (look up – you might be able to catch a sparkling glimpse of the sea!). 
3. Go over the sand dunes and take the steps down to the beach! There’s no better way to enjoy Northumberland dog walks, is there?

5. Jesmond Dene Park in Newcastle 

Sometimes, you just need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, don’t you? And Jesmond Dene Park in Newcastle is a brilliantly tranquil spot despite being surrounded by city life.

Need-to-know Information: 

• Wooded valley
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Riverside trails, gentle slopes, woodland paths

Located in the east end of Newcastle upon Tyne, the park is an inner-city haven, surprising visitors with a narrow wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn. 

Keep your eyes peeled for historical landmarks like an old mill, a waterfall, and a ruined chapel. You can even spot animals like red squirrels, kingfishers, and rabbits, as well as native and exotic trees. Again, this is another of the north east dog walks that might require a secure lead (we know how cheeky those pups can be!). 

6. Allen Banks & Staward Gorge in Northumberland

A hidden gem in the North Pennines, Allen Banks & Staward Gorge is a serene escape for you and your pooch. Managed by the National Trust, the wooded Victorian gorge offers quiet trails, craggy viewpoints, and tranquil riverside paths that are far less travelled than Northumberland’s vast coastal spots.

Need-to-know Information:

• Distance: Varies (main loop approx. 3 miles)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Woodland, uneven paths
• Dogs: Allowed, recommended on a lead due to wildlife

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge Walk Route:

Start at the National Trust car park just outside Bardon Mill. Head into the ancient woodland and follow the riverside trail along the River Allen. With every step, you’ll be met with dramatic gorges, stone bridges, and possibly even dippers and herons along the water’s edge.

You can loop around via the high path through the gorge or stick to the lower trail depending on how adventurous your pup is feeling (and how reliable your hiking boots are). Whichever you choose, this walk offers a calm, scenic escape without the usual crowds.

7. Chopwell Wood in Gateshead

Looking for somewhere to let your dog explore off the beaten track but not too far from civilisation? Chopwell Wood offers 900 acres of beautiful forest on the edge of Gateshead. Managed by Forestry England, it’s a local favourite among those in-the-know, and it’s rarely overrun with visitors.

Need-to-know Information:

• Distance: Multiple waymarked routes (1–6 miles)
• Time: 30 mins to 2+ hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Terrain: Gentle inclines, muddy patches,gravel paths

Chopwell Wood Walk Route:

Choose one of the waymarked trails depending on how long you want to be out. You’ll stroll through peaceful pine plantations, past old railway tracks, and across open glades—ideal for ball-chasing and stick-fetching.

With large open spaces and lots of shade, it’s especially good for warmer days. There’s also a free car park and a picnic area if you fancy refuelling before heading home.

Getting Your Pup Kitted Out for Dog Walks in the North East

You know what they say, “the further north you travel, the colder it will be” – or something like that, right? But it’s not just yourself that you need to worry about. Making sure your pooch is prepared for bitter cold north east dog walks is far more important (or so we think, anyway). 

And at Rydale Country Clothing, we’ve got plenty of supplies to help them stay toasty in the cold, like our super stylish dog coats and jackets. We’ve even got jumpers for when it’s particularly chilly yet dry – yes, it’s possible, even in the UK.

But your dog walking ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a lead and collar, would it? Find matching styles to make your pup the most stylish in the north east.