Walks & Trails

Alnwick lies in the heart of some beautiful countryside, none more so than the historic Capability  Brown-devised Parkland which surrounds the Castle itself.

Northumberland Estates owns and manages much of this land, so to encourage visitors and the local  community to enjoy it, a number of circular routes have been devised on Estate owned land in the  Alnwick area. 

These vary in length, with all paths clearly marked. Parts of the routes may not be existing public  rights of way, so won’t be found on an OS map. Permissive access granted at the discretion of  Northumberland Estates has made these routes possible, and you can download our maps of the  individual routes below. 

Many of the paths cross farmland. We have a duty of care to our farmers and therefore ask that users abide by the Countryside Code, keeping to the marked footpaths, shutting gates behind them, keeping dogs under strict control and taking their litter home. This is also for your own safety.

  • Hulne Park

    Hulne Park

    Hulne Park, once the hunting grounds of the Percy family, is one of the most popular walking routes.  As a number of residents live inside the Park, opening times for the public are from 11am until 4pm each day when the gates will be closed. At certain times Hulne Park may be closed to visitors, please check the website before you visit or alternatively check for closures by calling the Estate Office on 01665 510777. 

    Dogs and cyclists are not permitted. 

    Biosecurity - Avian Influenza Preventative Steps

    Please be aware that preventative steps are being taken in Hulne Park to reduce the risk of an Avian Influenza outbreak.

    • Please disinfect your vehicle when re-entering after leaving the Estate, especially if you’ve visited coastal areas.

    • Foot dips and sprayers are available at both entrances; vehicle mats will follow soon.

    • Signs at the gates explain the process. CCTV will monitor use.

    To keep the Parks open, we ask for your full cooperation. Thank you for helping us protect Hulne Park and its wildlife.

    Download PDF

    Hulne Park will be closed to the public on the following dates:

    October: 27-28 and 31. 
    November: 1, 3-4, 7-8, 10-11, 14-15, 21-22 and 28. 
    December: 1-2, 5, 10, 12, 15,  19-20 and 22. 
    January: 2-3, 9-10, 12-13, 16-17, 23-24, 27, 29-31.

  • Lesbury Trail

    Lesbury Trail

    Much of this route follows the old Aln Valley railway line making it great for cyclists as well as walkers, with the red route joining Alnwick to the Sustrans cycleway.

    For those on foot, the Lesbury route follows a different section of the River Aln through more open countryside and farmland and provides access to the picturesque village of Lesbury with its pub and village shop should a refreshment stop be required.

    Download PDF

    Temporary Closure - 3-21 March 2025. 

    Due to construction at Aln Valley Railway, a section of the yellow route between Aln Valley Railway and Alndyke Farm (adjoining the A1) will be temporarily closed from Monday, 3 March, to Friday, 21 March. Please follow the posted signage.

  • Waterside Trail

    Waterside Trail

    Two routes of slightly differing lengths which can be joined from The Alnwick Garden car park. Both follow the River Aln for much of the route as well as passing through farmland. Much of this land is a conservation area so please keep dogs under strict control.

    Download PDF

    There is currently a diversion in place on this route around the Riverbrook Gardens housing development.

  • Greensfield

    Greensfield

    A popular route to the east of the town with those working and living in Alnwick.

    Download PDF