UKC

Hey,

So I am planning to go to Northumberland national park in August time. I was wondering if there's any challenging routes (15+ miles) that you could recommend. Could you also recommend some of the more dramatic hills that are worth a visit

Cheers 

Yeah this is superb https://fabulousnorth.com/walks/hen-hole-and-cheviot-summit/

There's the classic Loop starting near Langleeford and taking in several big hills, Scald Hill, The Cheviot, Comb Fell, Hedgehog Hill etc.

Or there's some great lowland walks, places like Allendale where you can do an excellent loop taking in sections of the Issac's Tea Trail, the river East Allen and some old mining areas.

Some great coastal walks as well, Holy Island and not forgetting there's many castles up that coast line to explore and Hadrian's Wall.

if you have a car you could do a day trip to the grey mares tail and do a round of the hills behind it near loch skeen as its stunning there although its maybe a bit short for you.

Yeah I'd agree that the coast is well worth exploring. dunstanburgh castle area is pretty cool, as is holy isle area. St abbs head is stunning and not a long drive.

The coast is great but in August it will be absolutely rammed. Be prepared for car parks full by 10 am and be careful where you walk as dogshit on the beaches and paths is becoming a real issue these days.  Best off staying in the hills. The College Valley (the Cheviot, the Schil) and upper Coquetdale (the border ridge) are well worth days out. 

Sat in one at Bamburgh last year.  Everywhere appears mined.  

However I did get to one beach in September by packraft and it was very quiet. (land routes also possible).

There are plenty of walks in the Cheviots to suit your plans.  Cheviot and Hedgehope or Hen hole is a good shout.  The top of the Pennine way starts by the Northumberland border.  Here's a link to an organised one raising funds for the local MRT.

https://cheviotschallenge.co.uk/cheviots-challenge-wl

Following Hadrian's wall through the national park (Greenhead to Chollerford) is that sort of distance and surprisingly hilly despite a modest maximum altitude.

Unrivalled sustained historical interest compared to anything else in the UK. On a clear day you'll see the Cheviot to the NE, Scotland to the NW and Cross Fell to the south.

There are regular buses connecting each end. Also, The Twice Brewed Inn, about half way along has its own brewery.

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Will definitely look into this more.

Thanks!