The Reiver Trails, a project that has created nine new way-marked recreational routes, are expected to attract thousands of new visitors each year, supporting local businesses and contributing to sustainable growth across rural Northumberland.
Connecting the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site with Kielder Forest and surrounding communities, the trails - ranging from six to 57 miles and spanning more than 200 miles of scenery Northumberland landscapes - offer new ways to explore one of Britain’s most dramatic landscapes for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
The Reiver Trails project is a collaborative effort led by Forestry England, Northumberland National Park Authority and Kielder Trust, with funding from Northumberland County Council.
The shortest trail, the Sill Trail, clocks in at 6.1 miles and crosses the Hadrian’s Wall trail, close to Sycamore Gap, passing through the interestingly-named community of Once Brewed. The longest, at 57.7 miles, is the Emblehope Trail. The Crossborder Trail, as the name suggests, leaves from Kielder Water before heading into Scotland and then following the border back to the beginning of the circular trail.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This is a superb idea and one which the council was very pleased to help with. It will create new business opportunities and open up some of our less well known areas to more people for them to enjoy – and I would like to thank everyone involved. Ongoing support for rural growth and confidence is high on our agenda and it will very much remain so.”
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “These new Reiver Trails showcase our spectacular landscapes, nature and heritage. Creating new experiences, business opportunities and encouraging product development are at the heart of Northumberland’s growth as a destination and we’re confident these trails will inspire visitors to stay longer and explore deeper.”
The initiative represents a county-wide commitment to active travel, enhanced wellbeing, and the development of immersive visitor experiences that celebrate Northumberland’s cultural and natural heritage.
Paul Nichol, project manager of the Reiver Trails, said: “With a dedicated website and clear signage along each route, we’ve made it easy for visitors to plan their exploration. From tracing the paths once travelled by the Border Reivers to exploring ancient woodlands and encountering diverse wildlife, the trails invite visitors to engage deeply with one of England’s most captivating landscapes.”
By repurposing existing rights of way and forest roads, the initiative strengthens community links and promotes sustainable tourism. Future phases will expand accessibility with routes designed for wheelchairs, buggies and balance bikes.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry England’s Northumberland recreation and public affairs manager, said: “This project began as a challenge to make more of the Borderlands’ history, heritage, and landscapes. Thanks to incredible collaboration, Reiver Trails now offers residents and visitors a unique way to experience the area’s culture and natural beauty whether walking, wheeling or riding.”
