– with the dazzling Unesco-listed city of Durham, the lonesome hills of Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and Holy Island – is hardly an area lacking in world-class attractions. However, the lesser-known parts of the northeast offer hidden gems and are now connected by a new network of walking trails. These routes entice travelers by tracing the region’s exceptional history at the helm of the spread of Christianity across Europe.
Each walk is brimming with historic sites and stories. Delving into the Northeast’s heritage reads like a Who’s Who of the medieval world. Small wonder Daniel Defoe once remarked that there was “abundant business for an antiquary” here.
Following the Northern Saints Trails
The compelling tales of St Cuthbert, the Christian world’s most revered saint for centuries, imprint the sandy shores and inland moors along these routes. Additionally, the stories of St Oswald, the Northumbrian king who reintroduced Christianity to Northumberland, and St Bede, who authored seminal works of the English language, are also etched upon the landscapes of the trail.
The hagiographical highlights give the six new interlinking routes their collective name – the Northern Saints Trails – but what shines through is a history not solely of saints but of Roman Empirical grandeur, bloody battles of the Middle Ages, striking Victorian innovation, and contemporary cultural influences.
Durham, centered around , continues to be a major pilgrimage destination today due to the tombs of St Cuthbert and St Bede housed within.
The Way of Love
One trail, the Way of Love, leads from the southeast at Hartlepool. This ship-building center, known for its , offers a serene stroll along Hartlepool Headland while contemplating the life of one of Britain’s most significant female saints, St Hilda. Moreover, the forgotten denes – narrow, wooded valleys – create a tranquil backdrop along the way to Durham. Distance: 28 miles/45.5km
The Way of Life
A second trail, the Way of Life, comes from the southwest at Gainford, showcasing relatively unknown sights, including the impressively rejuvenated historic attractions of Bishop Auckland and one of Britain’s most significant Roman forts. Distance: 29 miles/46.5km
The Way of Light
Another trail, the Way of Light, traverses the wild moors from the legendary Hadrian’s Wall to the northwest. In addition, the little-known Devil’s Water, with its babbling tributary of the Tyne through enchanting forests, and the former seminary of Ushaw, renowned for its stunning collection of churches and chapels, are equally captivating. Distance: 45 miles/72km
The Way of Learning
The Way of Learning picks a more urban but equally captivating route through Durham from Jarrow and Sunderland. Here, walkers learn about Bede, the accomplished monk and scholar known as the “Father of English History,” explore cutting-edge glass-making techniques, and visit the tranquil church that housed St Cuthbert’s remains long before his relocation to Durham. Distance: 38 miles/61km
The Angel’s Way
The Angel’s Way starts at Seaton Sluice near and concludes at Chester-le-Street. This trail delves into Tyneside’s impressive legacy of art and architecture, highlighted by Anthony Gormley’s 20-meter high steel Angel of the North, a prominent landmark along the path. Distance: 30 miles/48km
The Way of the Sea
The Way of the Sea traces the stunning coastline from Amble down to North Shields. This route encompasses nationally important seabird colonies, breathtaking dunes, clifftop fortresses, and the iconic Spanish City—a recently revamped Art Deco version of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, famously referenced in a song by the rock band Dire Straits. Distance: 38 miles/61km.
A Chance for Escapism
While traversing the Northern Saints Trails connects you to the legacy of significant historic figures, the creators emphasize that these paths are not solely about pilgrimage or historical education. Instead, they are centered around the theme of escapism, leading you into the extraordinarily beautiful landscape of a region rich with cathedrals, castles, charming country pubs, gentle sandy coastlines, and majestic uplands.
As we emerge from lockdown, the allure of the places these paths connect should resonate as powerfully as during the Age of the Saints.
Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, several attractions, accommodations, and food and drink establishments along the Northern Saints Trails may remain closed. We advise checking directly with businesses before traveling. A revised Countryside Code is available, offering guidance for visitors to the countryside during the pandemic.
