Hexham to Corbridge along the Tyne

Three and a half miles and 195 metres of climbing in about two hours through the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland, up one bank of the River Allen and back over Morralee Tarn. Start at the National Trust car park at Ridley Hall, signposted from the A69 between Haydon Bridge and Bardon Mill; it is charged for non-members and holds about 80 cars. This is a genuinely good off-lead wood with the Allen alongside the whole way for a drink and a swim, but the gorge paths run along steep drops above the river, the suspension bridge bounces and some dogs baulk at it, and red squirrels are a reason to keep a recall close.

A flat three-mile hour and a half on both banks of the Tyne, from Tyne Green past the golf course to the old bridge and back along the water. Start from the free Tyne Green Country Park car park below the town, which is large, unmetered and the one place in Hexham you can leave a car all day for nothing. Open riverside grass makes this the best off-lead walk in the town, with easy shelving access to the Tyne for a swim, though the current runs fast after rain and the golf course section asks for dogs to be kept close.

All-day cafe-bar off the market place, mismatched furniture and a long menu, open from breakfast to late. Dog friendly, and one of the few doors in central Hexham that says so outright. Useful for a rainy afternoon between the abbey and the car park.