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The Border Country: A Walker's Guide, Alan Hall - Covering the border hills, northern Northumberland and the Southern Uplands, this full-colour third edition of the guide offers a broad selection of around 50 routes, as well as outlines of a number of long-distance trails which cross the region. The Border country that lies between England and Scotland is a countryside surrounded by ridge after high ridge rhythmically fading into gently folding valleys, through which the Tweed and Teviot rivers flow. The area has been the scene of thousands of years of sometimes turbulent history, from the early Iron Age, through the Roman occupation, with influences down the years of both Celtic and Christian beliefs. The guide offers the hillwalker routes which will open up this broad and expansive landscape, giving a real taste of solitude and affinity with this unique area. Published June 05

The Border Line, Eric Robson - Ever since the Roman emperor Hadrian built the first frontier in AD 120, the border area between England and Scotland has been a highly disputed territory, its history characterized by raids, uneasy treaties and a distinctive culture, neither wholly English or wholly Scottish. The broadcaster Eric Robson walks the modern border line, starting at the Solway Firth and covering more than a hundred miles to Berwick on Tweed, describing points of interest along the way, recounting episodes from the region's colourful history, describing some of his adventures, discoursing on the unique character of the landscape and the people and reminiscing about his life in broadcasting. This rich compendium of history and anecdote will appeal to anyone with an interest in this little-known part of Britain. Hardback version Published April 07. Paperback Version Published March 07

The Inn Way...to Northumberland:, The Complete and Unique Guide to a Circular Walk in Northumberland, Mark Reid - The Inn Way to Northumberland is a 94-mile (151 km) circular walk divided into six "day stages". The route has been meticulously researched - Mark Reid has walked in excess of 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways over an 18 month period. This is a complete guidebook to this walk. Published March 04

The Reivers Way, Paddy Dillon - Walk in the footsteps of the notorious border reivers and discover how they survived centuries of strife and warfare. 'The Reivers Way' wanders for 150 miles (240 kilometres) through the wildest and most scenic arts of Northumberland, taking in the North Pennines, Hadrian's Wall, Tynedale, Redesdale, the Simonside Hills, Coquetdale, the Cheviot hills and the Northumberland Coast, with an option to include the Farne Islands. Northumberland's wild and sparsely populated landscapes include a national park, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a fine heritage coast. The research for this guidebook was achieved by following the Reivers Way in summer and in winter, checking the entire route and all its variants and alternatives. Published May 09
 

A Coast to Coast Walk: A Pictorial Guide, St Bees Head to Robin Hood's Bay, Alfred Wainwright -  Originally compiled in the 1950s early 1960s, the Wainwright walking guides are perhaps the most distinctive and unusual such guides ever devised. The result of research by their namesake and author over a period of 13 years, the guides have retained their original format and design to this day. The books contain intricate hand drawn sketches by the author, detailing routes of ascent, and gradients of the hills in and around the Lake District and outlying regions. "A Coast to Coast Walk" was devised by Wainwright himself and stretches across 190 miles from St Bees Head on the East coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the West, passing through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Published Sept 03

For more Coast to Coast see Long Distance Paths

100 Walks in Northumberland, Various - This omnibus collection of local walks covers the whole of Northumberland and is designed to appeal to those wishing to go on family outings. The book includes 100 route descriptions of circular walks from 3-12 miles. Each walk has a map, points of interest and places to eat en route. Published 04

Pocket Pub Walks Northumberland, Stuart Miller - This is a pocket-size collection of fifteen circular walks each based on a local pub serving good food. It includes routes at Holy Island, Alnwick, Thropton, Hexham, Corbridge and Allendale, with maps and photographs. Published May 07

Border Pubs and Inns: A Walker's Guide, Alan Hall - Many outdoor enthusiasts would agree that the most fitting end to an enjoyable walk is an equally enjoyable pub. The author has selected 53 pubs/inns in the Scottish Borders, which provide a hearty welcome, good food and cheerful surroundings. A simple area map pinpoints the location, and there is a full description of each pub and its facilities, including opening hours, draught and bottled beers, wines, meals available, family amenities and general atmosphere; plus items of local interest and walks, with photographs and illustrations, and a glossary of Border terms. Linked to the pub are route descriptions for 80 walks, over rolling hills or fells or along dramatic coastlines, rivers and lakes on the Northumbrian Cheviots, along the Tweed valley and the Lammermuir Hills. Published Jan 04

Northumberland Walker: Walks from Wooler, Geoff Holland - A huge amount of rain has trickled down the burns of the Cheviot Hills since W. Ford Robertson’s book, ‘Walks from Wooler’ was first published in 1926 and, at first sight, the hills seem pretty much the same as they did all those years ago. Yet there has been change, that much is inevitable. This book, by the author of the popular book of walks ‘The Cheviot Hills’, sets out to discover how that change has affected route descriptions now more than 80 years old and to find out whether those routes are still relevant to the 21st century walker. On eight totally new self-guided walks, this book peeps into a walking past whilst keeping both feet firmly planted in a high-tech walking present. Along the way, it uncovers a world of tackety boots and stout sticks. Published Oct 08

Best Walks in Northumberland, Frank Duerden - The Best Walks series aims to select the very best walking opportunities to be found in a region or national park. There is something for everyone in these walking guides. Each book suggests thirty to forty good quality walks - where possible, circular to avoid difficulties with transport. They are clearly classified as easy strolls, moderately demanding walks or strenuous routes more suitable for the experienced hiker. A clear route description and exceptionally detailed map is included for each walk and there are suggestions on transport to the region and accommodation once you're there. Best Walks in Northumberland ranges from beautiful beaches and rocky headlands to the lonely Cheviot hills, sandstone uplands and the lush river valleys of the Allens and the Derwent. Published March 07

Discover the Cheviot Hills, Tony Hopkins - The Cheviot Hills have always been a borderland - the wild and woolly frontier between England and Scotland, and the home for over 300 years of the fearsome Border reivers. But, as this beautiful book by Tony Hopkins shows, they are also a region of great beauty and historical interest. His magnificent photographs show the Cheviots in all their moods, from the harsh snows of winter through to the clear blue skies of summer. The text is also illuminated by Tony's own watercolour illustrations of the special plants, birds and animals which make the Cheviots a naturalist's paradise. The author takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery through the internationally-important prehistoric landscapes of the Cheviots, through to the highest hills and valleys, taking in the long-running Border conflicts, wildlife and walking, along the way. Published May 05

Northumberland Walker: The Cheviot Hills, Geoff Holland - On each of the eight self-guided walks the reader will uncover a small piece of the Cheviot jigsaw. They will follow less than ordinary routes to summit cairns and distant views. Along the way they will encounter cleughs, burns, sikes, crags, shins, dodds, hopes, linns, shanks and a whole lot more. This is an appetite whetting selection of walks in the Cheviot Hills. Published Aug 07

Waterside Walks in Northumberland, Stuart Miller - Twenty circular walks based on local waterways, with maps and photographs. Published April 08

On the Wall with Hadrian, Bob Bibby - Walk along the path of the ancient Romans with Bob and learn about Hadrian – his power, passions and vices – and through this get a vivid picture and understanding of the Romans and their Empire. This refreshing and entertaining book will give hours of pleasure to ramblers and history enthusiasts on a journey through the modern day and historical Hadrian's Wall Country and, as always, Bob has included places to visit, stay, eat and drink, to help you on your way. Published June 06

The Essential Guide to Hadrian's Wall National Trail, Hadrian's Wall Path Trust - This is the third edition of the Essential Guide to walking one of the most exciting and important long distance walks in the country. Building on last year's successful and popular booklet this guide provides all the information you need in order to negotiate this long distance walk. Hadrian's Wall Path runs through a varied and inspiring landscape ranging from the tranquillity of the Solway estuary to the rugged uplands of the central section of the Wall. It is rich in archaeology, wildlife and geological interest. Yet the visitor's experience of even the most magical places can be marred if you don't know where to get a cold drink on a hot day or you can't find a hearty meal in the evening after a long day walking the National Trail - and even worse if you can't find a place to withdraw cash to pay for these! This Guide will greatly help walkers and visitors to find these essential services, and so help you to enjoy Hadrian's Wall Path to the full. Published May 07

Hadrian's Wall Path: Wallsend to Bowness-on Stow, Henry Stedman - Features 7 town plans and 36 large-scale walking maps. This title includes itineraries for all walkers. It provides practical information for all budgets, as well as public transport information. Published May 06

Hadrian's Wall Path (British Walking Guides), Henry Stedman - 7 town plans and 36 large scale walking maps at just under 1:20,000 showing route times, places to stay, points of interest and much more. Itineraries for all walkers - whether walking the route in its entirety over seven to eight days or sampling the highlights on day walks and short breaks.
Practical information for all budgets - camping, bunkhouses, hostels, B&Bs, pubs and hotels. Where to stay, where to eat, what to see, plus detailed street plans. Also includes information on public transport for all access points along Hadrian's Wall. Published May 08

Northumbria and Hadrian's Wall (Ordnance Survey and AA) - The volumes in this series provide full A-Z gazetteers of information on some of the most beautiful areas in Britain and present ten walks and two car tours, plus information for cyclists. A small atlas is included to assist with travelling. The guide includes a weekend itinerary from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, and describes the customs, traditions, history and legends of the area as well a providing a checklist of places to visit and shop with addresses and telephone numbers. Published April 07

The Great Wall of Britain: A Walk Along Hadrian's Wall, Anton Hodge - From the Tyne to the Solway, Anton Hodge takes us on a geographical and historical tour of the Roman Wall area, which is highly informative, yet at the same time, irreverent and hilarious.  Packed with accessible stories and histories, whether picked up from archaeology or through more dubious drunken chats in the local pubs, during the week-long walk, there are encounters with music-loving cows, amorous and less-amorous dogs, other walkers, imaginary B&B owners, Roman soldiers, foot and mouth disease, the Border Reivers and many more, including the strawberry lip balm!
Whether you have walked the Wall, are planning to, are interested in the history of northern England, or simply like to sit down with a book that will leave you smiling and crying at the same time, this is an entertaining account of 2,000 years of history. Published Nov 04

A Boot Up Hadrian's Wall, Rodney Legg - Britain's Roman Wall is one of the great
frontiers of the classical world. Ten circular
walks are featured in this pocket-sized book,
each maximising feet-on and visual experiences
both of archaeology and the landscape. They vary in length from 3 to 8 miles and are aimed
particularly at families and groups of friends out
to enjoy the incomparable World Heritage Site.
Starting locations are scattered from an abbey
at Lanercost, Cumbria to a fort at South Shields, which was the main North Sea supply base. In between, across wild hill country in the Northumberland National Park, surviving sections of Hadrian's Wall are packed with remains of garrisons, milecastles, turrets and linear defences, often with their own local museums. The format and descriptions make for trouble free walking with the bonus of all the history you can see being flagged-up en route. Words and photographs convey the distinctive character of each length while specially prepared mini-maps are also easy to follow. Halsgrove's exciting new-style guide, packed with maps, photographs and useful information is all the modern leisure walker needs. Published February 09.

Walking the Northumbrian Dales - Hadrian's Wall Country, Jennifer Norderhaug & Barbara Thompson - 28 medium-grade cross-country walks, ranging in length from 3˝ to 7 miles, offering variety and choice away from the tourist trail. Includes routes in and around North and South Tynedale, Allendale, Hexham, Blanchland and Hadrian's Wall. Information for each walk includes distance, height gain, route plan, terrain and refreshment points, and you can see which are suitable for dogs. Published Aug 06

Coast to Coast on The Ravenber, Ron Scholes - From Ravenglass in Cumbria to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Divided into 14 sections. Its route directions, positive and clear, are dovetailed into a running commentary— rather like having a friendly escort, who chats knowledgeably. Distance 210 miles. Published April 04

St Cuthbert's Way: From Melrose to Lindisfarne, Ronald Turnbull - Follow the footsteps of St Cuthbert in this easy-going walk of 62 miles (100 km) from Melrose Abbey in the Scottish borders to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the North Sea. The route passes many fine abbeys, hill forts and castles, includes a section of Roman road and finishes with the barefoot Pilgrims' Path across tidal sands. The walk can be completed comfortably in 5 or 6 days and there are welcoming pubs and B&Bs along the route. The guidebook has 60 photographs, shows altitude profiles for each section and has a dropdown map in four panels (scale 1:100,000). The format is lightweight, robust and waterproof. Published March 10

Lakeland to Lindisfarne: Coast to Coast Walk from Ravenglass to Holy Island, John Gillham - First published in 1995 and now available in paperback, a 190-mile coast-to-coast walk from Ravenglass in the Lake District to Lindisfarne off the Northumbrian coast. Includes maps throughout, as well as alternative low-level and high-level routes. Limited availability. Published April 95

For more Coast to Coast see Long Distance Paths

Walks on the Northumberland Coast: A Guide to Ten Walks of Between Three and Six Miles in Length, David Haffey. Limited availability. Published May 06

Walks in the Cheviot Hills: A Guide to Ten Walks of Between Three and Six Miles in Length, David Haffey. Limited availability. Published Sept 07

52 Northumbrian Walks, Ken Bunn. Limited availability. Published Dec 96

In and Around South Tynedale and Hadrian's Wall, Ian Smith. Limited availability. Published July 97

The Great English Walk Vol 2, Margaret & Brian Nightingale - the second stage of the 623 mile route, covering 345 miles in 24 sections.Starting in Hathersage, passes through Derwent Edge, Holmfirth, Hebden Bridge, Haworth, Ilkley Moor, Nidderdale, Leyburn, Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Allendale, Vindolanda, Wark, Rothbury, Cheviot Hills, Wooler, finishing in Berwick. Includes a facility list, and telephone numbers for Tourist Information offices en route. Limited availability. Published Sept 97

A Walk Round Berwick Borough: Five Castles, a Palace and a Mountain, Arthur Wood. Limited availability. Published Oct 06

MORE MAPS

Hadrian's Wall Path (Walker's Route S.), Harvey

Cheviot Hills (Superwalker S.), Harvey

St Cuthberts Way Walker's Route S), Harvey

Walkers Map: Western Cheviots, Harvey. Limited availability.

Eastern Cheviots (Walker's Map S.) Harvey. Limited availability.

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