10 Best Waterfalls in Northumberland (Local’s Guide)
When people think of Northumberland, they often picture castles, beaches, and wild open hills. But hidden in our valleys and forests are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in England. From dramatic cascades in the Cheviots to hidden woodland linns, each has its own story, legends, and a walk worth doing.
As a Northumberland-based walking company, we’ve explored them all. Here’s our insider’s guide to the very best waterfalls in Northumberland – with tips on how to find them and make the most of your visit, complete with an interactive map so you can locate each of the waterfalls.
1. Hareshaw Linn, Bellingham
- Height: 30 feet
- Walk: 3 miles round trip, moderate
- OS Grid Ref: NY 84134 85471
- What3Words: begin.gossiped.emptied
This magical Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is home to rare ferns, lichen, bats, and red squirrels. The walk to the falls takes you across six wooden bridges, through ancient oak woodland, and into a natural grotto where the waterfall tumbles into a shaded pool. One of the most atmospheric waterfall walks in the county.
Local tip: Visit after rain for the most dramatic flow.
Download a free walking guide - Hareshaw Linn
2. Linhope Spout, Ingram Valley
- Height: 60 feet
- Walk: 3 miles there and back
- OS Grid Ref: NT 97501 16601
- What3Words: NT 97501 16601
Perhaps Northumberland’s most famous waterfall, Linhope Spout plunges into a deep pool that’s popular with wild swimmers. Local legend says the pool is bottomless – a story that still spooks walkers today.
Local tip: Take a picnic. This is a perfect family-friendly spot in summer, though you’ll need sturdy footwear.
3. Hen Hole & The Three Sisters, The Cheviot
- Walk: 8+ miles, strenuous
- OS Grid Ref: NT 89809 19816
- What3Words: tactical.skyrocket.pretty
High on the flanks of the Cheviot, the Hen Hole is a dramatic gorge of dark crags and tumbling water. The highlight is The Three Sisters – three parallel falls crashing into a rocky bowl. A truly wild place, steeped in folklore of fairy music and hidden passages.
Local tip: Only attempt this one if you’re a confident hillwalker.
4. Hindhope Linn, Kielder Forest
- Walk: 1 mile circular, easy
- OS Grid Ref: NY 78095 99907
- What3Words: solve.defected.life
A short but rewarding stroll through tall conifers leads you to Hindhope Linn. The cascade here feels like a hidden secret, surrounded by moss and fern-clad rocks. Perfect for photography and young families.
Local tip: Combine it with a visit to nearby Kielder Water.
5. Crammel Linn, Northumberland National Park
- Height: 25 feet (highest in the park)
- Walk: 4 miles across open moorland
- OS Grid Ref: NY 64055 69667
- What3Words: famous.turns.defected
Set in a remote corner of the park, Crammel Linn offers double falls on the River Irthing. Peregrine falcons and ravens often nest nearby, adding to the drama. The path is rough and can be boggy, but the reward is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the county.
6. Roughting Linn, near Chatton
- Walk: 1.5 miles, uneven terrain
- OS Grid Ref: NU 08231 28238
- What3Words: props.upsetting.answer
This secluded fall tumbles down flat sandstone steps into a mossy cove, hidden behind fields and farm tracks. Nearby rock carvings, some 4,000 years old, add an extra layer of mystery.
Local tip: Expect mud, cows, and a sense of discovery.
7. Routin Linn, near Wooler
- Height: 20 feet
- Walk: 1 mile from road
- OS Grid Ref: NT 98232 36807
- What3Words: verb.outreach.nourished
Another tucked-away gem, where water plunges in a solid sheet into a shaded pool. The walk in is short but atmospheric, and you’re unlikely to meet many others.
8. Davidson’s Linn, Upper Coquetdale
- Walk: 10 miles round trip, remote
- OS Grid Ref: NT 88448 15695
- What3Words: pushy.local.waltz
If you want a proper adventure, Davidson’s Linn is for you. Deep in the Cheviot hills, this dramatic fall can only be reached on foot with a long walk through the valley. Considered by many the most beautiful waterfall in Northumberland, precisely because so few people ever see it.
Local tip: Go prepared – this is wild country.
9. Corby’s Letch, Edlingham
- Walk: 3 miles circular
- OS Grid Ref: NU 12454 09344
- What3Words: mailings.perfect.hung
Small but enchanting, this little waterfall hides beneath a bridge near Corby’s Crag. A lovely stop on a circular walk that also takes in Edlingham Castle ruins and sweeping views.
10. Jesmond Dene Falls, Newcastle (bonus, appreciate it's not in Northumberland)
Okay, technically just outside Northumberland, but worth a mention. In the heart of Newcastle, Jesmond Dene offers a man-made but atmospheric cascade beneath a stone bridge. Proof that you don’t have to leave the city to find a little waterfall magic.
- OS Grid Ref: NZ 25712 67210
- What3Words: parks.merit.method
Map of Waterfalls in Northumberland
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a short family stroll or a challenging day in the Cheviots, Northumberland’s waterfalls offer wild beauty in every season. From hidden linns to roaring spouts, each has its own story to tell – and they’re all worth adding to your walking bucket list.
Insider tip: If you’d like to explore these waterfalls with local experts, join us on a guided Shepherds Walk – we know the paths, the stories, and the best picnic spots.