Breamish Valley and Ingram Hill Walk
Northumberland
This dog friendly circuit climbs out of the Ingram Bridge National Park car park onto Brough Law, an Iron Age hillfort 320m up on the southern flank of the Breamish Valley, with views across to the Cheviot massif and east to Alnwick. The descent drops back down to the river and follows the meandering Breamish through hay meadow to the village.
Dogs are welcome but the entire route crosses open hill-sheep grazing and includes ground-nesting bird habitat, so dogs must be on a short lead the whole time, especially in the spring lambing window. Underfoot is grass farm track, a steady steep grass climb to the hillfort, exposed ridge path, then easy riverside meadow on the return. Plenty of safe river access for a paddle on the way back to the car park. Pay-and-display parking, toilets and the seasonal Ingram Cafe at the National Park visitor area, no facilities on the hill section.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Toilets at Ingram National Park car park; seasonal Ingram Cafe a short walk from the start.
- Parking
- Pay-and-display Northumberland National Park car park at Ingram Bridge (around 40 spaces).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breamish Valley and Ingram Hill Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this circular walk through the Breamish Valley, and it earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The route has real highlights for dogs, including safe river access along the River Breamish for a paddle on the way back to the car park.
Can dogs be off lead at Breamish Valley and Ingram Hill Walk?
Unfortunately not — the entire route passes through open hill farmland used for sheep grazing, and the area also includes ground-nesting bird habitat, so dogs must be kept on a short lead throughout. This is especially important during spring when lambing is underway, so plan accordingly if you're visiting between late winter and early summer.
What should I know before visiting Breamish Valley and Ingram Hill Walk with my dog?
The walk involves a steep grass climb up to Brough Law hillfort at 320 metres, followed by an exposed ridge path, so it's best suited to dogs that are reasonably fit and comfortable on uneven terrain. There are pay-and-display parking, toilets, and a seasonal café at the Ingram National Park visitor area, but no facilities once you're out on the hill, so bring water for you and your dog. Keep leads on from the moment you leave the car park — this is sheep and ground-nesting bird country the whole way round.
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