If you want to get to Northumberland from Newcastle, you’re quite limited to two main routes - either the bus or train directly west towards Carlisle, or the bus/train north past Morpeth and Alnwick.
Heading west, you can catch the Northern train service to Bardon Mill. It’s about £10 if you have a 16-25 Railcard (which is something I think everyone should take advantage of!) for an open return, meaning you don’t have to stress about being back to the station for a certain time. From the station, you can embark on a walk up to the site where the famous Sycamore Gap Tree once stood. You can use your preferred route-finding app (I’m a big fan of Komoot, but there are plenty of others, such as AllTrails) to add extra bits on such as a section along Hadrian’s wall or the River Tyne. You’re looking at about 8 miles as a minimum so it definitely makes for a good day trip if you can convince the flat to come with you, or you can absolutely go solo as well!
From the station, you can embark on on a walk up to the site where the famous Sycamore Gap Tree once stood.
The 308 bus takes you to Seaton Sluice where you can either walk south along the coast to St Mary's Lighthouse (2-3 miles) or inland along Holywell Dene which is about 6 miles. The coastal route takes you along the cliffs of the Northumberland coastal path and you can even walk out along the causeway to the lighthouse providing the tide is low. The inland route winds through woodlands along a river and you can either come back the way you set off or make a larger loop including the National Trust site Seaton Delaval Hall and the beach as well.
Now that I’ve given you some ideas, you can pack your bag and make use of the nicer weather we’ve been having! As always, make sure you are properly prepared for the weather and know your own limits, and if you are going alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re off to and the time you plan on being back.