We are the Ponteland Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Rothbury & Simonside Circular Ridge Walk providing excellent views over Coquetdale and across the Cheviot Hills in the north.
From Rothbury we take St.Oswalds Way heading to the Bronze Age site of Lordenshaws where we can see the remains of hill forts and some excellent examples of early rock art [rings and cups] dating from 2000 BC which are quite rare in the UK. We then walk onto the Simonside ridge offering great views across Coquetdale and the Cheviot Hills. We end the walk passing through woods to the small settlement of Great Tosson with its 15th century tower and quaint houses before walking along the banks of the River Coquet into Rothbury.
Terrain is mostly very good with paved sections, well-marked paths and simple boulder climbs. A short downhill area through some woodland close to the end of the walk is likely to be muddy and slippy underfoot.
There will be a picnic lunch en route.
Cowhaugh car park [free], Whitton Bank Road, Rothbury (Grid Reference NU057015; Post Code NE65 7QR) Directions to start point: Approaching Rothbury from the south on the B6342, turn left before crossing the bridge, to the car park. If approaching from the west via the B6344 from the A697, turn left in the centre of Rothbury, over the bridge, then turn right.
