Weekly walks all year round, highly regarded footpath maintenance work and a great way to make new friends – three good reasons to join Hexham Ramblers!
This walk takes us up to the ancient Drake Stone, a fascinating place from where there are stunning views over the lower Coquet valley and the ruins of Harbottle Castle. We reach this huge stone at the beginning of the walk after a steady and steep 400-foot climb over heather moorland. We then have rough and rocky terrain through woodland before we reach Alwinton village. On our return, we follow the Alwin and Coquet rivers to Harbottle village along ancient byways in the valley.
(We advise walkers to bring a pole if they have one as there are roots, stones and some slippery sections at various points on the route.)
Please note: because many people will have an early start for this walk, we intend to have an early coffee stop at the Drake Stone. This will also give everyone a chance to catch their breath and enjoy the views (and maybe use a brand new picnic bench). We will then have a slightly longer walk section before our lunch on the banks of a brook near Clennell Hall.
Advance booking is required for this walk. To reserve your place, please e-mail the walk leaders, Paul and Sally, through the contact box above - and remember to include your mobile number in the mail.
Booking opens on Monday, 23rd September.
Please note - this walk is limited to 16 walkers.
Given the limited parking available, car sharing is strongly recommended.
Park and meet in the small Forestry England car park (West Wood Car Park) about half a mile north of Harbottle on the left of the Alwinton road in the woods. (Do not park in the small National Park car park for Harbottle Castle, which is on the right shortly before West Wood.) Given the limited parking, car sharing is strongly recommended. If West Wood car park is full, please park considerately on the main road in Harbottle village and then walk back to the meeting point. PLEASE NOTE: Roadworks are due to start on the Holystone road. If you are travelling on the B6341 from Elsdon, ignore the Holystone turning on your left and continue on the B6341 through Hepple to Flotterton. Turn left in Flotterton, following the signs to Sharperton and Harbottle. This diversion will add approximately 2.5 miles to the journey.
