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Hexham Group

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!

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

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 the Drake Stone early in 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.  

[A walking pole may help as there are roots and stones and potentially 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.  We will then have a slightly longer walk section before our lunch on the banks of a brook near Clennell Hall. 

Sunday, 20 July 2025
Start time:
10:15 am
Estimated finish time:
2:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
11.3km / 7.0mi
Ascent:
259.1m / 850ft
Type:
circular

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, 14th July.

Please note - this walk is limited to 16 walkers.  

Given the limited parking available, car sharing is strongly recommended.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Starting point

Grid reference:
NT 92607 04885
Nearest postcode:
NE65 7BB
what3words:
outsize.newspaper.states
Start time:
10:15 am

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.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking