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Simonside


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.3/5)

About Simonside

The Simonside Hills lie within Northumberland National Park on the northern-most edge of Harwood forest and have beckoned walkers for years because of their wild and rugged beauty. The range dominates the skyline forming a dramatic southern backdrop to the middle reaches of the River Coquet. The climb up the hills is rewarded with the whole panorama of the Cheviots to the north and from the top of Simonside itself the whole Northumbrian coastline is revealed. Waymarked walking routes explore both forest and hill and range from just one mile in length and nothing too steep to over four miles with a climb upto 430 metres.

How to get there:

Simonside is part of Rothbury. Great Tosson Village and Rothbury are the nearest towns or villages.

By public Transport

Bus number 416 connects Rothbury with Morpeth (both mainline rail station and buses to Newcastle).On Sundays and Bank Holidays, Northumbria buses run an additional service direct from Newcastle and Gateshead to Rothbury (number 508). Simonside is two miles to the south of Rothbury.To access the Hills on foot, follow the public footpaths from Rothbury via Whitton and Hillhead Lane, a distance of 2.5 miles (4km).

By car

Signposted from the B6342 (Rothbury to Scot's Gap road)

OS Grid Reference: NZ 037 997
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Start your visit from:

Simonside Car Park

Other places to go in Rothbury

SESSILE OAK LEAVES

Facilities:

InformationParking

Activities:

WalkingCyclingEducationalHeritage

Contact:

Kielder Castle

01434 250209
e-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: Dave Anderson (5 Stars)
4/Dec/2009
I walk Simonside at all times of year in all conditions and have climbed on the North Face in summer. It is a truly lovely and spectacular place to be, particularly under snow with the sun setting towards Tosson with the ridge to descend to Lordenshaw in the encroaching dark. I've seen a variety of wildlife including adders, grouse, roe deer and a folorn looking goat on my travels. Whilst ever my legs will stand it, I will wander here (anywhere between Fallowlees, Tosson Hill, the forest and Lordenshaw). It is a priviledge to be valued.
Name: mike (4 Stars)
15/Oct/2009
i've been on walks all over northumberland. simmonside is my fav rohtbury is the place to be nice people good time just go and find out
Name: John Winter (4 Stars)
10/Jul/2009
On July 6 '09,a friend and I did the Simonside - Dove Crag walk starting at Great Tosson. About 100 yards from the start, the path is blocked by a fallen ash tree.We almost gave up but managed to crawl under it. Could you please clear the obstruction. Otherwise, a great walk: we were grateful for the flags between Simonside and Dove Crag!

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