Drake Stone

If you are looking for Northumberland's largest freestanding boulder then welcome to the Drake Stone! Situated up on moorland in Harbottle this beast of a boulder is made of sandstone and weighs a cool 2,000 tonnes.

It's referred to as an erratic rock which means it was carried and dropped in it's current location by a glacier. (Bit of geography there for you!)

Get your walking shoes on for this one as it's a little trek from the car park. Follow the fingerpost up the bank and once you are through the gate you open up onto lovely heathered moorland. You'll see the stone from here as it's also pretty much the highest point and there are plenty of clearly defined paths to take.

Around 1km and all up hill, so take your time and have a look around this beautiful area. Not content with just being called the Drake Stone, it also known as the Dragon's Stone, Draak's Stone, Draag's Stone or Druid's Stone. I know, 5 names!

But that's not all. It is said to have magical healing powers and up until not too long ago, children were passed over the stone to cure them of illness. Once you are the stone, take a moment to have a bit of a wander and appreciate the breath-taking views from all angles.

The lake you will see is Harbottle Lough and is protected by a mysterious ghostly spirit, so be careful!

From the top of the hill you should be able to make out the ruins of Harbottle Castle. Also don't forget to visit Low Alwinton Lime Kiln which is just a short journey up the road.