Little Church Rock Simonside
Crag, Rock And Cairn Rothbury Northumberland

Little Church Rock Simonside

Crag, Rock And Cairn In Rothbury, Northumberland

A large rock in next to Simonside in Rothbury that resembles a small church and may have been a meeting place for persecuted religious groups.

Although you may think we're promoting a local Christian rock group, Little Church Rock is actually a natural sandstone formation found at the foot of the Simonside Hills in Rothbury.

Also known as Little Church Cave it apparently gets its name as it resembles a tiny church with an arched doorway and a squat bell tower.

The origins of its name remain shrouded in local legend. Some say it served as a secret meeting place for persecuted religious groups during the 17th century, when strict Protestant rule outlawed Catholic gatherings.

If you're feeling adventurous you can even have a little scramble to the top for some magnificent views.

You can also make out The Cheviot, Hedgehope Hill and Dunmoor Hill in the distance.

It can be a little tricky to find, but don't worry as we have a handy map for you to follow direct from the Simonside Forestry Commission car park. It's just under 2km to get there, mostly on forest track.

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How To Find Little Church Rock Simonside

Where Is Little Church Rock Simonside?

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Lat / Long

55.290467, -1.960109

What three words

lawns.feathers.renew

Where To Park For Little Church Rock Simonside?

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Lat / Long

55.291303, -1.943253

What three words

cure.resurgent.soups

Park in the Simonside Forestry Commission car park.

Contributed by Simon Hawkins

Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.

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Simon Hawkins

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Little Church Rock Simonside was listed in Crag, Rock And Cairn // Northumberland // Rothbury