Rothbury, Northumberland
Summary - A 15km hike around the Simonside area visiting Fontburn Reservoir.
Distance - 15km (9 miles)
Ascent - 334m
Duration - Approx 4 hours
Terrain - Grassy tracks and stoney trails. All on permissive paths.
Parking - Park at the Lordenshaw car park. View Parking Map
When you head up to Simonside, you'll find most people head straight up the hill and on towards Old Stell Crag. But there also lovely walks and views to be had if you skirt the hill and head south.
Starting at Lordenshaw we head straight up the hill, but when the path forks, keep going straight onto St. Oswalds' Way.
Soak in the beautiful views as you get a different perspective of the Simonside Hills.
Meeting the corner of Harwood Forest, we head in and follow the path south for a little way.
Back out of the forest and we are greeted to our first view of Fontburn Reservoir. Looks a bit chilly this morning so wouldn't recommend a dip!
Then it's pretty much a flat route from here back to the car park using permissive paths through the heather.
A lovely 15km wander with only a little bit of climbing in the fresh and icy air!
Thanks to Phil Hawyes for this walk and the photos.
Lat / Long
55.283325, -1.918537
Show Parking On Google Maps
What three words
mashing.memo.installs
Park at the Lordenshaw 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 or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
Sharp's Folly is an 18th century tower in Rothbury, and is the oldest folly in Northumberland.
Cragside is a Victorian country house near Rothbury in Northumberland, built for William Armstrong and his wife, Margaret.
The trig point sitting on top of Garleigh Moor (268m).
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