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Simonside Summit – Simonside Crag loop from Rothbury

Routes

Running trails & routes

Simonside Summit – Simonside Crag loop from Rothbury

Hard

runners

Simonside Summit – Simonside Crag loop from Rothbury

02:17

17.8km

450m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Northumberland National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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229 m

Rothbury Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Today popular with locals and visitors: Here you will find a huge shady picnic area right by the river, next to the bridge

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.01 km

Sharp's Folly is a 30-foot (9 m) high tower that was built in the 1720s by Archdeacon Sharpe, Rector of Rothbury. The folly was built to alleviate local unemployment, as well as to satisfy the Archdeacon's interest in astronomy. It is possibly the earliest folly in the county.

Tip by

2.99 km

Lordenshaws Iron Age Hillfort

Archaeological Site

7.64 km

Coquet Cairn

Highlight • Summit

Walking this part of the St Oswald's Way to Rothbury and soon the landscape changes. Walking steadily uphill through open moor one passes the Iron Age fort to reach this highlight, which is the highest point with excellent views.

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10.9 km

Simonside Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Simonside is a 429m (1400ft) summit perched atop the untamed wilderness of the Northumberland National Park. It boasts a rugged ridge that commands sensational views of the Cheviot Hills to the north and the whole Northumbrian coastline to the east.

In close reach from Rothbury, Simonside is a top pick for epic views. Bring a flask of tea, settle in and relish the perfect scenery surround you.

Tip by

11.0 km

Simonside Crag

Highlight • Climb

Not too difficult if you're going up from the east, the route is made up of stone steps but sturdy boots are still recommended. Once you reach the top it is quite flat to reach other hills if you desire. Sometimes there are forestry works in the area which means part of the forest can be closed off, so it's worth checking before you go

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11.3 km

Simonside Crags

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great outcrop of rocks with views over Rothbury behind.

Tip by

12.5 km

View from Dove Crag

Highlight • Natural Monument

Dove Crag is one of a series of crags along the Simonside Hills. The Crag was formed 15,000 years ago when ice half-a-mile (1 km) thick carved through the landscape. From the crag, you are afforded spellbinding views over Northumberland.

Tip by

12.6 km