Simonside Hills, Rothbury
It’s been a while since I’ve been up the Simonside Hills for a walk. I think it was even pre-covid as it was a little too far for a walk then. It is as much as a therapeutic walk now as it was then. Simonside Hills are in Rothbury in Northumberland. They’re not too hard of a drive and a great place if you like good scenery!
How to get there?
You can walk here from Rothbury, or you can drive to the allocated car parks in the hills. There is different car parks depending on what route you plan to take too. So you can park nearer the top should you not be able to do the full hike. You can find step by step details of the route on Northumberland National Park website.
How long does the walk take?
Depending on the route will depend on how long you take. If you do the full route from the car park, it takes around 3 hours. But if you stop to enjoy the scenery and have a snack, then you may be a bit longer!
What is the terrain like?
I’ve seen people do this in jeans and trainers, but the rocks can be quite slippy if you’re going up the side of the hill. So I would always recommend some sturdy walking shoes to protect yourself. Once you reach the top the weather can change too. We started off this time in sunshine, and then needed a raincoat and hat at the top! But obviously this can differ in different seasons too. You can walk the woods area too, which you definitely need good shoes for.
What can I do after?
Rothbury itself is a lovely village and has some great pubs or restaurants depending on what you’d like. You can also venture further afield depending on where you’re staying. There is so many good pubs around to grab some food around here. I’d always recommend The Granby at Longframlington or maybe the Running Fox! But for me you can’t beat a pub with the fire roaring! If you want a bit more travel to see some seaside, I’d recommend the Fat Mermaid any time of day!
Is the walk pet friendly?
I’ve often took the dog here, but he’s quite a good walker and doesn’t mind a few hills. So if your dog is quite active and can jump up the steps, definitely! Just remember to pack them some snacks and water!
Have you ever done any walks in Northumberland?
