Image shared for Simonside

Simonside

430m Elevation
62m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Simonside

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Simonside Ridge and Dove Crag

7 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Simonside hills - 50 Rocks of Northumberland inspired

6.1 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Rothbury Riverside and Town Walk

2.2 km ~1h Easy

View route

Rothbury Terraces

9.2 km ~3h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Simonside Hills Circular Walk

A scenic circular route that showcases the iconic Simonside crags and surrounding countryside.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill

Elevation

430m

1,411 ft

Prominence

62m

Coordinates

55.2825, -1.9637

NZ024987

OS Map

81

Explorer: OL42E

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and stunning rocky outcrops, perfect for a well-earned rest after the hike. Don’t forget to take a photo—your friends might not believe you otherwise!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steeper sections. Ideal for those who enjoy a bit of scramble without the need for climbing gear.

Simonside is primarily composed of sandstone and limestone, with dramatic crags that are a delight for geology enthusiasts. The rock formations testify to the area's geological history, revealing clues that stretch back millions of years.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills, the North Sea, and the surrounding Northumberland countryside. On a clear day, you might spot the distant silhouette of Edinburgh!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Simonside' is derived from the Old English, meaning 'Simon’s hill.' Legend has it that it was named after a local chieftain—no word on whether he was a particularly good chef or not.

Historical Significance

Simonside holds cultural importance for local communities, often featured in folklore and legends relating to the border history of Northumberland.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's ample parking available at the Simonside Hills parking area, located at NZ022751. Be mindful of any parking fees during peak times.

Public Transport

Nearest bus services operate from Rothbury, approximately 5 miles away. Catch the bus and then a short walk will lead you to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited on the mountain itself, but Rothbury has a variety of cafes and public toilets. You might even snag a scone if you're lucky!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain and steep drops near the crags. Watch your step, as a tumble could lead to a less-than-pleasant meeting with some rocks!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Simonside?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Simonside through the maps

Are there other walkers around Simonside?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Simonside search or of course create your own walk for Simonside

Can I organise a walk to Simonside?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Simonside.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Simonside?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Simonside here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NZ024987

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

The Cheviot

The Cheviot

816m

 Cross Fell

Cross Fell

893m

Nine Standards Rigg

662m

 Traprain Law

Traprain Law

221m

 Bass Rock

Bass Rock

112m
See 5 more nearby hills