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About 5.5 miles, roughly 3 hours on foot, starting and ending in Rothbury. This route sits high above the Coquet Valley and gives you sweeping views of the surrounding hills and countryside as you follow old tracks once used by horse-drawn carriages.
Begin in Rothbury at the old Tourist Information Centre. Head north out of the village past the river and up through the streets before climbing steadily out of the centre. Early on you’ll pick up views back over the flat haugh where the old racecourse once stood and across the valley toward the distinctive flat top of the Simonside Hills.
Once on the old carriageway, the walking eases. The track was engineered for horses so it stays mostly level as it winds its way around the contours of the land. Head out along this broad, well-used route, the valley opening up beneath you.
Partway along, a short rough path branches off to a stone cairn and viewpoint. Here you get a wide view back to Rothbury, the church spire and car parks by the river visible below, and the wooded slopes of Cragside rising beyond.
After the viewpoint, return to the main carriageway and continue. As you walk, you’ll pass through woods, skirt field edges and enjoy a sense of space that comes with higher ground. The final section drops you back down toward Rothbury along a mix of track and path, eventually bringing you back into the village streets and your start point.
Good boots and waterproofs matter here. Conditions underfoot vary with the weather and parts of the route, especially the steeper bits early on and at the end, can be muddy and uneven.
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About 5.5 miles, roughly 3 hours on foot, starting and ending in Rothbury. This route sits high above the Coquet Valley and gives you sweeping views of the surrounding hills and countryside as you follow old tracks once used by horse-drawn carriages.
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A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
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The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
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