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A forest approach followed by a traverse of the sandstone ridge above Rothbury. Leave the mapped start beside the Simonside forest car park on the forest track. The route turns west past the Little Church Rock area, then climbs towards the crags. A steep stepped path leads onto Simonside. Follow the ridge east over Old Stell Crag to Dove Crag, then turn north into the forest. On the return, the mapped connecting footpath joins the main forest track back to the car park; follow this mapped connection rather than cutting straight across the ground.
The rocky ridge is the main attraction, with open views towards the Cheviots and the coast in clear weather. The mapped circuit is approximately 7.3 km. Allow around three hours of walking, plus stops; this is an estimate. Forest tracks are fairly straightforward, but the climb and ridge have stone steps, uneven rock and wet patches. The tops are exposed, so carry a warm layer and waterproofs even if the car park feels sheltered.
Start at Forestry England’s Simonside car park, grid NZ037997. This mapped circuit is not presented as an exact copy of Forestry England’s waymarked red trail. Follow current forestry signs and closures, keep dogs under control and stay on the ridge path near the crag edges. Take OS Explorer OL42.
Route references: https://www.forestryengland.uk/simonside/the-simonside-ridge-walk and Stuart Hodgson’s mapped Simonside guide: https://hikingphotographer.uk/2021/05/simonside-hills-walk-dove-crag-near-rothbury-one-of-the-best-walks-in-northumberland-for-all-the-family.html
The return connection uses map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL1.0: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright . The start and finish are on the mapped service approach beside the car park; check the map before setting off. No ascent figure has been verified.
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