Trail Running Planet · Northumberland · Simonside Hills
Simonside and Dove Crag from Rothbury
Sandstone crags with a proper sense of drama, Iron Age rock art on the approach, and views stretching from the Cheviots to the Northumberland coast for less than 250m of climbing.
Distance
14.7 km
Ascent
392 m
Descent
391 m
Max elevation
427 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
3h 5m – 4h 10m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
NE65 7NT
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 14.7km loop from Rothbury over the sandstone crags of Simonside and Dove Crag, with 245m of climbing through forest and heather moorland.
Hazards & notes
Sandstone crags near the summit and around Dove Crag are slippery when wet - take care on the final approach and especially descending. Forest tracks can be muddy after rain. Grouse shooting on parts of the moor August to December.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/northumberland/simonside-hills/simonside-and-dove-crag-from-rothbury
trailrunningplanet.com