Walks at Hepple on Public Rights of Way
We are repairing the footpath across the western end of Simonside - see below for more details..................... . .
We are repairing the footpath across the western end of Simonside - see below for more details..................... . .
August 2024 - Feb 2025
Simonside Footpath repair
With financial support from the Northumberland National Park FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes) DEFRA grant programme and Northumberland County Council we are working on the public footpath that runs along the ridge at the western end of the Simonside Hills, either side of Tosson Hill. We are doing this to tackle peat erosion and habitat loss. The work will result in improved carbon storage, habitat restoration, a less visually scarred landscape and safer route for walkers. The project is has the full support of Natural England. You will see contractors from Terra Firma working along the hill with machinery from mid August 2024 to early 2025. The route and adjacent Access Land on the hill will remain open to the public.
Walks on public rights of way across Hepple and beyond
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The Simonside Scramble
A big day out. Park at the car park on Lordenshaws (on the far E of the map) and head west along the ridge, following the footpath along the spine of Simonside. After roughly 2.5 hours descend past Whitefield Hall to the old gravel beds by the Coquet, now a haven for waders, before returning up past Great Tosson to the car park. Full circuit, leave at least 7 hours and be careful on the top as the weather can change quickly. 20km, 6-7hrs.
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The Coquet Meander
A moderate 3-4 hour walk along the beautiful Coquet valley where the riven meanders unimpeded across the laughs. From a vantage point at the top of Whitefield Bank you can see an almost perfect geography textbook set of meanders, both upstream towards Hepple bridge, down to the old gravel pits below Cistron. A descent past Bickerton takes you to the edge of the old gravel pits which have become a haven for waders, before returning via Rye Hill and Little Tosson, beautiful traditional Northumbrian mixed farms. 11km, 3-4 hours.
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The Rothbury Ramble
A mega round walk, starting and ending from the Car Park in Rothbury. 23km and 7 hrs, with 500m ascent to the summit of Simonside, via the famous Cup and Ring Neolithic rock carving on Lordenshaws. A walk for the hale and hearty only, but one to remember.
