North Tyne
Rich in history and legend, the Simonside Hills, near Rothbury, continue to fascinate all who visit.
Archeologists believe Simonside's high number of burial grounds and cairns without any sign of nearby settlements point to the fact that Simonside was a sacred place only visited at particular times of the year. The hills are also home to a fine set of cup and ring rock carvings at Lordenshaw.
Later it was a deer hunting park and we also know that farming took place on the hills in medieval times.
The Simonside Hills certainly have their place in Northumbrian legend with various folk tales about dwarves and fairies being set in the area. Local people even told of a band of malicious dwarves called the Duergar who would prey on unwary travellers.
Simonside, with its stunning views over Rothbury and the Coquet Valley, is very popular with walkers. The Forestry Commission manages parts of the hills and there is a small picnic area near the main car park.
The River Tyne
From the car park you can try either the Simonside Ridge Walk, which will lead you to the top of Simonside where you can take in a view stretching to the Northumberland Coastline, or the Ravensheugh Walk which leads to Ravensheugh Crag.
Regular events take place in the summer months including an evening solstice walk where you can watch the sun set over Coquetdale and enjoy stunning midsummer evening views of the Cheviot Hills.
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Bellingham Tourist Information Centre
The Heritage Centre
Hillside
Bellingham
Northumberland
NE48 2GR
+44 01434 220616
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