Descending slightly, we cross a minor road adjacent to a small car park and continue south to start our ascent of Simonside (see Video at 8:40).  The path is well-defined and has large slab stones.  After a short distance, we leave St Oswald’s Way path and bear right, heading west (see Video at 9:25).  The next section of the walk towards Dove Crag is the most pleasant, and the views should be enjoyed.  It is worth pausing at Dove Crag (see Video at 11:10); the views appear limitless in all compass directions.  Continuing west, you come to Old Stell Crag, where there is a slight climb (see Video at 11:25).  Leaving Old Stell Crag behind you, Simonside is ahead at 430 Mtr (see Video at 12:15).  This is a great stop-off point to refuel and reflect on the walk so far.

Leaving Simonside, you have a small but steep descent (see Video at 12:40) before picking up the path heading west to Tosson Hill.  You will probably be leaving any people you have met behind you at this point, getting a feel for the ruggedness of the terrain.  Our path takes us across the moors, then reaching Tosson Hill, you get your trig point for the day at 440 Mtr (see Video at 13:50).  Leaving Tosson Hill behind us you continue west for around 1.5 miles across the fells until you reach a ’T’ in the path (see Video at 15:35) and now is time to head north and descent down a gentle path towards Hepple Whitefield and the Coquet Valley.

Picking up a single-track road (see Video at 17:00), head northeast until reaching Bickerton, then head across the fields to the wetland area by the River Coquet.  There is plenty of wildlife activity in this section, and many bird hides (see Video at 18:00).  This section of the walk is most pleasant and easy underfoot.  Coming to a bend in the river (see Video at 19:45), once again, we leave the river bank and head to the bridge ahead of us (see Video at 20:13).  Crossing the river for the final time, you then reach Thropton (see Video at 20:55). 

Heading south for a short while along the B6341, then turning left onto Physic Lane, we start our final ascent towards Ship Crag.  The path is well-defined for the most part but does get lost a little across the heathers.  Reaching the higher level path you have a great view of the route we have taken (see Video at 21:40).  Continue along the path, and be careful to pick out our final to Rothbury, it is easy to miss (see Video at 23:40).  Now heading across the fens the path is not defined at all, so be careful dropping down and picking up Coplish Burn (see Video at 24:15).

Now following our nose and the GPS (click on the map below to get complete OS GPS for the walk), our route now meanders through some of the streets of Rothbury before reaching the centre and concluding what has been a great day of walking with magnificent views in the heart of Northumberland.

Outdoor Catch-Up:

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walk ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.