Simonside
An easy to follow trail in the Simonside Forest, aimed at families, with plenty to look out for and do along the route!
This trail follows a route within the forestry of Simonside, which is
part of the larger Harwood forest area. The site is owned and managed
by the Forestry Commission for both recreation and commercial forestry
interests.
There are a variety of tree species in the forest,mostly coniferous
which means they have needles, bear cones and do not lose their leaves
in winter. However, there are some deciduous trees too,which do lose
their leaves in winter, such as Silver Birch.
Bronze Age Burial Cairn
The Simonside hills are alive with remains from the past!
Archaeological remains litter the hillside and many are hidden
throughout the forest. At the second junction you come to on your
outward walk, and the point where you begin to retrace your steps on
your return, a heather covered clearing in the trees boasts a burial
cairn in its centre. This cairn was excavated in the 1890s and the
stones from the central area were banked around the edge, revealing two
cists, or chambers, beneath. These cists often contain evidence of
cremations, and often pots, tools and other implements, and date back to
the Bronze Age, about 6,000 years ago.
Little Church Rock
This isolated outcrop of fell sandstone is hidden within the forest.
Its name may be a reference to the rock’s use as a gathering place.
There is a set of cup marks in the stone on the lower right side of the
rock which are thought to be man-made and could be over 4,000 years old.
Local facilities
Shops and services are available in Rothbury, including pubs and cafes, tourist information and accommodation.
The National Park’s award-winning Visitor Centre and Tourist
Information Centre is located on the village green in Rothbury and
houses a fascinating interactive display about the wildlife, history and
culture of this landscape.
Hike
The Great OutDoors on scottexservices.com