Holystone Wood

Visitor information

You won't find a more atmospheric and tranquil woodland than Holystone Wood

Holystone is tucked away in a quiet corner of Coquetdale. The peace and tranquillity of the area attracted a religious order that built a nunnery here in the twelfth century, around which Holystone village grew.

The nunnery has long gone, but the tranquil surroundings remain, offering beautiful walks.

There are waterfalls, crags and plenty of aged broadleaved woodlands which are a delight to walk in at any time of year.

Mountain biking and horse riding are welcome in this wood.

Nearby Holystone Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) jointly managed for conservation purposes by Forestry England and Northumberland Wildlife Trust and lies within Northumberland National Park.

At a glance

Mountain biking and horse riding are welcome
16/05/2022 12:42

Things to do

This is a short route which leads you to the National Trust landmark where St Paulinus supposedly baptised 3000 Northumbrians during Easter week, AD 627.

None of the longer paths and trails within the wood are waymarked, and it is recommended that you take an OS Landranger or Explorer map with you to aid navigation.

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Holystone Wood. Just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Nearby forests

Rolling hills with shades of green and brown on a sunny day

Explore the great network of public footpaths at Harbottle or venture to the ancient Drake Stone to experience the mythical atmosphere and stunning views.

Dark skies brightened by a clear rainbow over green broadleaf trees

Found within the Northumberland National Park, just north of the village of Alwinton, Kidland Forest's mosaic of trees is the perfect setting for a forest adventure. Unwind under the blanket of spruce, pine and larch while taking in the glorious views and peaceful sounds of the River Alwin. 

Kidland Forest is a designated Red Squirrel Reserve and also houses Memmerkirk Chapel, a Scheduled Ancient Monument which are the remains of a chapel dating from the 14th to 17th century. 

conifer woodland

Harwood is a large conifer forest located to the south of Simonside Hills in Rothubury. Lying within the Northumberland National Park, it provides visitors with access to a network of public footpaths, ranging from popular open paths to quiet trails through the forest. 

Harwood is also one of the red squirrel reserves in the north of England, so keep your eyes peeled for this rare species!

Forests of Rothbury, Simonside

The Simonside Hills lie within Northumberland National Park on the northern-most edge of Harwood forest and have beckoned walkers for years because of their wild and rugged beauty. The range dominates the skyline forming a dramatic southern backdrop to the middle reaches of the River Coquet.

The climb up the hills to the top (430m) is rewarded with the whole panorama of the Cheviots to the north and from the top of Simonside itself, the whole Northumbrian coastline is revealed.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England