Swarland Wood

Thrunton Wood is planted on and around two steep escarpments of sandstone – Thrunton Crag in the north, and Long Crag /Coe Crag to the south. These lofty crags provide spectacular viewpoints from which to admire the Northumbrian scenery.

Two exhilarating walks allow you to explore the miles of trails as they wind through the maturing forest and across open moorland.

Mountain biking and horse riding are welcome in this wood.

From the distinctive table-top profile of Simonside in the south, to Wooler Common adjacent to Wooler town in the north of the area, the Forests of Rothbury are not short of stunning views in some of the most iconic Northumberland landscapes.

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.

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!