Thrunton 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.

With six main sites to choose from, the Forests of Rothbury provide beautiful forested walks but also wild moorland, spectacular crag top views and important archaeological sites.

Formerly part of the Swarland Old Hall estate, Swarland Wood is popular with local residents for its open footpaths and forest roads.

Swarland provides the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or woodland horse ride with great access to the woodland to the south and east of Swarland Golf Course.

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!

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.