Simonside

About trip

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.