Simonside Hills are an excellent walk no matter the weather, but in the winter when the snow lands the area looks extra special and turns into a winter wonderland.
About Simonside Hills
The Simonside Hills, located near Rothbury in Northumberland, England, are a striking range of sandstone hills that form part of the Northumberland National Park. Renowned for their rugged beauty, the hills offer breathtaking views of the Coquet Valley and the surrounding countryside. Popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts, the area features well-marked trails, such as the Simonside Ridge Walk, which takes visitors across rocky crags, heathland, and forested areas. Rich in history and folklore, the hills are famously associated with the legend of the Duergar, mythical dwarves said to mislead travelers. With its blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, the Simonside Hills provide a memorable outdoor experience for adventurers and storytellers alike.
Where are the Simonside Hills located?
The Simonside Hills are situated near the town of Rothbury in Northumberland, England, within the Northumberland National Park. They lie on the northern side of Harwood Forest.
Where do you park for this Simonside Hills walk?
The starting point for the walk is Simonside Forestry Commission Car Park – which is FREE.
From Rothbury take the B6342 heading south over the river. Follow this for 3 miles, and take a sharp right turn signposted Lordenshaws. The Car Park is a further 2 miles on the left. The postcode for the car park is NE65 7NW.
Grid Ref: NZ 037 997
W3W: switched.moderated.multiple
There are no toilet facilities or visitor centers on-site, so plan accordingly.
WALK OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours (with stops)
TOTAL ASCENT: 847ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Simonside HILLS & via Dove crag walk map route:
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I recommend doing the walk in an anti-clockwise direction, which begins through nice woodland on a flattish ground. You then  heading to the 430m summit of Simonside Hills up a short, but steep ascent, and  then online the Simonside ridge towards Dove Crag and then descend  into the woodland called ‘Joe’s Wood’.
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| As you can see the car park itself at the start of the walk is pretty high up so it’s not much uphill walking for the great elevated views you encounter on this walk |
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The snowy summit Simonside in the foreground and Dove Crag to the top right of the photo
On the descent from the Simonside summit this walk route takes you through the pine forest known as Joe’s wood. With the snow it really felt like a winter wonderland with Scandanavian vibes about it – it’s a place kids would love at winter time.
Simonside Hills is a really superb walk and isn’t that difficult in normal conditions. The snow on this occasion made it seem alpine like and the views were spectacular. I highly recommend it!
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