Introduction
This circular walk of approx. 2.5 miles is located just west
of Harbottle Village in the Coquet Valley.
It provides great views of the surrounding countryside, a walk
past a secluded lake and quiet forest.
A short diversion at the end of the walk to the ruins of Harbottle
Castle will reward you with more superb views in all directions.
Walk
The walk starts at a small car park on the left side of the road
just west of Harbottle (Not the Castle car park).
The footpath leaves the car park close to the entrance from the
road. Turn right and walk uphill alongside the forest.
After a short distance the path leaves the edge of the forest
and continues up a bracken covered hillside with the forest still
close by to the right.
As you climb up this hill take time to turn and look back for
views over Harbottle and beyond, along the Coquet Valley.
Straight ahead on the horizon you will see a very large boulder
known as the Drake Stone. Legend has it that the stone has miraculous
healing powers.
On reaching the Drake Stone the views to the Cheviot and Coquet
Valley open up to a superb panorama.
After exploring the area around the Drake Stone follow the path
towards the north shore of Harbottle Lake. The path follows the
lake shore. Take note of any M.O.D. signs or flags in this area
as it is at the edge of the military firing range.
The lake is a very quiet and peaceful area but this peace is
broken now and then when the army start target practice nearby
with heavy artillery.
The path leaves the lake shore just before reaching the west
and climbs uphill towards the forest (West Wood).
You will be walking through dense forest before reaching a clearing
that you walk straight across.
The path then descends steeply in places before leaving the forest
and joining a track where signs will once again warn not to enter
the restricted firing range area.
Turn right and walk down this track. To the north are views across
the Coquet Valley to the village of Alwinton and the hills beyond.
At the bottom of this track the road from Harbottle to Alwinton
is reached. Turn right and walk back along the road to the car
park.
Detour: Harbottle Castle
At the car park walk on towards Harbottle Castle (or drive to
the castle car park.) Harbottle Castle is perched on the top of
a hill.
There remains only a few ruins now but it's importance in history
is well recorded. There are excellent views from the Castle Ruins.
For larger pictures and some history visit the castles section
of our Northumberland
Cam Website.
Notes
