Alwinton and Harbottle Walk

The Alwinton and Harbottle Walk is a great outdoor excursion that will take you to several interesting geological and historical features in Northumberland. While out walking the trail, you will first visit the 12th Century ruins of Harbottle Castle, before climbing uphill through West Wood to visit the 9 m sandstone formation known as the Drake Stone. This is a fantastic walking route that is perfectly suited for a fun family adventure with some mildly challenging terrain.
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Alwinton and Harbottle Walk
For those who enjoy more than simply strolling through the countryside on their walks, the Alwinton and Harbottle Walk will provide you with several interesting highlights, including a large sandstone rock formation and an historic castle.
Setting out from the trailhead in Alwinton, you will pass through the village to the southeast, following along the road to cross over the River Coquet. Continuing on to the southeast, you will eventually arrive at the site of Harbottle Castle, where you can explore the ruins of a 12th Century fortification that was attacked through a series of fierce conflicts.
After visiting the castle, you will make your way back along the road for a short distance, before branching off to the southwest along the edge of West Wood. Here, you will climb uphill along the tree line to reach the Drake Stone, a massive 9 m sandstone rock. Here, you will pass by the charming shores of Harbottle Lake and enter into the woodland terrain, looping around the hillside to eventually arrive back at the edge of the road near the River Coquet. At this point, you will simply make your way back into the trailhead in Alwinton where you began.
Getting to the Alwinton and Harbottle Walk Trailhead
The trailhead for the Alwinton and Harbottle Walk can be found at the car park in the village of Alwinton.
Route Information
Alwinton and Harbottle Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherAlwinton and Harbottle Walk Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Hadrian’s Wall: Steel Rigg to Lanercost
- Allen Banks Walk
- Greenlee Lough Walk
- Housesteads Fort and Hadrian’s Wall Walk
- Once Brewed to Gilsland Walk
- Crag Lough and Vindolanda Fort Loop
- Crag Lough and Hadrian’s Wall Circular Walk
- Lambley Viaduct and Featherstone Castle Walk
- Bardon Mill to Haydon Bridge Walk
- Crag Lough and Housesteads Roman Fort Circular Walk
- Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda Fort Circular Walk
- Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk