Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk
Table of contents
The Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk is a wonderfully scenic route in Northumberland National Park that will take you through some undulating terrain for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest past Little Church Rock and Criss Cross Rock on the way to the summit of Simonside, where you will have a commanding view of the surrounding moorland and forest terrain. This walk is great for those that enjoy a bit of uphill climbing to experience some beautiful landscape views.
Route Description for Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk
If you don’t mind a bit of uphill walking through a variety of terrain to reach some truly beautiful view points, then the Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk will make for a perfect outing in the Northumberland countryside.
Setting out from the car park, you will head to the southeast through the dense cover of the forest, climbing uphill past a number of interesting rock formations that include Little Church Rock and Criss Cross Rock. After exiting the forest, you will make your way more directly to the south on the ascent of Simonside.
After climbing up the moorland hill, you will enjoy some picturesque views of the surrounding northumberland landscape that features open moorland, vast swathes of forest, and tracts of farmland. From here, you will follow the path downhill to the east to reach the summit of Dove Crag, before completing the final portion of the walk through the forest on the return to the car park.
Getting to the Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk Trailhead
The trailhead for the Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk can be found at the Simonside car park, just 5.0 km southwest of Rothbury.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
March-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Thrunton Wood Walk
Northumberland National Park
Nelly’s Moss and Cragside Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
The Hepple Circuit Walk
Northumberland National Park
Coe Crag and Long Crag Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
Dove Crag and Simonside via Lordenshaws Car Park
Northumberland National Park
Elsdon Burn Walk
Northumberland National Park
Rothbury Riverside Walk
Northumberland National Park
Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
Simonside Hills Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
Holystone Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
Thrunton Wood Extended Circular Walk
Northumberland National Park
Cragside House Walk
Northumberland National Park