The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk

The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure in Northumberland that features interesting historical sites, geological features, and a relaxing riverside setting. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the edge of West Wood to reach the 30ft tall Drake Stone, looping around the forest to eventually follow the River Coquet past Harbottle Castle. This is an excellent outing for anyone with an interest in visiting historical sites.
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Route Description for The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk
If you enjoy relatively quick walking adventures that feature a number of scenic highlights and historical sites, then the Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk is a great way to explore the Northumberland countryside.
Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way through the tree cover to the southwest, following along the edge of West Wood as you climb uphill to reach the Drake Stone, a 9 m tall hunk of sandstone that locals have long believed to hold mystical powers. Shortly after visiting the stone, you will pass by the shores of Harbottle Lake and cut through the forest to the north in order to make your way downhill.
After following the road north for a short stretch, you will turn sharply to the southeast along the banks of the River Coquet, eventually arriving at the edge of Harbottle. Here, you will enjoy some nice views of the ruined castle that was constructed around 1160 CE at the request of King Henry II, most likely as a defence against the Scots that routinely raided the area. Continuing through the village, you will follow the road until you arrive back at the car park where you began.
Getting to the The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk Trailhead
The trailhead for the Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk can be found 0.8 km west of Harbottle at the West Wood car park.
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The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular Walk Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Upper Coquetdale Walk
- The Hepple Circuit Walk
- Hartside and Hedgehope Hill Walk
- Windy Gyle and Mozie Law Walk
- Elsdon Burn Walk
- Elsdon Valley Trail
- Rothbury Riverside Walk
- Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Walk
- Little Church Rock, Criss Cross, and Simonside Walk
- Simonside Hills Circular Walk
- Holystone Circular Walk
- Hartside to Linhope Spout Walk