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Rothbury & Coquetdale walks
© B. Hewison
Walks based around the beautiful area of Rothbury and Coquetdale
in the heart of Northumberland Hill Country.
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Walk 1 - Rothbury Circular via Whitton to Thrum Mill
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Distance 2 ½ miles.
Time 1hr.
Difficulty: - (2)
(1 easy 4 difficult) |
A Short walk but still quite challenging
and requires a sense of Balance! |
| Start: Riverside Car Park, Rothbury. Map |
| Exit the Rothbury Cowhaugh car park, turn right, walk
up the road in the opposite direction of the road bridge. You will
pass the cemetery on your right hand side, burial place of "David
Dippey Dixon" famous local historian, author of "Upper Coquetdale,
and "Whittingham Vale" |
| When you reach the junction near the top of the hill
large iron gates through which you can see a large stone house confront
you, this is Whitton Pele and has existed here since about the 14th
century. The Pele Tower protected the local Priest and his servants
from the marauding Border Reivers. |
| Turn left signposted Whitton. |
| As you walk along the lane you have superb views of
Cragside to your front, the Coquet Valley to your left, and if you
turn around Simonside comes into view and dominates the view southwest.
Follow the lane for ½ mile passing Silverton Lodge (Silverton Lodge
and Silverton House were once part of the Rothbury Workhouse built
in 1901) |
| Shortly after passing Silverton Lodge you come to another
"T" junction. Turn left here, walk down hill until you see the Coquetvale
Hotel, cross the road and turn right down a steep bank. Pass the auction
mart and on to the riverside. This is where you sense of balance comes
in. Cross the stepping-stones and turn right along the riverside,
the path leads you to the Thrum Mill. (during periods of heavy
rainfall the stepping stones will be impassable so instead of turning
down the steep bank to the stepping stones stay on main road and walk
a further 400yds, cross the road bridge then turn right along the
north bank of the riverside and walk east away from the village) |
| The footpath in front of the Thrum Mill was once the
main road into Rothbury. The Mill used to ground corn for the local
bakers and for sale further a field. Just past the Mill you will see
a steep sided gorge with a narrow channel worn through the rocks.
This is known as the Thrum. The river at this point widens out into
a very large picturesque lake-size pool, a favourite fishing ground
for the majestic Heron which can often be seen perched on nearby rocks. |
| Return by retracing you steps and walk back along the
riverside, but don't go over the stepping-stones. Continue along riverside,
under the road bridge, and the path will bring you to the footbridge
leading to the car park. |
| Hope you enjoyed your walk. |
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Rothbury & Coquetdale Walks
are the copyright of
B. Hewison at West Acre House, Alnwick.
Tel. 01665 510374
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| Disclaimer: This walk is partly on the Public
Highway, although the route chosen is usually very quiet, please remember
that vehicles may legally travel along open country roads at speeds
in excess of 30 mph. If possible, please walk along the right side
of the highway or the verge if appropriate. Please stay on the right
hand side, facing the traffic. This walk has been provided in good
faith and the author can accept no liability for any accidents which
may occur. |
Other walking links see 
