OS Landranger Map 81 Alnwick & Rothbury.
A short route with good views at the top but which has some strenuous climbing
- START GR 056015 Car park south end of bridge over Coquet in Rothbury
- Go back over the bridge and turnright on the B6341 out of Rothbury. Follow the B-
road taking the left fork uphill (this is the first of two steep sections of road) As the gradient eases after the second climb and after passing Tumbleton Lake you will see the entrance to Cragside on your right. Turn left up a forest ride shortly after this. (066034) - Follow the ride up to a gate. Go straight on out of the forest and continue on the track until you meet more trees and Primrose Cottage. Take the track turning sharp right and follow it as it climbs and contours round the trees.
- Go straight on at the first junction (055038) and eventually come out onto the plateau with open views. Continue to follow the track round as it contours the hill. Stop to enjoy the view over Rothbury.
- After re-
entering the forest at Addycombe (060025) a steep bridleway descends from a big boulder (waymarked). It is too steep to cycle. I recommend that you cycle back to 044027 and turn down sharp left to reach the end of a track leading to Thropton (032020) - Follow the B6341 for 500m towards Rothbury then turn up the minor road to Pondicherry.. This road eventually leads you back to the town centre and the finish.
Rothbury Carriage Drive 15km—Easy/Medium
The site for off-
Cyclopaths
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