About Simonside

Iconic landmark

The Simonside Hills are a landmark from every compass point. Particularly special to residents of the market town of Rothbury and the Coquet Valley, the distinctive profile of Simonside on the horizon holds great significance for people from the city of Newcastle, from the coastal towns, for drivers on the AI and passengers flying into Newcastle airport.

Stretch your legs and your eyes

Part of a vast fell sandstone layer that underlies much of the north, the action of the ice and later natural erosion on the range has resulted in the weird rounded rock shapes and crags that are characteristic of the area today. A walk along the ridge rewards the stiff climb to the crags with outstanding views east to sea and west to the Cheviots.

History and mystery

Myth and legend clings to the crags like winter mists. From the intriguing remains of prehistoric rock art and ancient bronze age burial cairns to the chilling tales of the Duergar who lured unsuspecting travellers to their deaths, Simonside echoes with the drama of 7,000 years of human occupation.

Rich wildlife havens

The Simonside Hills are an important area for nature conservation too: They became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1954 and in 2005 were designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive in recognition of the extensive heather moorland and blanket bog. Rare species such as the dwarf cornel (Cornus suecica) and the mountain bumblebee (Bombus Monticola) thrive in these peaty uplands.