Enjoy a linear walk with some short steep inclines.

Enjoy a lovely walk up to the ancient Drake Stone, a mythical place from where there are stunning views over the surrounding countryside and over to the ruins of Harbottle Castle.

The Drake Stone is huge boulder alleged to have special healing powers. It was originally called the Dragon stone or Draak’s stone, and was reputed to have been used by druids. The massive sandstone boulder was placed here by a glacier during the last Ice Age.

A photo of The Star Inn pub in Harbottle

Why not finish your walk at the cozy Star Inn pub; perfect for both food and drink.

Start at OS Grid Ref: NT92980478

Parking: Harbottle Castle Car Park

Terrain: Footpaths, roads and tracks – short steep inclines, stiles

Walk overview

Walk difficulty
Moderate
Walk distance
2 miles / 3.2km
Walk duration
1 hours
Location
Coquetdale
Recommended OS Map
OL16 1:25000 The Cheviot Hills
Accessible
No
Dog friendly
No

Step by step route

From the car park turn right

From the car park turn right and follow the road out of the village. Just after the house on the left go through the gate and follow the path, signed ‘Harbottle Lake’ diagonally through the field.

Cross the stile

Cross the stile (look out for the 2 red stones in the wall) into the forest, on joining the track turn left, go through the gap in the wall and continue straight ahead.

Go through the gate

Go through the gate and turn right. Follow the path uphill, keeping the fence on your right.

Pass through the next wicket gate

Pass through the next wicket gate and continue uphill along the sandy footpath, making for the cairn ahead on the left.

The path splits just after the cairn

The path splits just after the cairn. Take the left fork which leads up to the Drake Stone – this is a huge Fell Sandstone boulder, which local legend suggests has ancient healing power.

Once you have finished exploring

Once you have finished exploring the Drake Stone continue on and follow the path down to Harbottle Lake.

Retrace your steps back down to the car park

From Harbottle Lake the route through the wood is CURRENTLY CLOSED, please retrace your steps back down to the car park.

Walk route

Getting there

By car

From the A1, follow the A697 then take the B6341.

Parking is available at the Harbottle Castle Car Park.

///bloodshot.approach.altitude