Harbottle Crags and Drake Stone Walk
Northumberland
This dog friendly walk leaves the West Wood car park above Harbottle, climbs through Sitka and Scots pine and emerges onto the open moor at the Drake Stone, a huge sandstone block balanced on the ridge. From there the route loops over Harbottle Crags above the secret-feeling Harbottle Lough and back down past the ruins of Harbottle Castle on quiet lanes, taking in some of the best Coquetdale views in the National Park.
Dogs are welcome but the upper crags are a Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserve with ground-nesting birds, so use a short lead from March through July and keep them close around any grazing sheep. The lough is too peaty for safe drinking so carry water. Underfoot is forest track, peaty moorland path with some flagstones, a short scramble onto the Drake Stone if you want the view, then a road descent. Free Forestry England parking at West Wood, no facilities on the route, pub and shop in Harbottle village 0.5 km away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Forest, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on the route; pub and small shop in Harbottle village 0.5 km from the car park.
- Parking
- Free Forestry England car park at West Wood, Harbottle (around 25 spaces, no charge).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harbottle Crags and Drake Stone Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this circular walk through Coquetdale, earning a solid 7.5 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The route takes in pine forest, open moorland, and heather crags, with plenty of space for dogs to enjoy — just bear in mind a couple of seasonal and terrain considerations before you head out.
Can dogs be off lead at Harbottle Crags and Drake Stone Walk?
Dogs can enjoy some off-lead freedom on this walk, but the upper crags are a Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserve where ground-nesting birds are active from March through July — during that period, keep dogs on a short lead up there. You should also keep them close and under control around any grazing sheep you encounter along the route.
What should I know before visiting Harbottle Crags and Drake Stone Walk with my dog?
The main practical thing to know is that Harbottle Lough is too peaty for safe drinking, so bring enough water for both you and your dog — there are no facilities on the route itself. Underfoot you'll find forest track, peaty moorland paths with some flagstones, and a short optional scramble up the Drake Stone; if your dog isn't keen on rocky terrain, the scramble is easy to skip. A pub and small shop in Harbottle village are just 0.5 km from the West Wood car park if you need supplies before or after.
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