Rothbury to Cragside Estate Walk
Northumberland
This dog friendly route leaves the Cowhaugh car park in Rothbury, picks up the riverside path along the Coquet east through Hag Wood, climbs the back lane to the Cragside main entrance, and explores a short loop of the lower estate around the Iron Bridge before returning the same way. It's the best way to combine a Northumbrian village walk with the rhododendron-lined paths of Lord Armstrong's Victorian pleasure grounds.
Dogs are welcome throughout and the riverside section is fine off lead, but the entire 1,000-acre Cragside estate is dogs-on-lead at all times by National Trust rule, with leads required on Cragside's 40 miles of footpaths. Note that the estate normally charges admission and dogs are not allowed in the house. Underfoot you get village pavement, a riverside grass path, a short tarmac lane and gravel woodland trail on the estate. Pubs, cafes and toilets in Rothbury, full visitor centre, cafe and toilets at Cragside.
At a Glance
Walk Must-Haves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout this route, which earns a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The walk takes you from Rothbury village along the River Coquet through Hag Wood and into the National Trust's Cragside Estate, so your dog gets a nice mix of riverside rambling and woodland trails.
The riverside section along the Coquet is fine for dogs off lead, which makes for a lovely stretch of the walk. However, once you enter the Cragside Estate, National Trust rules require dogs to be on lead at all times across the entire 1,000-acre property and its 40 miles of footpaths, so pack your lead.
The route starts at the free Cowhaugh car park in Rothbury, which has around 80 spaces, and passes through varied terrain including village pavement, riverside grass, a tarmac back lane and gravel woodland trails on the estate. Bear in mind that Cragside normally charges admission and dogs are not permitted inside the house itself. You'll find pubs, cafes and toilets in Rothbury, and there's also a cafe and toilets at the Cragside Visitor Centre if you need a mid-walk stop.
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