Simonside Hills and Lordenshaws Circular
Northumberland
This dog friendly circular sets off from the Lordenshaws Hillfort car park, climbing across heather moor past prehistoric cup-and-ring rock art and the ramparts of an Iron Age fort, before joining St Oswald's Way to traverse the sandstone ridge of Simonside at 430m. From the top the whole Cheviot range opens up to the north and the Northumberland coast is visible east on a clear day, with the return dropping back across moor and forest edge.
Dogs are welcome and most of the route is fine off lead, but keep them under close control and on a short lead between March and July when ground-nesting birds are active and whenever sheep are visible on the moor. Underfoot is heather, peat, flagstone causeway across the boggier sections and sandstone steps onto the ridge, with one steep rocky pull onto Simonside itself. Free Forestry England parking at Lordenshaws and at Simonside, no facilities at either, no streams suitable for drinking on the ridge.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on site; nearest cafes and toilets in Rothbury 5 km away.
- Parking
- Free Forestry England car park at Lordenshaws Hillfort (around 20 spaces, no charge).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simonside Hills and Lordenshaws Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The route takes you across open heather moor and along the Simonside sandstone ridge, with plenty of space for dogs to enjoy. Just be aware that there are no facilities at either car park, and the nearest cafes and toilets are in Rothbury, about 5 km away.
Can dogs be off lead at Simonside Hills and Lordenshaws Circular?
Most of the route is suitable for dogs off lead, which makes it a genuinely enjoyable outing for them. That said, you should keep dogs on a short lead between March and July when ground-nesting birds are active on the moor, and whenever sheep are visible. The ridge itself involves a steep, rocky pull up onto Simonside, so it's worth keeping a close eye on your dog in that section regardless.
What should I know before visiting Simonside Hills and Lordenshaws Circular with my dog?
The terrain here is varied — heather, peat, flagstone causeways over the boggier sections, and sandstone steps up to the ridge — so dogs need to be reasonably sure-footed, especially on the steep climb onto Simonside. There are no streams suitable for drinking on the ridge, so bring enough water for both of you. Parking is free at the Lordenshaws Hillfort Forestry England car park, with around 20 spaces available, but there are no on-site facilities, so stock up in Rothbury before you set off.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk1.5 mi awayRothbury to Cragside Estate Walk
Northumberland
Dog friendly walk linking Rothbury village with the Cragside Estate via the Coquet riverside and the back lanes, leads-only across the National Trust estate.
Walk1.5 mi awaySimonside Ridge
Northumberland
A superb ridge walk with panoramic views and high off-lead potential across the open fell; excellent dog-friendly pubs in Rothbury for post-walk refreshment.
Walk2.3 mi awayCragside Estate Circular Walk
Northumberland
Dog friendly Views of Cragside circular through Lord Armstrong's Victorian pleasure ground, leads-only on a National Trust estate of lakes, rhododendrons and rocky ridges.
Walk8.8 mi awayHarbottle Crags and Drake Stone Walk
Northumberland
Dog friendly Coquetdale circular through pine forest to the Drake Stone and the heather crags above Harbottle Lough, big views and quiet paths.
Walk9.4 mi awayCoquetdale: Alwinton to Barrowburn
Northumberland
Dog friendly upper-Coquetdale valley walk from Alwinton along the Coquet to the remote Barrowburn farmhouse cafe, sheep country with big Cheviot views.
Walk9.9 mi awayRiver Coquet Walk at Alwinton
Northumberland
A pleasant riverside walk in one of Northumberland's most remote valleys with good water access; sheep in the valley require leads on some sections.
