The 10 Most Amazing Peaks around Thropton

Thropton is an excellent base for exploring the Simonside Hills, which include notable peaks like Simonside Summit, Tosson Hill, and Lordenshaws Hill. These hills offer diverse landscapes and stunning views within the Northumberland National Park.

From peaks like Simonside Summit and Tosson Hill, you can expect breathtaking 360-degree views. These often encompass the Cheviot Hills to the north and the North Sea coastline to the east on clear days. View from Dove Crag also offers spellbinding views over Northumberland.

Yes, there are several options for families. Lordenshaws Hill offers an accessible walk combining history and nature. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the 'Church Rock from Simonside Car Park' or 'Rothbury Village Centre – Rothbury Market Cross loop'. You can find more details on easy hikes around Thropton.

Lordenshaws Hill is home to a significant Iron Age hillfort, with visible earthworks and a remarkable concentration of prehistoric rock art, including cup-and-ring marked stones, and Bronze Age burial cairns. The Simonside Hills also feature ancient cairns and a Bronze Age cemetery.

The Simonside Hills are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse habitats. You might spot birds like curlews, red grouse, oystercatchers, skylarks, and meadow pipits. Buzzards and kestrels are also present, and red squirrels can be found in the surrounding forests.

The hills are beautiful year-round, but visiting when the heather is in bloom transforms the landscape into a blaze of purple, offering stunning photographic opportunities. Spring and summer are generally pleasant for hiking, though good footwear is recommended as some areas can be boggy, especially after rain.

Yes, the Simonside Hills offer rock climbing crags such as Simonside North Face and Ravensheugh. The northern side of Tosson Hill also features sandstone cliffs known as Ravensheugh, providing excellent single-pitch routes for various skill levels.

Beyond hiking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, including challenging ones like the 'Simonside & Whitefield Hill loop from Rothbury', or more moderate options. Explore more on cycling around Thropton and MTB trails around Thropton.

Simonside Summit, at 429m, is a top pick for its rugged ridge and sensational 360-degree views of the Cheviot Hills and the Northumbrian coastline. It's a rewarding hike, though some areas can be boggy, so sturdy boots are recommended.

Tosson Hill, the highest point in the Simonside Hills at 440 meters, is now accessible land, allowing visitors to freely explore. A 10km circular walk takes you through the forest and up to its trig point, offering clear tracks and panoramic views of the Cheviots.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning 360-degree views from summits like Simonside Summit and View from Dove Crag. The well-marked trails, diverse landscapes, and the rich historical sites, particularly at Lordenshaws, are also highly appreciated.

Many trails in the Northumberland National Park, including those around the Simonside Hills, are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check for any specific local restrictions.