5.0
(2)
444
runners
15
runs
Jogging around Whitton And Tosson offers diverse terrain within the Northumberland National Park. The landscape features the rugged Simonside Hills and Tosson Hill, providing varied elevation and panoramic views. Runners can explore ancient woodlands like Whitton Wood and expansive moorland. Streams flowing into the River Coquet further define the natural environment.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
51
runners
8.42km
01:03
220m
230m
Embark on the Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Trail, a difficult jogging route spanning 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with a significant 732 feet (223 metres) of elevation gain. You can…
27
runners
19.3km
02:23
330m
320m
Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Simonside Hills loop from Lordenshaws, a difficult 12.0-mile (19.3 km) route that typically takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete.…

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31
runners
This Simonside & Dove Crag loop offers a challenging jogging experience through Northumberland National Park, covering 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with an elevation gain of 689 feet (210 metres). You…
5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.61km
00:39
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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can be easy or difficult, depends which side you ascend from. so choose wisely
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Dove Crag 395.7m P18.1 (1298ft) (Hill ID: 505959) [JNSA s5723] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
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Simonside is a 429m (1400ft) summit perched atop the untamed wilderness of the Northumberland National Park. It boasts a rugged ridge that commands sensational views of the Cheviot Hills to the north and the whole Northumbrian coastline to the east. In close reach from Rothbury, Simonside is a top pick for epic views. Bring a flask of tea, settle in and relish the perfect scenery surround you.
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Dove Crag is one of a series of rocky outcrops set along the Simonside ridgeline. There are great views to be had from here, stunning but being a running nerd you might not be able to afford the views the attention they deserve.
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A lovely lonely isolated outcrop of fell sandstone hidden in a dense forest. It may have been a gathering place in days past and hence its name. A very old and eerie gathering place at that. A lovely place full of character though.
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Lordenshaws is an ancient Iron Age hill fort built around 2000 years ago. There is also evidence of a Bronze Age burial mound. The cup and ring marks on this great stone are thought to be rock art etched into the stone by Neolithic and Bronze Age people between 6000 and 3500 years ago. It's well worth running up here from the car park before starting a loop of the Simonside Hills to have a look at this ancient monument and take in the views of the hills you're about to run. It's also on the St Oswald's Way long distance trail or on the way to the Simonside Hills from Rothbury.
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Whitton And Tosson offers a diverse selection of over 15 running routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find everything from easy paths to more challenging trails within the Northumberland National Park.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for running in Whitton And Tosson, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, while winter runs may require appropriate gear for potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on higher ground like the Simonside Hills.
Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are easier options available. For example, the Little Church Rock loop from Simonside Car Park is a moderate route that offers a good introduction to the area's terrain without extreme difficulty.
Absolutely. Many of the running routes in Whitton And Tosson are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A popular choice is the Simonside and Dove Crag Circular Trail, which offers panoramic views and diverse terrain.
Many trails in the Northumberland National Park, including those around Whitton And Tosson, are dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code. Always check specific route details for any restrictions.
The routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can encounter the rugged Simonside Summit, ancient woodlands like Whitton Wood, and expansive moorland. Other notable features include Simonside Crag and the unique Harbottle Lake.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can run past prehistoric rock art and Bronze Age burial cairns at Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock. The remains of the medieval Tosson Tower and a 19th-century lime kiln are also found in Great Tosson, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Parking is available at key access points for the trails. A common starting point for many Simonside Hills routes is the Simonside Car Park. Always check specific route descriptions for recommended parking locations.
The running routes in Whitton And Tosson are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 5 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, the panoramic views from the Simonside Hills, and the sense of wilderness within the Northumberland National Park.
While Whitton and Tosson are small hamlets, the nearby town of Rothbury offers a selection of cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your run. Some routes might pass close to these amenities, or you can plan a short drive to Rothbury.
The Simonside Hills are popular due to their varied terrain, from woodland paths to open moorland, and the rewarding ascents to peaks like Simonside Summit. They offer sensational views of the Cheviot Hills and the Northumbrian coastline, providing a challenging and scenic experience for runners.
The diverse landscapes of Whitton And Tosson, including ancient woodlands and moorland, provide habitats for various wildlife. Keep an eye out for local bird species, red squirrels, and other native animals, especially in quieter areas like Whitton Wood.


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