Top 13 Natural Monuments around Snitter
Best natural monuments around Snitter offer a blend of geological interest, ancient history, and expansive natural landscapes. The area, situated within Northumberland National Park, features wild moorland and diverse geology. These sites provide insights into the region's past and opportunities to explore significant natural formations. Snitter serves as a base for discovering these notable natural attractions.
Best natural monuments around Snitter
- The most popular natural monuments is Simonside Summit, a natural monument and summit that is a 429m (1400ft)…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Simonside Summit
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Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock
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The Drake Stone
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View from Dove Crag
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Little Church Rock
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Tips from the Community
can be easy or difficult, depends which side you ascend from. so choose wisely
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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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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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The Drake Stone is a large sandstone boulder that is said to have healing powers and is believed to have been used by druids in their rituals. The stone is about 20 feet tall and weighs 2,000 tonnes. It is said that children who touch the stone are cured of their ailments. The Drake Stone is also said to be haunted. According to legend, a voice once boomed from the stone, warning workers who were attempting to drain the lake nearby that the village would be flooded if they continued. Additionally, those who spend the night near the stone are said to be unable to leave in the morning.
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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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Simonside is a sandstone outcrop at 429m with great views over the Cheviots and out east to the North Sea. The running is on good trails across moorland and up to the edges. It's generally good underfoot with a wild feeling, especially if you run outside of peak times. Look out for curlew, red grouse, mountain bumblebee, emperor moth, and even red squirrels in the forest areas.
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The ancient Fort on the top of the hill is fascinating. I loved seeing the cup and ring markings on the large rocks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural monuments can I explore near Snitter?
Near Snitter, you can discover several distinctive natural monuments. Simonside Summit offers a 429m peak with expansive views. The Drake Stone is a large sandstone boulder with historical legends. You can also visit Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock, featuring ancient carvings, and View from Dove Crag for spellbinding vistas.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments around Snitter?
The natural monuments around Snitter offer sensational panoramic views. From Simonside Summit, you can see the Cheviot Hills to the north and the Northumbrian coastline to the east. Dove Crag also provides extensive views over Northumberland, carved by ice thousands of years ago.
What makes the natural monuments around Snitter historically significant?
Many natural monuments near Snitter have deep historical roots. Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock features ancient carvings from Neolithic and Early Bronze Age ancestors. The Drake Stone is steeped in legend, believed to have been a druid meeting place with supposed healing powers.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Snitter?
Yes, Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock is considered family-friendly. It offers an engaging experience with ancient rock carvings and Bronze Age burial mounds, providing an educational outing for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Snitter, being part of the Northumberland National Park, is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For specific routes, explore the easy hikes around Snitter, cycling routes around Snitter, or MTB trails around Snitter.
Are there specific hiking trails to natural monuments near Snitter?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Church Rock from Simonside Car Park' or 'Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop' which lead to or offer views of these natural features. More details can be found in the easy hikes around Snitter guide.
What wildlife might I encounter near Snitter's natural monuments?
The Simonside Hills area, a Special Area of Conservation, is rich in wildlife. Visitors might spot curlews, red grouse, wild goats, and even red squirrels in the forests below the peaks like Simonside Summit.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments near Snitter?
Yes, for sites like Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock, there is a car park nearby, making it easily accessible for a short walk to the monument.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Snitter?
The Northumberland National Park, where these monuments are located, offers beauty year-round. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking and exploring. Autumn brings vibrant colors, and winter can provide a tranquil, rugged experience, though conditions may be boggy on higher ground like Simonside.
Can I find secluded natural spots around Snitter?
Yes, Little Church Rock is described as a lovely, lonely, isolated outcrop of fell sandstone hidden in a dense forest. It offers a secluded and eerie gathering place with character and views, perfect for a quiet moment.
Are the natural monuments around Snitter suitable for dog walking?
Many of the natural monuments and surrounding trails in the Northumberland National Park are suitable for dog walking. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, to protect wildlife and ensure safety.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Snitter?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning scenery and panoramic views, especially from peaks like Simonside Summit. The historical and cultural significance of sites like Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock also captivates many, offering a unique blend of nature and ancient history.
Most popular attractions around Snitter
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