Walks Around Rothbury and Coquetdale

by: Kenneth Bunn
Over the centuries there have been many changes in Coquetdale which have given us the diverse landscape we say today. Rock crags dominate open moorland, fields and forests surround high hills, paths and bridleways which were once well trodden by people in our past are now perfect places to walk, with the added attraction of ancient sites and historic locations.

Coquetdale has some very defined areas of outstanding natural beauty. The eight walks in this book have been selected to reflect this wide diversity of countryside contrasts, always with something different to see. Walk one in the book entitled 'The Rothbury Round' is a 'Northumbrian Classic' of many contrasts. The varied views and scenery are truly spectacular with each section of the route having its own particular interest. There's pre-history and medieval history here, dark forest, a short exhilarating ascent to a 'mountain top' and wild moorland.

Each walk chapter begins with a short description of the route plus practical data including distance, time, start point with grid reference and OS Explorer map sheet number. The route descriptions are clear and comprehensive with grid references given for major navigation points. Each walk has also been assigned a Ferguson Grading System rating and the book gives details of this system and how to interpret the grades. The book includes an informative introduction to the area and is illustrated with many colour photographs. The sketch maps complementing the text are fairly simple showing the main outline of the route, and we would recommend carrying the relevant OS Explorer map and a compass on these walks.

The walk locations are:
Rothbury Round
Rothbury Terraces
Darden Lough
Rothbury fields,forest and moor
Cartington Castle
Copper Snout and Clennell Street
Old Rookland and Biddlestone Chapel
Holystone

ISBN 9781905444489 Pages 84 (2011) 148mm x 210mm