A New Era for Simonside
A New Era for Simonside: How the Rothbury Estate Purchase Benefits Walkers and Nature Lovers.
Northumberland’s iconic Simonside Hills have always held a special place in the hearts of walkers, and now there’s even more reason to celebrate. The recent purchase of part of the Rothbury Estate by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity – not just for wildlife, but for outdoor enthusiasts across the UK.
This historic acquisition includes the western half of the Rothbury Estate – a stunning sweep of 3,800 hectares of rugged moorland, woodlands, farmland and riverside, including the beloved Simonside Hills. This area, long cherished by walkers from Newcastle, Tyneside and beyond, will now be preserved and enhanced for future generations. Even more exciting, the Trusts are working to raise £30 million to purchase the remainder of the estate and protect its landscape-scale beauty forever.
What This Means for Walkers
If you’ve ever tackled a Simonside Hill walk or explored the Simonside ridge walk, you’ll already appreciate the wild beauty and panoramic views that define this part of Northumberland. With the Trusts now in stewardship, public access will not only be protected – it may well improve.
Plans are already underway to consult the community and enhance access and amenities across the estate, with a commitment to sustainable, low-impact recreation. This means more well-managed paths, better signage, and opportunities to enjoy the landscape in a way that supports both nature recovery and outdoor wellbeing.
As Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, puts it:
“We want Northumberland to become an amazing destination for eco-tourism… something really spectacular at a much bigger scale than has ever been done before in England.”
This vision couldn’t align better with our mission at Shepherd’s Walks: helping people discover the unique and untamed beauty of Northumberland.
Walk the Coquet Valley – Right Through the Heart of It
The Rothbury Estate is also home to part of our flagship event – the Coquet Valley Challenge Walk. This 16-mile circular challenge starts and finishes in Rothbury and climbs through some of the most dramatic terrain in the region, including:
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🏞 Thropton and Caistron Nature Reserve – a serene start
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🧗♂️ Tosson Hill – the highest point of the walk
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🌄 Simonside Ridge – an exhilarating traverse of Dove Crag and The Beacon
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🛤 St Oswald’s Way – a fitting finale back into Rothbury
With over 1,900 feet of ascent and stunning 360° views from the top of Simonside, this is a Simonside car park walk taken to its ultimate form. The route, now part of the newly protected Rothbury Estate, offers a glimpse of what this landscape can become when walkers, nature lovers, and conservationists join forces.
Why It Matters Now
This is not just a win for nature – it’s a win for everyone who finds peace, purpose, and perspective in the outdoors. As intensive sheep farming and sporting estates give way to regenerative agriculture and wildlife-friendly land management, walkers will be among the first to see the transformation.
Expect more birdsong, more red squirrels, and more moments of quiet awe.
The Simonside Hills are no longer just a place to walk – they’re a living example of how conservation can enrich our outdoor experiences.
Support the Vision
If you’d like to help make this vision a reality, you can donate to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Rothbury Estate appeal. Every pound goes twice as far during their Big Give Green Match Fund, helping to secure the rest of the estate and keep it open, accessible, and thriving.
As we gear up for this year’s Coquet Valley Challenge Walk, there’s never been a better time to explore the area – and support its future.
Ready to Walk It Yourself?
1. Join us for the Coquet Valley Challenge Walk and experience Simonside like never before.
2. Self-led walking guide - Simonside, from Rothbury
3. Self-led walking guide - Simonside, from Lordenshaws