Short Walks: The Drake Stone

Explore the fascinating history of Harbottle on this 3-mile circular walk with expansive views over the surrounding Northumbrian countryside and distant Simonside Hills. A steep, short ascent leads you to an enormous 30-feet tall mythical boulder resting on a hillside opposite the village of Harbottle. Just beyond The Drake Stone lies a secluded lake, should you be tempted by a wild swimming experience.

Step-by-step guide

1. From the Forestry Commission Car Park at the Northern end of Harbottle, take the forest track signed ‘Drake Stone’ uphill through the wood.

2. Go through the gate. Turn right and follow the footpath for half a mile over the heather moorland.

3. Pass through the kissing gate and continue uphill along the sandy footpath, making for the cairn ahead on the left.

4. Keep to the path making for the huge sandstone boulder. Keep left where the path forks.

5. After taking in the spectacular views of the distant Simonside Hills, retrace your steps back down to where the path split and turn left, following the main path uphill towards Harbottle Lake.

6. Cross the stile and continue on the path along the edge of the lake. If you’re brave enough, enjoy an invigorating wild swimming experience.

7. At the end of the lake, follow the fence line into the trees. Follow the woodland path straight ahead until you reach a gate.

8. Continue Northwards for about a mile until you reach a gate where you turn right.

9. Go through the gate and turn right following the track downhill to the road.

10. Turn right and walk back towards Harbottle. Enter the Forestry Commission car park on your right.

Key Information

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: Allow 1.5 hours

Start: Harbottle Forestry Commission Car Park

OS Explorer Map: OL16

Grid Reference: NT921044

What3Words: clutches.gear.strictly

Nearest Pub: The Star Inn, Harbottle