Description
Thrunton Wood
This is a walk around the beautiful Thrunton Wood, North of Rothbury. The Forestry Commission manages the Wood. This wood is primarily coniferous. It is planted around two steep sandstone escarpments. Thrunton Crag is in the north, and Long Crag / Coe Crag are two miles to the south. The coniferous trees, situated on steep slopes, give this wood an almost Canadian feel.
Details
| Hills: |  |
Some hills |
| Distance: |  |
Medium distance |
| Grade: |  |
Moderate (hills) |
| Map: |  |
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| This walk is on map 332 Alnwick & Amble. Click on map image to buy this map. | ||
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Start
We will leave the car park and walk up into the wood before dropping down to the North edge of the wood, near the Forest Office. The path then weaves round the North West part of the wood. From here there is a short uphill section before we reach the gate into Castle Hill.
Castle Hill
This is a site of ancient woodland. It is very different to the rest of Thrunton Wood, with the old distorted branches of the beech trees trailing on the ground. It is also the site of a prehistoric fort, though it is difficult to see now. The enchanting ancient woodland of Castle Hill is a great stop for lunch.
Macartneys Cave
When we have lunch at Castle Hill, those that want to can visit Macartneys Cave. It is only a short distance from Castle Hill but the last bit is quite steep. It is believed that it was created by a monk and hermit centuries ago. Inside it only measures about 2m high by 0.5m round so difficult to imagine what they would use it for.
We will return back to Castle Hill after visiting the cave.
Callaly Crag
After leaving Castle Hill we follow a rough track, followed by another uphill section to Callaly Crag. The views from Callaly Crag, over North Northumberland, are magnificent.
Callaly Crag is the Western most extension of Thrunton Crag. There are several areas situated here, to allow walkers to sit and enjoy the spectacular views over North Northumberland.
Back through the woods
We will finish the walk by following the access roads back through the wood to the car park but visiting some lovely places on the way, especially the place with this view.
We hope you can join us.
Julie and Martin x
Gallery – Thrunton Wood
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