7.9
Wildland
Half day
Time
Free
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.9A forest threaded across sandstone crags, open moorland and views towards the Cheviot Hills. Its trails also lead to Castle Hill, a prehistoric fort, and a hand-hewn cave associated with a 19th-century monk.
The appeal is more than woodland walking: Thrunton’s steep sandstone crags open onto wide Northumberland views, while Castle Hill and the cave add a strong sense of discovery. It feels most rewarding if you are prepared for steep, uneven ground and check which paths are currently open.
Wild · Atmospheric · Secluded
Find your way
Open mapNear Alnwick, Northumberland
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a current open trail through the forest and, if conditions allow, climb towards the sandstone crags for views across Whittingham Vale and the Cheviot Hills. Make time for Castle Hill and the hand-hewn cave, but check access and path conditions before you go.
Things to do
Walk to a sandstone crag viewpoint
Follow an open trail towards Thrunton Crag or the southern Long Crag and Coe Crag escarpments for views across the surrounding Northumberland landscape.
Find Castle Hill
Visit the prehistoric fort identified by Visit Northumberland. Check current route access before setting out.
Look for the hand-hewn cave
Visit the cave described as a former solitary retreat of Macartney, a 19th-century monk from nearby Callaly. The supplied source also associates hobgoblin tales with the area; these are local fables, not verified history.
Watch for woodland wildlife
Keep an eye out for deer, red squirrels and birds, which the destination source reports in the wood.
Bring a picnic
Forestry England lists a picnic area. Barbecues are not permitted according to its fire-safety guidance.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours; check current route length and conditions
Quick crag-top escape
- 01
Start from the Forestry England access point and check which paths are open.
- 02
Follow an open trail towards one of the sandstone crags.
- 03
Pause at a safe viewpoint for the Northumberland scenery, then return by a suitable open path.
Half day · Half day; check current route length and conditions
Crags, Castle Hill and the cave
- 01
Choose an open forest trail and allow time for the steeper ground around the crags.
- 02
Visit Castle Hill, described by Visit Northumberland as a prehistoric fort.
- 03
Continue to the hand-hewn cave associated with Macartney, the 19th-century monk, if the route is open and conditions are suitable.
- 04
Return through the forest, leaving time to stop at a viewpoint.
Verified history
Visit Northumberland identifies Castle Hill as a prehistoric fort and says the wood contains a hand-hewn cave that was a solitary retreat of Macartney, a 19th-century monk from nearby Callaly. The supplied sources do not provide further dates or archaeological detail.
Folklore & legend
Local fables place mischievous hobgoblins in the woods, said to play tricks on passers-by. Visit Northumberland also says the stony gully Hob’s Nick takes its name from these tales. This is folklore, not verified history.
Hidden details
The cave and its solitary visitor — The hand-hewn cave is associated with Macartney, a 19th-century monk from nearby Callaly, and is described as a former solitary retreat.
Hob’s Nick — A stony gully named, according to Visit Northumberland, after the hobgoblins of local fables.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for the crag-top views. The sources do not identify a preferred time of day.
The supplied sources describe year-round forest trails and views but do not establish a seasonal highlight.
Check the forecast before tackling exposed crag and open-moorland sections. No detailed weather guidance is provided by the supplied sources.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the sandstone escarpments of Thrunton Crag, Long Crag and Coe Crag
- 02
the prehistoric fort at Castle Hill
- 03
and the hand-hewn cave associated with the monk Macartney. Deer, red squirrels and birds are reported in the wood.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology; local legend
Best time to go
Year-round; choose a clear day for the crag-top views.
A clear day gives the best chance of seeing the views from the crags. No specific seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Cyclists
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Forestry England reports the wood fully open, with access 24 hours a day. Some routes in the Rothbury area have previously been affected by storm damage, so check current access information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Forestry England lists parking with no charge. Sat nav postcode NE66 4SQ; check current parking and access details before setting out.
Check before visiting
Toilets
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Food & drink
Check before visiting
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Dogs
Dogs are allowed; assistance dogs are welcome. Follow current site guidance.
Accessibility
Forestry England lists no designated accessible parking spaces. Crag and moorland paths may involve steep or uneven ground; check route suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Thrunton Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
