Thrunton Woods
a woodland walk with wide open views
Rothbury, Northumberland, NE66 4SD
Visit WebsiteIf you asked us to name the top ten best walks in Northumberland, there’d be dozens of places jostling for position on the list. But Thrunton Woods is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit at any time of year, offering not only miles of paths through the sprawling woodland, but also panoramic views across the wild and rugged Northumbrian countryside.
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
The breathtaking views make this one of the best woodland walks you’ll find anywhere. It’s the perfect destination for any intrepid explorer. Delve deep into the forest where it’s fabled you’ll find hobgoblins lurking in the shadows, or climb above the tree line to gain views towards both the Cheviots and the Simonside Hills. Thrunton Woods is a popular walking location, but the area is so huge that you’re unlikely to find the paths crowded or busy at any time.
Look out for cyclists and horse riders who also make use of the well-surfaced trails in the woods, and make sure you take your waterproof boots if you’re heading for the hills: once you leave the main paths, it can be pretty boggy. But when you’ve got a dog, bog snorkelling is all part of the fun of the walk, right?
Dogs will love it here. The woodland trails are livestock free and offer the opportunity for unlimited off-lead zoomies, miles of sniffs and of course, plenty of mud in winter (great for dogs, less great for owners). Follow one of the Forestry Commission’s walking trails or invent one of your own – spend as little as an hour or as long as a whole day here, it’s completely up to you.
For The Dogs
Pack leads for the upland sections, a tick hook and towels.
Opening Hours
Daylight hours are recommended.
Parking
Park for free in the Forestry Commission car park.
The Area
The charming towns of Rothbury and Alnwick have plenty of dog friendly shops and cafés, and if you head to Alnwick, make sure to stop at the dog friendly Barter Books, one of the most enormous second hand books shops in the country. Close to Rothbury is the National Trust’s spectacular mansion of Cragside, where dogs are welcome in the gardens and along the miles of way marked trails – we’d recommend the Gun Walk which offers great views and off lead opportunities. To warm up after a brisk winter walk, The Percy Arms at Chatton is dog friendly and serves food at both lunchtimes and evenings.
For more walks, pubs and places to stay, see our guide to dog friendly Northumberland.
