Top 12 Natural Monuments around Elsdon
Best natural monuments around Elsdon are situated within the Northumberland National Park, an area characterized by diverse natural features. The village of Elsdon serves as a starting point for exploring surrounding low hills, open moorland, and ancient woodlands. This region offers landscapes and unique ecological features, including significant geological formations and varied habitats.
Best natural monuments around Elsdon
- The most popular natural monuments is Simonside Summit, a natural monument that is a 429m summit perched atop the Northumberland National…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Simonside Summit
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Simonside Crag
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Hareshaw Linn Waterfall
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Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock
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The Drake Stone
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Tips from the Community
can be easy or difficult, depends which side you ascend from. so choose wisely
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A rocky scramble at the end of this climb really does make you feel like you’re almost a mountain climber. Wear sturdy shoes and take care and you’ll be treated with unmissable views
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Simonside is a 429m (1400ft) summit perched atop the untamed wilderness of the Northumberland National Park. It boasts a rugged ridge that commands sensational views of the Cheviot Hills to the north and the whole Northumbrian coastline to the east. In close reach from Rothbury, Simonside is a top pick for epic views. Bring a flask of tea, settle in and relish the perfect scenery surround you.
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The Drake Stone is a large sandstone boulder that is said to have healing powers and is believed to have been used by druids in their rituals. The stone is about 20 feet tall and weighs 2,000 tonnes. It is said that children who touch the stone are cured of their ailments. The Drake Stone is also said to be haunted. According to legend, a voice once boomed from the stone, warning workers who were attempting to drain the lake nearby that the village would be flooded if they continued. Additionally, those who spend the night near the stone are said to be unable to leave in the morning.
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Lordenshaws is an ancient Iron Age hill fort built around 2000 years ago. There is also evidence of a Bronze Age burial mound. The cup and ring marks on this great stone are thought to be rock art etched into the stone by Neolithic and Bronze Age people between 6000 and 3500 years ago. It's well worth running up here from the car park before starting a loop of the Simonside Hills to have a look at this ancient monument and take in the views of the hills you're about to run. It's also on the St Oswald's Way long distance trail or on the way to the Simonside Hills from Rothbury.
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Simonside is a sandstone outcrop at 429m with great views over the Cheviots and out east to the North Sea. The running is on good trails across moorland and up to the edges. It's generally good underfoot with a wild feeling, especially if you run outside of peak times. Look out for curlew, red grouse, mountain bumblebee, emperor moth, and even red squirrels in the forest areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Elsdon?
Among the most popular natural monuments are Simonside Summit, offering panoramic views, and Hareshaw Linn Waterfall, known for its rich biodiversity. Visitors also appreciate the View from Dove Crag, which provides spellbinding views over Northumberland.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Elsdon?
Yes, Hareshaw Linn Waterfall is considered family-friendly, offering a superb walk with well-surfaced paths and beautiful scenery. The area around Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock is also suitable for families, with a short walk from the car park to the ancient carvings.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near Elsdon's natural monuments?
The area around Hareshaw Linn Waterfall is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where you might spot red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers, wood warblers, spotted flycatchers, badgers, and Daubenton’s bats. The Simonside Hills, home to Simonside Summit, are a Special Area of Conservation teeming with curlew, red grouse, and wild goats.
What are the best times of year to visit the natural monuments around Elsdon?
The Northumberland National Park offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying wildflowers and wildlife, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the landscapes. For epic views from summits like Simonside Summit, clear weather is best, which can occur in any season. Be prepared for potentially boggy conditions on higher ground, especially after rain.
Are there any historical or geological natural monuments in the Elsdon area?
Yes, Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock features ancient carvings created by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age ancestors, making it a significant historical and geological site. Additionally, Dove Crag was formed 15,000 years ago by glacial activity, showcasing impressive geological features.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Elsdon's natural monuments is excellent for hiking and gravel biking. You can find various routes, from easy walks like the Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Walk to more challenging hikes around Darden Pike and Gallow Hill. For more details on hiking routes, explore the Hiking around Elsdon guide. For gravel biking, check out the Gravel biking around Elsdon guide.
Are there any natural monuments with unique legends or stories?
Yes, The Drake Stone holds legendary status, believed to have supernatural healing powers and to have been a druid meeting place. It's a large sandstone boulder with local folklore suggesting it can cure ailments and even prevent people from leaving its vicinity overnight.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments around Elsdon?
From Simonside Summit, you can enjoy sensational panoramic views extending to the Cheviot Hills and the Northumbrian coastline. Dove Crag also offers spellbinding views over the vast Northumberland landscape. The surrounding low hills and open moorland provide expansive vistas characteristic of the Northumberland National Park.
Are there any easy walking trails to natural monuments suitable for all abilities?
The walk to Hareshaw Linn Waterfall is generally considered easy, with well-surfaced paths suitable for most visitors. The path from Lordenshaw Car Park to the Cup and Ring Marked Rock is also a short and accessible walk.
Where can I find more information about the Northumberland National Park, which surrounds Elsdon?
For more information about the Northumberland National Park and its offerings, you can visit the official website: northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk.
What are some of the unique ecological features found in the natural monuments near Elsdon?
The area around Hareshaw Linn Waterfall is particularly notable for its rare ferns and lichen, boasting over 300 different types of mosses, liverworts, and lichen. The Simonside Hills, including Simonside Summit, are recognized for their diverse habitats supporting various bird species and wild goats.
Is parking available near the natural monuments?
Yes, for places like Hareshaw Linn Waterfall, there is a dedicated free car park. For Lordenshaw Cup and Ring Marked Rock, there is a car park nearby, making access convenient for visitors.
Most popular attractions around Elsdon
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