Conifer woodland at Thrunton Wood, Northumberland

Where to go · Northumberland

Forest bathing at Thrunton Wood

Forest on two sandstone escarpments near Whittingham, with Scots pine, heather and wide views towards the Cheviot Hills.

Thrunton Wood is a Forestry England woodland planted on and around two steep sandstone escarpments: Thrunton Crag to the north, and Long Crag and Coe Crag to the south. Scots pine and heather give it an open, upland feel, and the crag tops look out over the Whittingham Vale to the Cheviot Hills. There is history among the trees too: Castle Hill is a prehistoric fort, and Macartney's Cave is a hand-cut shelter once used by a monk from nearby Callaly.

Both waymarked walks start from the main car park. The Crag Top Walk is about a mile and the quickest way up to the views; the Castle Hill Walk is about 5 miles. Mountain bikers and horse riders use the forest as well. Storm Arwen hit the area hard and some routes nearby were closed afterwards, so check Forestry England's page before you go. Look out for deer and red squirrels.

Practical

Managed by
Forestry England
Parking
Free car park
Terrain
Forest tracks and steep paths up to the crags
Nearest station
Alnmouth, about 25 minutes by car
Facilities
Picnic area
Opening and entry
Open access, free
Official page
forestryengland.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides who run sessions here

No guides listed at Thrunton Wood yet

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