Walk – Rothbury 4
Thropton Via Cartington
Time: 2 hours.
Difficulty: 2 Moderate
(1: easy, 4: difficult)
A reasonably moderate Walk taking you past a Royalist Stronghold.
Start: Thropton Village 2 miles to the west of Rothbury.
In Thropton village, walk east and cross over bridge turn left at Cross Keys Public House. Walk several hundred yards and take the left turn signposted Snitter, and Netherton. (The name for Snitter is believed derived from Middle English 11th 15th Cent. For Snow, or wild place)
Pass through Snitter towards Netherton (meaning lower [or low lying] homestead).
Walk for 1¼ miles and turn right at High Trewitt.
Walk for 1½ miles to Lorbottle
In a survey for the Earl of Oxford’s Estates in 1724 it was said; that the tenants of East Lorbottle farmed the West Steading, and the tenants of West Lorbottle farmed the East Steading?
At Lorbottle turn right, for the next half mile there is a fairly steep hill up to Bank Head (yes you’ve guessed right you’re at the top of the hill) and the walking is level. Superb views can be had to Simonside in front, and along the Coquet Valley on your right.
Continue on towards Cartington. At Cartington on your left behind the buildings is the ruin of Cartington Castle. Unfortunately this is on private land but views can be had from the road.
Cartington Castle originated as a Pele Tower in the 14th Cent, and was later enlarged and crenulated.
During 1524 or 1525 Lord Dacre stationed his troops here on a march north to join the Earl of Surrey.
In 1648 during the Civil War the Castle was a major Royalist centre. Sir Edward Widdrington raised 2,000 foot Royalist soldiers and 200 horse at his own expense. Cartington Castle withheld a Parliamentary siege for over two hours, but it was eventually taken and part destroyed by the enemy.
Leave Cartington and walk south downhill, stay on this road, as it will take you past Snitter road end and back to the junction at the Cross Keys in Thropton.
Alnwick Walks and Rothbury & Coquetdale Walks
are the copyright of
B. Hewison @ www.westacrehouse.co.uk, Alnwick. Tel. 01665 510374
Disclaimer: Some of these walks are on the Public Highway, although the route chosen is usually very quiet, please remember that vehicles may legally travel along open country roads at speeds in excess of 30 mph. If possible, please walk along the right side of the highway or the verge if appropriate. Please stay on the right hand side, facing the traffic. This walk has been provided in good faith and the author can accept no liability for any accidents which may occur.
Walking Northumberland Links:
www.walking-routes.co.uk
Shepherds Walks
www.footstepsnorthumberland.co.uk
Enjoy photos of the area by Graeme Peacock
If you have a favourite walk in Northumberland, particularly in Alnwick District and you would like to share it with others send us an email to West Acre House and we could include it on these pages with a credit to you.
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