NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK
Forest atmosphere beneath a dramatic ridge
Simonside is known for its sandstone ridge, open moorland and woodland beneath the hills. It is a true wild place destination, but its best known summit views involve a different outing from a shorter forest stop.
For visitors with limited mobility, the useful starting point is the Forestry England car park and picnic area. Check the approach and facilities carefully, and do not assume that the route called the short loop is short enough or suitable for you.
Begin with the forest
The ridge is a separate outing
Parking and map · Mobility and surfaces · Toilets and refreshments
Meet a ranger on the Simonside Hills
Help protect the park from wildfire
This official Northumberland National Park film was shot on the Simonside Hills. A ranger explains how visitors can help protect the landscape from wildfire. It offers a look at the setting alongside a conservation message, rather than a demonstration of forest access.
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At a glance
Dogs welcome in the forest
Forestry England lists dogs and assistance dogs as welcome. Follow local notices and keep dogs under control around other visitors and wildlife.
Pram access needs checking
The short loop is not established here as a pram route. Check the surface, gradients and current forestry conditions before committing.
Family picnic possibilities
A picnic area is listed. Check its approach and supervise children near traffic, forest operations and steep ground.
Wheelchair access not confirmed
There are no designated accessible parking bays. A suitable route to a table or around the forest has not been verified for this guide.
Getting there and choosing where to park
Forestry England Simonside car park
The operator gives postcode NE65 7NW and grid reference NZ037997. It lists no parking charges and no designated accessible bays. Use the named forest car park rather than a general hills destination.
Assess the first part of the visit
Check the parking surface, slope and space to unload a chair or walking aid. The car park, picnic area and start of a walking trail may have different approaches. If you need a short level transfer, ask about it before travelling.
The map helps locate the destination. It does not verify an accessible route, entrance or parking bay.
What to enjoy on a shorter visit
The picnic area
Forestry England lists a picnic area. Ask about the distance from parking, surface, table design and whether a chair can reach a suitable place. A facility icon does not establish wheelchair access to it.
The one mile short loop
The official route follows green waymarkers through pine and larch, with a listed length of one mile. The page gives the grade as various. It does not establish gradients, widths or a complete accessible circuit.
Leave the ridge for a separate plan
The panoramic views associated with Simonside come from higher ground. This guide does not recommend the summit paths for a limited mobility outing or promise those views from the picnic area.
Walking sticks, wheelchairs and sight loss
Walking sticks and frames
One mile can be a substantial distance if your walking limit is short. Ask about rest points and whether a small part of the forest is manageable without completing the loop. Allow enough energy for your return.
Wheelchairs and scooters
No measured suitable circuit or picnic approach is confirmed. Contact Forestry England on 01434 250209 about your equipment, gradients, path condition, gates and any operations affecting access.
Blind and partially sighted visitors
Green waymarkers do not provide an accessible wayfinding system on their own. Forestry England says other woodland trails are not waymarked. Consider support for junctions, uneven surfaces and changes in light beneath the trees.
Refreshments, toilets and seated rests
Bring refreshments
A café or shop at the forest has not been confirmed for this guide. Bring food and water and plan any indoor stop separately. Keep the picnic free of fires and barbecues.
Arrange your toilet stop first
Public toilets, an accessible toilet and Changing Places provision at this car park have not been established here. Confirm a suitable facility elsewhere before travelling if one is essential to your visit.
Weather and seasons
Wet weather can change forest surfaces and wind can affect exposed ground and trees. Check Forestry England’s current notices before leaving. In warm dry weather, protect the forest and moorland by leaving barbecues and campfires out of your plan.
Check the forecast location and date, warnings and daylight before setting out. Adjust the visit to the conditions you find on arrival.
Check the Met Office forecastPlan a visit that suits you
- Choose one part of Simonside that you want to enjoy.
- Confirm the parking, surfaces and toilet arrangements essential to your visit.
- Arrange any help you need and check weather and opening information.
- Assess the approach on arrival and keep enough energy for your return.
If you need assistance
Tell someone your destination and expected return time if you visit alone. Keep a charged phone within reach. Reliable mobile reception and a continuously staffed help point have not been verified.
In an emergency call 999 or 112. For a countryside rescue, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue, and give your actual location.
Sources and useful checks
Published information reviewed on 14 October 2026. This guide is based on desk research, not a personal inspection or measured access survey. Details not established by the sources are identified above. Confirm essential arrangements before travelling.
A few useful questions
Does short loop mean wheelchair friendly?
No. The listed distance is one mile, and the route page does not establish a measured accessible circuit.
Do I need to reach the summit?
No. The forest visit and the ridge walk are separate plans. Choose the part that suits your mobility and energy.