17. Thrunton Wood

start: Thrunton Wood
distance: 4 miles
OS map: 81

A tour of Thrunton Wood which, unlike a lot of forestry land, has many open aspects giving good allround views. There are a number of colour coded routes suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Start from the car park at (085 098).

Head S for less than a mile and through the gate opposite some cottages, just before the bridge. A gradual ascent, around the edge of the trees keeps company with Coe Burn and affords fine views of the exteded ridge of Coe Crag and Long Crag. Stay on the main trail as it goes uphill and enters the forest proper, refraining from any downhill diversions.

Keep L until moorland panorama open up to the N, then bear R on a broken trail alongside a drystone wall until it leads along the crest of Thrunton Crags, providing one of the finest views in Northumberland. Continue riding NE, gradually descending towards the car park but look for a sign pointing to Wedderburn's Hole. This is a cave where a local highwayman - Thomas Wedderburn - hid out. The law traced him, he refused to surrender and was burnt out by igniting oil poured into the entrance. The cave is best reached on foot.

At the end of the track, it is possible to extend the trip by turning L and exploring some of the trails below the escarpment.

alnwick district council and berwick borough council
'Cycling in North Northumberland'
descriptive leaflets available from berwick tourist office

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