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Ruins of Harbottle Castle

Castles

Ruins of Harbottle Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Ruins of Harbottle Castle

Recommended by 18 hikers out of 22

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Northumberland National Park

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Location: Harbottle, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Ruins of Harbottle Castle

4.8

(38)

220

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1. The Drake Stone, West Wood & Harbottle Castle loop — Northumberland National Park

7.25km

02:05

160m

170m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

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2. The Drakestone & Harbottle Lake loop — Northumberland National Park

4.35km

01:17

140m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(3)

hikers

3. Harbottle Castle loop from Alwinton — Northumberland National Park

6.18km

01:38

60m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

Dan Hobson

March 6, 2019

You can really step back in time at this ruined medieval castle, which overlooks the village of Harbottle and the River Coquet. A Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I-listed building, the free-entry ruins are well worth exploring if you are nearby.

The Wandering Fiona

November 23, 2020

Beautiful ruins of an ancient castle. You can see where the moat would have ran around it and from the top the view are stunning.

mkirby

August 21, 2023

It was built in the 12th century as a wooden motte and bailey castle, but was later rebuilt in stone.

The castle was captured by the Scots in 1173-4, before the stonework had even started. The stone castle was probably started soon after, and was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1318.

In 1319, Bruce ordered the castle to be dismantled, but it was restored in 1336. Between 1541 and 1551, the western and northern sides of the keep were rebuilt in the present form. Further repairs were made in 1563 and 1585.

There were no further repairs to the castle, and it was used as a quarry. It suffered particularly when the new house 'Harbottle Castle' was built in the 17th century.

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Details

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Elevation 160 m

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Thursday 11 December

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Location: Harbottle, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Ruins of Harbottle Castle

1. The Drake Stone, West Wood & Harbottle Castle loop — Northumberland National Park

2. The Drakestone & Harbottle Lake loop — Northumberland National Park

3. Harbottle Castle loop from Alwinton — Northumberland National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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