Rothbury - Riverside & Coquetdale

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Rothbury Riverside & Coquetdale, with Explorers following Lord Armstrong's map to uncover his hidden Book of Innovations and unravel the clues to find it.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll explore a scenic route around a pretty village and riverside area, beginning midway between All Saints Church and Newcastle House before heading through the churchyard, past Rothbury's very own art gallery, along Town Foot, around Bridge Street and Haw Hill, and close to the riverside before finishing back in Rothbury.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. There are some parts where there is no pavement, one stretch will be difficult for a wheelchair but there is an alternative route, and the path by the river is uneven. The start also involves four steps and a ramp, and some clues involve stepping off the pavement.

There are no steep hills, but expect an uneven riverside path, a slope and a few steps at the start. Take care crossing roads, especially the main road and Bridge Street, and be careful near moving cars. Near the river, go "NOT TOO CLOSE!" and take extra care on the uneven stretch.

Getting There

By car: Begin your adventure midway between All Saints Church and Newcastle House, at the base of four steps and a ramp in the front of a large building (NE65 7UP). If you cannot park on the street, use Cowhaugh car park (NE65 7QR) and take the footbridge to get to the start of the Trail.

By public transport: Make your way into Rothbury, then head for the start point midway between All Saints Church and Newcastle House to begin following Lord Armstrong's map. The circular route finishes back in Rothbury.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are in Bridge Street near to the post office, so Explorers can plan a comfort stop around that part of the quest.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route includes village streets, road crossings, some stretches with no pavement, an uneven riverside path, a slope and a few steps at the start, so keep canine companions close around traffic and near the water. Take particular care around the main road, Bridge Street and anywhere you need to step off the pavement.

Food & Drink Stops

Snack supplies can be bought along the route, and there are several cafes. A pub, bakery and shop are passed on Town Foot, giving your crew a few chances to refuel while the hunt unfolds.

The riverside is a great place for a picnic, and you are never very far from the riverside during the Trail.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Cragside Estate

The nearby Cragside Estate is a strong extra for Explorers who want to stretch the day beyond the Trail. It is home to seven million trees and shrubs that were planted in the 19th century, and the air quality in this area has been enhanced by the fauna at Cragside - so breathe in deeply and enjoy the air as you solve the clues.

Rothbury Riverside

The riverside is woven through the quest, giving you plenty of chances to slow down and enjoy the scenery once the clue-hunting pressure eases. It is also a great picnic spot, with the Trail never taking you very far from the water.

All Saints Church and Churchyard

The route goes up Haw Hill to the churchyard at All Saints Church, where two clues can be solved without leaving the path. You can enter by the steps on the right or continue to the top of Haw Hill and gain level access at the main entrance.

Model Buildings

Keep an eye out for the Model Buildings, built for Armstrong estate foremen in the 1890's. At a time when most houses drew water from the village well, these houses had piped water and modern sanitation. They were the future!

Armstrong Cottages and the Old Boys School

The quest passes Armstrong Cottages, with the old boys school nearby at the junction of Bridge Street and Haw Hill. Victorian-day visitors could still see the belfry used to signal school time - a neat extra nugget for anyone following Lord Armstrong's legacy around Rothbury.