A short way beyond Harbottle on the Alwinton road is a Forestry
Commission car park. A path leads from the south east corner onto
beautiful open moorland leading up to the Drake Stone, a massive
Fell sandstone boulder, taking about ten minutes.
Almost 30 feet in height it presents quite a challenge to
visitors, for whilst it is fairly easy to climb up, using the
cracks in the surface, descent is more difficult. Folklore has it
that cries for help were not unusual with passing travellers
spending the night in safety at the top but unable to descend in
the morning. Until recent times the huge boulder was thought to
have miraculous healing powers, sick children being passed over the
summit to aid their recovery. Obviously a place worth visiting for
the modern tendonitis stricken climber!
The walk is not too long nor too steep and there is tremendous
reward for not too much effort. The views on the way are glorious
but as you approach the Drake Stone at the top of the path a
tremendous view comes into sight which will take your breath away.
Once you have enjoyed the view over Harbottle Lake, and the
sweeping views across the heather to Redesdale, you can continue
down through the woods to Alwinton and back by the lovely Coquet to
Harbottle where The Star Inn Pub offers a warm welcome and there is
also a crafts centre, a small village shop and Post office, car
parking and tea room.
There is a story that tells of a plan to drain the tarn but the
workmen fled at the sound of voices singing:
"Let alone, let alone
Or I'll drown Harbottle
And the Peels and the bonny Holystone"
Cache contains our usual trinkets for small swaps –
Enjoy!
