Simonside

A bold ridge of fell sandstone crags looming over Coquetdale, with Bronze Age rock art, a hillfort and huge views north to the Cheviots. Start from the Lordenshaws car park, which gives the easiest access onto open moor and the cup-and-ring marked outcrops, then the whaleback of Simonside beyond. Northumberland National Park does permit recreational flying with landowner permission and asks that you avoid operating within 150m of their car parks, so walk out onto the open ground before launching. This is Forestry England and estate moorland, so a courteous approach and awareness of grouse-shooting and land management is wise. From the air the escarpment edge, the ancient carved stones and the forest-and-moor patchwork rolling to the Cheviots are a distinctive, un-touristy subject. Keep clear of the Otterburn Training Area danger zone, whose eastern edge lies roughly 8km west, and check NOTAMs. Ground-nesting birds including red grouse and curlew use the moor March to July, give them a wide berth. No FRZ, nearest airport Newcastle around 40km southeast. Exposed and quick to cloud over, so choose clear, settled conditions and enjoy some of the quietest big-sky flying in England.