An ancient Northumberland landmark has been 'put back on track' for walkers after a forest trail that was severely damaged by Storm Arwen reopened this week.
Harbottle Wood, near Rothbury, was badly affected by the Storm which struck on November 28 2021. Together with the adjoining Holystone Wood, the fierce northerly gale flattened or badly damaged a third of the beauty spots' areas, leaving the woodland in a dangerous state and entirely off limits to the public.
Since then, the harvesting team of Forestry England have cleared paths, tackled hanging trees and lifted much of the fallen timber. And on Wednesday, a five mile circular walk to the famous and mystical Drake Stone has been fully reinstated.
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The 2,000 tonne landmark, deposited by a glacier after the last Ice Age, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and it also known as the Dragon's Stone or Druid's Stone. It supposedly possesses healing powers and has been an "inspiration" for crews nursing the wood back to health.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry England's Recreation and Public Affairs Manager for Northumberland, said: "It’s great to have the trail fully re-opened and it means that people can reach the Drake Stone via the West Wood car park. The scale of the recovery operation required after Storm Arwen has been staggering and across Northumberland it will go on for some time yet."
Tony Gates, Chief Executive at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "Storm Arwen effectively closed 23% of the National Park’s 1,100km Public Rights of Way network due to fallen or dangerous trees. Our rights of way are the primary means through which local people and visitors access and enjoy the special qualities of the National Park for their health and well-being.
"As such, the network is vital to those local businesses who generate their income from visitor spend in the local economy. Ahead of what will be a busy visitor season in Northumberland, it is wonderful to know that popular walking routes such as the Drake Stone will be open and enjoyed once more."
One of the businesses directly affected by Storm Arwen was the Star Inn in Harbottle. The pub was left without vital services and fewer visitors, but now owner Karen Wilkinson is hoping for an excellent holiday season, hailing the reopening of the trail as great news.
Karen said: "The storm caused a lot of distress for local people. Hundreds of trees came down with many residents saying they’d never seen anything like it.
"Not only did we lose power, water, phones and broadband for several days, but we also lost many of the local walks enjoyed by people, including the Drake Stone route. As a family pub it was a really tough time, especially as it was so soon after Covid."
The remaining walking routes which are still considered unsafe in Northumberland National Park following damage from Storm Arwen are Elsdon into Harwood, all public rights of way through Kidland Forest, Salter's Road through Uswayford Forest, and Otterburn Hall Woods.
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