The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in North East England

For truly expansive views, consider The Cheviot Summit, the highest point in Northumberland National Park. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District and Edinburgh. Another excellent choice is Simonside Summit, which provides sensational views of the Cheviot Hills and the Northumbrian coastline. Cairn Hill also offers spectacular views over the wild Cheviots landscape.

Yes, several peaks boast rich history. Yeavering Bell summit and hillfort is home to Northumberland's largest Iron Age hill fort, with remains of over 100 roundhouses. Ros Castle Hill Fort also features a 3,000-year-old Iron Age hill fort and offers views of up to seven castles. Additionally, Summit of Windy Gyle is home to Russell's Cairn, a Bronze Age burial site.

While many peaks offer challenging routes, Roseberry Topping Summit is often considered achievable even for families, with various route options of differing difficulties. Its distinctive shape and rewarding views make it a popular choice. For a more accessible option with extensive panoramic views, Currock Hill is a good choice, known for its relatively easy climb.

Roseberry Topping Summit is famous for its distinctive pyramidal shape, often called the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn'. Simonside Summit is known for its rugged ridge and dramatic views. Shaftoe Crags, while not a peak itself, offers a 'Tolkienesque' landscape with crags and boulders, providing sweeping views of the Simonside Hills.

The highest point in Northumberland National Park and the wider Northumberland county is The Cheviot Summit, standing at 815 meters (2,674 feet). For County Durham, Mickle Fell is the highest point at 788 meters (2,586 feet).

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Cheviot range offers several demanding routes. The Cheviot Summit itself is a significant undertaking, and Hedgehope Hill Summit provides additional opportunities for challenging walks within the Cheviots. The final section of the iconic Pennine Way long-distance route also passes over The Cheviot.

Beyond peak bagging, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy hikes like the 'Roseberry Topping loop' or 'Steel Rigg & Hadrians Wall Walk'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Kielder & Wauchape Forest' loop. Runners can explore trails like the 'Kielder Lakeside Way' or 'The Cheviot Horseshoe Fell Race'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails guides for North East England.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the summits, the sense of accomplishment from reaching the highest points, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like Iron Age hill forts. The diverse landscapes, from rugged ridges to distinctive geological formations, also contribute to a rewarding experience. Many appreciate the accessibility of some peaks, allowing for relatively easy-going walks with epic scenery.

Yes, Summit of Windy Gyle lies directly on the border between England and Scotland. This gives it classifications as an English Mountain (Hewitt), an English Nuttall, and a Scottish Donald, offering a unique geographical distinction along with breathtaking views.

If you're looking for a spot that might offer a bit more protection from the elements, Cairn Hill is noted for being more sheltered than The Cheviot, making it a good spot for a break from the wind while still enjoying spectacular views over the wild Cheviots landscape.

The best time to visit generally depends on your preferred activity and weather tolerance. Spring and summer (May to September) offer longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and usually clearer paths, making them ideal for hiking and enjoying the views. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter hiking is possible for experienced individuals, but requires appropriate gear due to potential snow, ice, and boggy conditions, especially on higher peaks like The Cheviot.

The Simonside Hills area, including Simonside Summit, is a Special Area of Conservation teeming with wildlife such as curlews, red grouse, and wild goats. Red squirrels can also be found in the forests below. At Yeavering Bell summit and hillfort, you might spot the elusive herd of wild goats that graze the area.