Imagine a quintessential British summer’s day—blue skies with fluffy cotton wool clouds drifting lazily by. This was the backdrop for my latest hiking adventure in Northumberland, where we tackled the county’s highest peaks: The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill.
Conquering The Cheviot: Northumberland’s Highest Point
Our 17.5km adventure began at the car park at New Burn in Langleeford. The goal? To summit The Cheviot, standing tall at 815 metres, before heading over to Hedgehope Hill. The route promised everything an avid hiker could dream of—breathtaking views, challenging ascents, and a touch of adventure through peat bogs, fence climbs, and the occasional wildlife encounter.
Setting off later than planned, around 12:30 pm, we were well-prepared with sunscreen, hats, and backpacks loaded with water and snacks. The weather was warm, but a gentle breeze kept us comfortable as we began our ascent.
The Climb to Scald Hill and The Cheviot
The hike started gently enough, with the path up to Scald Hill being almost deceptively easy—so much so that we barely noticed when we reached it! We passed a few other hikers and fell runners along the way, but overall, the trail was surprisingly quiet, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the stunning landscape.
The real challenge began with the steep incline up to The Cheviot. The path here is rocky, with loose stones underfoot, so it’s important to stay focused. Your legs will certainly feel the burn, but the sense of accomplishment is worth every step.
Be warned—there are a couple of false summits before you reach the top. Just as you think you’ve made it, another ascent appears. The final push takes you over a fence stile and onto a man-made stone path that guides you safely through the peat bogs. Trust me, you’ll want to stick to this path—the bogs look deep and decidedly messy if you were to step off by accident. From here, the trig point marking Northumberland’s highest point is in sight.
A Well-Earned Lunch with a View
Given the peace and quiet, we decided to take a break at the trig point for a late lunch, basking in the glorious sunshine. A few fellow hikers joined us, and we exchanged the favour of taking group photos—much better than another selfie!
Refuelled and refreshed, it was time to make our way to Hedgehope Hill, with a quick detour into Scotland for a cheeky photo op. The views from the paved stone path were simply breathtaking, offering a panoramic sweep of the surrounding hills and valleys.
A Muddy Mishap and the Path to Hedgehope Hill
It wouldn’t be a true hiking adventure without a little mishap. On our detour, I managed to step into a flooded section of the path, sinking calf-deep into a mix of peat and mud. While it wasn’t the most glamorous moment, it added a bit of humour to the day. The mud eventually dried and flaked off, and we continued on, squelching our way to Hedgehope.
Once the paving stones ended, the path became more challenging—wet, boggy, and requiring some careful navigation. Fence climbing, long jumps, and tricky crossings added to the adventure, but the stunning views at every turn made it all worthwhile. As the sun began to lower in the sky, the landscape was bathed in a magical light, making this day nothing short of perfect.
Descending Hedgehope Hill
At the summit of Hedgehope Hill, we spotted a variety of birds, possibly a Peregrine and a Curlew (though don’t quote me on that!). The trig point here marked the final peak of our hike, and from there, it was all downhill—literally. The descent is steep but manageable, with the path cutting through picturesque heather and offering views all the way to the coast and taking you through Housey and Long Crags, which was a lovely addition to the hike.
The route back to the car park wasn’t the easiest to spot, but we made it eventually. Along the way, we encountered more wildlife, including large birds and a flurry of rabbits, making the most of the evening hours.
As we reached the end of our hike, just after 6.30 pm, we were tired but exhilarated. This hike was an unforgettable experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure in Northumberland.
If you need a little hand with your route, Alltrails has this easy to follow guide: Scald Hill, The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill Circular
(Hiking Outfit – Not Sponsored – Peter Storm Walking Boots, Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings, Nike Cap)
