The Cheviot the Highest Peak in Northumberland
The Cheviot, rising to 816 metres (2,676 feet), is the highest point in Northumberland and a dominant feature of the Cheviot Hills. While its broad, flat summit may not deliver the jaw-dropping views some might expect, the journey to the top is rich in reward – offering solitude, wild upland scenery, and a satisfying challenge for any hillwalker.
Whether you're ticking off the county tops or exploring Northumberland's hidden gems, The Cheviot is a must-climb for serious walkers.
Climbing The Cheviot – What to Expect
Although the summit itself is relatively featureless, the route up The Cheviot is anything but dull. With deep valleys such as Harthope and College Valley flanking the hill, there are a number of ways to approach this iconic peak.
The most common route is a straight up-and-down from the Harthope Burn valley, but this can feel uninspiring to many. For a far more rewarding experience, we recommend our self-guided route: Walk 15 – The Cheviot – Difficult Route.
This circular walk doesn’t just take in The Cheviot itself but also includes two more summits – Cold Law and Broadhope Hill. In fact, Cold Law arguably offers better views than The Cheviot, giving you a much richer experience of the Cheviot Hills landscape. The return leg descends via Cairn Hill and follows the upper reaches of Harthope Burn, known for its birdlife – particularly the Dipper.
⚠️ This is a challenging walk. The route can be boggy in parts and the weather can change quickly, so good footwear, warm clothing, waterproofs and emergency rations are essential. It's a route for experienced walkers who are comfortable navigating remote terrain.
The Cheviot – From Peat Bog to Paved Path
Until around 15 years ago, reaching the summit of The Cheviot meant battling across a deep peat bog. The trig point was marooned and often inaccessible. Fortunately, a stone-flagged path has since been installed, made from reclaimed millstones, allowing a cleaner, safer route while protecting the fragile moorland.
The trig point now sits atop a concrete slab and is easily accessible via this flagged route. While you won’t get sweeping views from the top, the approach offers plenty of stunning vistas, especially when you pause and look back during your ascent.
Nearby But Not Over – The Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk
Although our Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk doesn’t summit The Cheviot, it passes close by and takes you deep into the heart of the Cheviot Hills. This exciting event allows participants to experience the remote uplands, dramatic ridges, and moorland solitude that characterise this part of Northumberland.
➡️ Learn more about the event here: Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk
It’s a fantastic way to explore the wider Cheviot Hills region – with The Cheviot itself standing sentinel nearby as you pass through some of the most spectacular walking country in the UK.
Final Thoughts – Is The Cheviot Worth Climbing?
Absolutely. Despite its understated summit, The Cheviot is a hill of character and challenge. The surrounding terrain is breathtaking, the wildlife rewarding, and the sense of isolation deeply refreshing.
✅ If you're up for a real adventure, we highly recommend our Walk 15 – The Cheviot – Difficult Route.
✅ Or take on the Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk and experience the Cheviot Hills on a grander scale.
Pull on your boots, pack your essentials, and discover for yourself why The Cheviot remains one of Northumberland’s greatest climbs.