Discover peaks near the Scottish border including Cheviot Hills and northern Pennine summits with remote ridge walks and expansive views.
The hills that lie close to the Scottish border are some of the most remote and atmospheric landscapes in England. Stretching across Northumberland and northern Cumbria, these uplands form the transition between England and Scotland.
Unlike the sharp mountains of the Lake District, many border peaks are broad, rounded and separated by wide valleys. The landscape is dominated by long ridges, open moorland and expansive horizons that often feel far removed from busy walking areas.
This region includes the Cheviot Hills, which form the highest ground in Northumberland, as well as the northern reaches of the Pennines. Together they create a network of summits that offer quiet walking, wide views and a strong sense of wilderness.
For peak baggers, these hills provide an opportunity to explore some of England’s least crowded upland landscapes.
Peaks near the Scottish border have a distinctive character shaped by their geography.
Many summits are connected by long ridges that follow the natural boundary between England and Scotland. Walking these ridges often reveals sweeping views across both countries.
The terrain is also dominated by open moorland and rolling uplands. While these hills may lack the steep rocky slopes of other mountain regions, they offer a powerful sense of scale and isolation.
Because the region contains fewer settlements and access roads, the hills often feel remote even when their elevation is modest.
Height: 815 metres
Area: Northumberland
Why the peak is notable: The highest point in Northumberland and the central summit of the Cheviot Hills
Typical walking time: 5 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
The Cheviot is the highest peak along the England Scotland border and provides wide views across both countries. Its broad summit plateau sits at the heart of the Cheviot range.
Height: 714 metres
Area: Northumberland
Why the peak is notable: One of the most prominent peaks in the Cheviot Hills
Typical walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Hedgehope Hill rises steeply above the surrounding valleys and offers some of the best views across the Cheviot landscape.
Height: 619 metres
Area: England Scotland border
Why the peak is notable: A summit located directly on the border ridge
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Windy Gyle sits on the border itself and is marked by a large summit cairn. From here walkers can see deep into both England and Scotland.
Height: 601 metres
Area: Cheviot Hills
Why the peak is notable: A distinctive conical hill near the border
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
The Schil stands apart from the surrounding hills and offers excellent views across the College Valley.
The Cheviot Hills include several peaks that lie along the ridge forming the national border.
Height: 615 metres
Area: Cheviot Hills
Why the peak is notable: A high ridge summit overlooking the College Valley
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Cushat Law provides one of the best viewpoints across the central Cheviots.
Height: 610 metres
Area: Border ridge
Why the peak is notable: A key summit along the England Scotland border ridge
Typical walking time: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Bloodybush Edge forms part of a long ridge that can be walked as an extended route along the border.
Height: 610 metres
Area: Cheviot Hills
Why the peak is notable: A quieter summit along the border ridge
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Broadstruther provides a peaceful summit experience along the ridge.
Although the Pennines lie slightly south of the Cheviots, several of their northern summits sit relatively close to the border landscape.
Height: 662 metres
Area: Northern Pennines
Why the peak is notable: Known for the group of large stone cairns on the summit
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Nine Standards Rigg forms part of the famous Coast to Coast walking route and provides excellent views across the surrounding uplands.
Height: 893 metres
Area: North Pennines
Why the peak is notable: The highest peak in the Pennine range
Typical walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Cross Fell stands as the highest summit in the Pennines and offers sweeping views across northern England.
Height: 848 metres
Area: North Pennines
Why the peak is notable: One of the highest summits in the Pennine range
Typical walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Great Dun Fell sits along the high Pennine ridge and is known for the large radar station near its summit.
Height: 602 metres
Area: Cheviot Hills
Why the peak is notable: A broad summit overlooking the College Valley
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Hethpool Law provides a peaceful viewpoint across the northern Cheviots.
Height: 601 metres
Area: Cheviot Hills
Why the peak is notable: A remote summit within the Cheviot uplands
Typical walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route style: Circular
Cold Law sits within open moorland terrain and provides a quiet hill experience.
Several classic walking routes allow multiple peaks to be climbed in a single outing.
One of the best known circuits combines The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill in a loop from the Harthope Valley. Ridge routes across the border also connect summits such as Windy Gyle and The Schil.
The College Valley offers another excellent starting point for exploring the Cheviot peaks.
Weather conditions can change quickly in these hills. The open terrain and high ridges are often exposed to strong winds.
Moorland terrain can also make navigation more challenging, particularly in poor visibility. Walkers should carry maps and navigation tools and plan routes carefully before setting out.
Spring and autumn often provide the best visibility and quieter hills. Summer offers longer daylight hours but can also bring stronger winds across the uplands.
Winter conditions can be severe on the highest ridges and require careful preparation.
Peaks near the Scottish border are ideal for walkers seeking remote landscapes and wide open views. They appeal to experienced hill walkers who enjoy long ridge routes and quiet upland terrain.
Peak baggers exploring northern England will find these hills among the most rewarding and least crowded in the country.
Track peaks near the Scottish border, record your summit climbs and build your personal peak bagging list with Peaky Baggers.
The hills along the Scottish border reveal a quieter side of England’s upland landscapes. Here the ridges stretch across wide horizons and the sense of space becomes part of the experience. Exploring these peaks offers a deeper understanding of the northern hills and the landscapes that connect England and Scotland.
