The Cheviot via Scald Hill: Trail Guide to Northumberland’s Highest Peak

Tucked away in the remote northern reaches of England, The Cheviot might not have the jagged drama of the Lake District or the wild scale of the Highlands — but don’t underestimate it. This is Northumberland’s highest mountain and a true moorland giant.

Climbing via Scald Hill is the most scenic and satisfying way to the summit, giving you a steady gradient, big-sky views, and a sense of proper hillwalking solitude. The Cheviot might not be flashy — but it’s quietly epic.

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Route Description

1. Start at Harthope Valley

Begin your hike from the end of the minor road in Harthope Valley, where there’s limited roadside parking. Follow the signed path through open moorland, with Housey Crags to your left and increasingly expansive views behind.

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2. Climb Scald Hill

Your first goal is Scald Hill (546m) — a prominent shoulder that makes a great warm-up. The path is grassy and well-defined, climbing gradually until it steepens near the top. This section offers fantastic views down the valley and back towards the coast.

Scald Hill is often overlooked, but it’s a satisfying mini-summit in its own right and worth the pause.

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3. Onto The Cheviot Plateau

After Scald Hill, the trail flattens briefly before climbing onto the broad, boggy summit plateau of The Cheviot. The terrain shifts here — this is classic border country: windswept, open, and occasionally squelchy.

Thankfully, much of the final stretch is aided by flagstone paving, which helps you avoid the worst of the bogs as you approach the summit trig point.

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4. Summit & Return

The summit of The Cheviot (815m) is a vast, peaty dome marked by a trig pillar perched on a manmade stone plinth. On a clear day, you might glimpse the North Sea, the Pennines, and even the Highlands beyond.

Once you’ve had your fill of the view (and a summit snack), retrace your steps back down via Scald Hill. Take care on the descent, especially in wet conditions — the path can be slippery underfoot.

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What to Bring

• Waterproof boots – essential for peat bogs and muddy sections
  
• Map & compass – OS Explorer OL16 (The Cheviot Hills)
  
• Waterproofs + layers – wind and rain are common here
  
• Snacks and water – no facilities en route
  
• Gaiters – optional but handy in boggier seasons
  
• Offline route map – or track via the Peaky Baggers app
  

The Cheviot is remote and exposed — check the weather and come prepared.

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Safety & Navigation Tips

• The plateau is featureless in fog — map and compass essential
  
• Mobile signal is patchy – don’t rely solely on your phone
  
• The route is boggy year-round — wear waterproof boots
  
• No toilets, shops, or water sources on the trail — bring everything you need
  
• Let someone know your route if hiking solo
  

Why You’ll Love It

• The Cheviot is quiet and atmospheric — a far cry from the crowded honeypots elsewhere in the UK
  
• A true sense of wilderness, especially in poor weather
  
• Scald Hill offers a bonus summit with cracking views
  
• Big-sky hiking with subtle beauty and layered ridges
  
• A great peak bagging tick for your “Highest in Each County” list
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Cheviot isn’t flashy — but that’s what makes it special. It’s wild, remote, and steeped in a different kind of drama. Climbing it via Scald Hill gives you the best route, the best views, and a genuine hillwalking experience.

If you want to tick off England’s northernmost big peak — and do it right — this is the way to go.

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Post-Hike Refuel

Stop in Wooler on your way back — try the Ramblers Coffee Shop for a toastie and tea, or the Tankerville Arms for a proper sit-down meal.

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Track & Share

Log your ascent of The Cheviot and Scald Hill in the Peaky Baggers app, share your summit shot with #PeakyBaggers, and show the world you’ve conquered one of England’s quietest giants.

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Photo by Craig Birch on Unsplash